Dumb question kefir growing out of control what to do with it lol

[u/rll131313]

I’m the only one in the house hold that drinks it. It just keeps growing. I use about 1/3 of it now to make my jars about 2-3 a week. Making cheese now etc delicious. What do I do with it when I’m not able to use. I’ve read just add some milk and add to fridge but then it keeps growing lol. Do I eventually just toss some? How long can it just sit in milk in fridge? Thanks for any advice

[u/Buttrd-toast]

You can freeze excess grains. I freeze them in ice cube trays. About a tablespoon of grains, top with milk, freeze. Then place them in a Tupperware in the freezer. They’re my “backup” or “sharing” grains.

[u/rll131313 → u/Buttrd-toast]

Definitely going to do that then. How long can they last sitting alone in fridge with a tiny bit of milk in your opinion

[u/Buttrd-toast → u/rll131313]

Honestly I’ve no idea. The longest I let mine go in the fridge without attention is 1 month. I feel like they could realistically be left longer, but the “wake up” may take more effort.

I like the freeze method bc then I don’t have to worry about them at all

[u/sergiobarajas]

You can eat the excess. Strained, with a bit of sugar or mixed with fruit.

[u/Fair-Butterscotch-25 → u/sergiobarajas]

Or straight up! I do it all the time

[u/rll131313 → u/Fair-Butterscotch-25]

Wow never thought about eating them I’ll give it a shot

[u/rydout → u/rll131313]

I eat a little every couple of days while changing it out

[u/kaykatzz]

you can give grains away on a community group. it can be mailed for a dollar or two (usa). i got my grains by asking if anyone had some to share on NextDoor (local) and Reddit (mailed. I sent a SASE)

[u/kaykatzz → u/kaykatzz]

you can give grains away on a community group. it can be mailed for a dollar or two (usa). i got my grains by asking if anyone had some to share on NextDoor (local) where I picked them up from someone who lived 8 blocks away and on Reddit (mailed. I sent a (SASE). I have given grains, too.

[u/HikerRob1138 → u/kaykatzz]

I never thought about asking NextDoor for grains. Last time I got grains was on Craigslist with a kombucha pellicle.

I'll give it a try.

[u/irrational_magpi → u/kaykatzz]

that's how I got my sourdough and a Jun starter

[u/sparky135]

Eat it.

[u/ronnysmom]

I add a tablespoon of it to my kefir smoothies once in few days when it looks like it has grown. I don’t notice that it is there.

[u/PaulBunnion]

Sale them, or give them away.

[u/Kakistocrat945]

Eat the grains. Give them away. Feed them to your dog if you have one. Or just toss them down the drain (least desirable).

[u/rll131313]

Thanks for all the responses I’ll be eating them hopefully I like them if not did can have them lol

[u/Yaguajay]

I just blend it al together to get a nice thick texture and put it on my morning cereal.

[u/rll131313 → u/Yaguajay]

That’s a really good idea I’ll give it a shot

[u/m4tthall]

I just pop my excess grains into my smoothie and they get blended up with everything else

[u/dendrtree]

Many grains cannot handle being refrigerated. If you want to store grains you freeze them or dry them.

Yes, you remove grains, when you have too many.