THE Original Kefir!
Milk kefir grains have been cultivated for hundreds if not thousands of years in the mountainous region of the Balkans, and the milk kefir recipe has been handed down for generations. Rich in beneficial bacteria, yeast and healthy acids, this tangy treat has been prized for its unique “feel good” qualities. “Keif,” the root of the word kefir means “to feel good” in Turkish and it is little wonder that these cauliflower shaped grains have been passed down from generation to generation as part of the woman’s dowry. No home would be complete without its pet beneficial “bugs”!
As the Human Microbiome & American Gut projects are uncovering the vast ecosystem of bacteria and yeast that play a crucial role in our digestive and immune systems, the more obvious it is that our ancestors were “Trusting their guts” all along! Fermentation wasn’t simply a means of preserving food for leaner times, it is a crucial nutritional strategy to diversify their gut bacteria. As bacteriosapiens with over 500 organisms living inside of and on our bodies, we really are “bacteria powered!”
Store bought milk kefir is full of sweeteners and thickening agents in order to create a uniform product. Commercially mass-produced kefirs and yogurts often have less diversity of microbial culture than homemade due to manufacturing limitations, so convenience comes at a cost. High quality commercial brands do exist usually in the form of small or local brands. At home, it is easy to make a fresh pint of milk kefir a day – more or less – with kefir grains and your favorite dairy or non-diary milk. Perfecting your personal milk kefir recipe at home not only ensures the best nutrition for you and your family but also connects you to our deeper human heritage.
Plus the grains are incredibly versatile and milk kefir can be used in many ways and dishes as you will see in the recipes below. They are also very nutritious for pets, so give your furry friends a teaspoon-tablespoon and see how they respond!
