MILK KEFIR from Cultures for Health
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MILK KEFIR from Cultures for Health a guide by Cultures for Health © 2016 Cultures for Health 2 | P a g e MILK KEFIR from Cultures for Health Disclaimer The ideas, concepts, and opinions expressed in this book are intended to be used for educational purposes only. This book is provided with the understanding that authors and publisher are not rendering medical advice of any kind, nor is this book intended to replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury. It is imperative to use good judgment when consuming Milk Kefir and to never consume any Milk Kefir that looks, tastes, or smells unpleasant. Further, before consuming Milk Kefir or any other fermented or cultured food, you should receive full medical clearance from a licensed physician. Author and publisher claim no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material in this book. Copyright Copyright © 2016 by Cultures for Health. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without written permission of Cultures for Health. Publisher: Cultures for Health 200 Innovation Avenue Suite 150 Raleigh, NC 27560 800-962-1959 919-695-9600 (fax) www.culturesforhealth.com For more information on making Milk Kefir or other cultured and fermented foods, please visit culturesforhealth.com. 1204-13087 3 | P a g e MILK KEFIR from Cultures for Health Table of Contents INTRODUCTION TO KEFIR History .................................................................................................................................................... 12 Names and Pronunciations ................................................................................................................... 13 How it Works .......................................................................................................................................... 13 Basic Nutritional Information ................................................................................................................ 14 Composition of Milk Kefir Grains: Bacteria & Yeasts ............................................................................. 16 The Difference Between Yogurt and Kefir .............. 18 Incubation Type ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Types of Bacteria Present ...................................................................................................................... 19 Kefir Contains Yeasts ............................................................................................................................. 19 Texture & Flavor ..................................................................................................................................... 19 Choosing a Kefir Culture: Grains vs. Powdered Starter ........................................................................ 20 Kefir Grains and Kefir Starter: What They Have in Common ................................................................ 20 Bacteria Strains ...................................................................................................................................... 20 Reusability .............................................................................................................................................. 21 Culture Care............................................................................................................................................ 21 Cost ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 Bottom Line ............................................................................................................................................ 22 Using Kefir in Everyday Recipes ........................... 23 Even More Creative Ways to Use Dairy Kefir ......................................................................................... 24 Savory ..................................................................................................................................................... 25 Sweet ...................................................................................................................................................... 26 Kefir: The Sustainable Dairying Culture ................ 28 4 | P a g e MILK KEFIR from Cultures for Health Milk Kefir ................................................................................................................................................. 29 Kefired Sour Cream ................................................................................................................................ 29 Kefir Butter ............................................................................................................................................. 30 Soft Kefir Cheese .................................................................................................................................... 30 Hard Kefir Cheese ................................................................................................................................... 30 Next Up ................................................................................................................................................... 31 INTRODUCTION TO KEFIR Rehydrating Milk Kefir Grains .............................. 33 Prepare the Rehydration Solution ........................................................................................................ 33 Activating the Kefir Grains ..................................................................................................................... 34 Signs the Rehydration Process is Complete ......................................................................................... 35 Signs of Problems during Rehydration ................................................................................................. 35 Kefir Culturing Containers ..................................................................................................................... 37 Covering the Culturing Container .......................................................................................................... 39 Other Optional Supplies for Making Dairy Kefir .................................................................................... 39 Animal Milk vs. Alternative Milks ........................................................................................................... 40 Fat Content ............................................................................................................................................. 41 Homogenization ..................................................................................................................................... 41 Pasteurized vs. Raw ............................................................................................................................... 41 Negative Effects of Freezing .................................................................................................................. 43 How This Affects Your Cultured Dairy Products .................................................................................... 44 Next Up ................................................................................................................................................... 45 Prepare the Rehydration Solution ........................................................................................................ 45 Activating the Kefir Grains ..................................................................................................................... 45 5 | P a g e MILK KEFIR from Cultures for Health Signs the Rehydration Process is Complete ......................................................................................... 45 Signs of Problems During Rehydration ................................................................................................. 45 Next Steps............................................................................................................................................... 45 HOW TO MAKE MILK KEFIR The Basic Process ............................................... 47 Culturing the Kefir .................................................................................................................................. 47 How to Know It Worked ......................................................................................................................... 48 Normal Variations vs. Signs of Problems .............................................................................................. 49 Harvesting the Kefir ............................................................................................................................... 51 How to Make Kefir .................................................................................................................................. 54 Signs the Kefir is Done