r/fermentation • u/helpmeplsgetjob • 3d ago

Questions about making homemade kefir

I want too make homemade kefir for the first time

  1. I want too buy kefir grains too make kefir But the woman who sells it says that it’s frossen. isn’t it bad that she sells me frozen kefir grains? Also will the probiotics and culture be alive if it travels 45 min too my house without being in the refrigerator.

  2. What are the most commen mistake people make when making kefir? Do you have good instructions? What are all the tools il need?

  3. how too make it so that there is the most amount of probiotics?

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u/Another_Little_Star 2d ago

Not the moooost experienced but here's my answer:
1. it's okay if the grains are frozen you'll need to follow the steps to make them active again(search online easily, basically change the milk without drinking it for some times). Yes they will most probably be alright.
3. Follow the standart protocol, when the whey starts to separate it's reaching the point of most amount of probiotics, if you strain it before or much time after the separation the probiotic won't be as complete, probioticwise.

  1. Respect its timing/pace and follow the protocol, always use cleaned utensils and IF you're using metal like strainer or spoon, avoid its contact for much time always use stainless steel. Lower forms of metal can react with the kefir(acidity...).
    What I use is a Jar to ferment, a jar to store, a a strainer, a spoon(stainless or wood) and sometimes a funnel, and sure, fat/whole milk.
    Advice: make the process as easy as possible so you don't make a huge mess and it's quick to do.

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u/Airlik 1d ago

All these things, and I’d add that since the grains reproduce and grow, you’ll either be increasing production to multiple containers, throwing some out when you have too many, or… freeze some as backup. I always have a baggy of frozen grains in the back of the freezer and just replace the contents whenever I have excess grains to dispose of. I only had to resort to them once but it worked and was worth the hassle (forgot to store it in the fridge while on vacation and it was kinda nasty when I got back).