kefir grains

[Guest guest]

Morning Margaret,

 

> all sorts of lacto fermented vegetables and beverages. I have extra kefir

> > grains to share if any one is interested in giving kefiring a try in the

>U.S.

 

Is this something we can plant and grow? Or do we simply buy the grains?

 

Within a month or so, it will be time to make plans for spring planting.

 

Any information appreciated.

 

Wayne

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01/10/2002 9:50:10 AM Eastern Standard Time,

wayne writes:

 

 

> Is this something we can plant and grow? Or do we simply buy the grains?

>

> Within a month or so, it will be time to make plans for spring planting.

>

> Any information appreciated.

>

> Wayne

 

They are not seeds but a matrix of living organisms that grow and reproduce.

I think they are a combination of beneficial bacteria and yeast. To me they

look like small dumplings and their texture is somewhat similar. Kefir is

similar to yogurt that is drinkable but much easier to make and some say

kefir has greater benefits. The following site has tons of good information

and lots of pictures. http://users.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.html

 

You put the grains in milk straight from the refrigerator and then leave out

at room temperature in a loosely covered glass container for 12-24 hours.

Strain out the grains and drink/store the cultured milk product and put the

grains back to work in a new supply of fresh milk. When my kefir supply

exceeds my consumption, I separate the curds from whey with cheese cloth or a

coffee filter. I add herbs to the cream cheese and use the whey for

culturing vegetables or sometimes I just drink it.

 

My grains are not for sale. Postage reimbursement is nice, but not

mandatory.

 

Margaret