How To Store Kefir Grains?
Did you know that kefir grains can be stored in the refrigerator? That means that you can buy some of them at a time! In fact, you can keep them in the freezer too.
If you love kombucha tea, you should try making your own batch of fermented drinks home. Not only will you save some cash, but you’ll also avoid the risk of buying commercial-grade kombucha.
Kefir grains are the key ingredient used to ferment kombucha tea. They come in small packets and are available through Amazon.com.
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ToggleWhat Are Milk Kefir Grains?
The grains are made from milk and sugar. They are usually sold in small glass jars containing several grams of grains. These grains contain billions of yeast cells, which help ferment the milk into a thick, tangy beverage. When mixed with water, the grains release carbon dioxide bubbles and produce lactic acid, creating a characteristic sour taste.
You can purchase kefir grains from a health food store or find them online. However, if you decide to go the latter route, there are a couple things you should keep in mind before purchasing. First, make sure that the seller offers free shipping. Second, check the reviews of the product. Some sellers need better quality products that may cause problems later. Finally, look for a reputable seller who sells genuine kefir grains.
How To Freeze Kefir Grains:
Kefir grains are alive and active during fermentation, so if you freeze them, they will only survive for a while to ferment anything. However, freezing doesn’t kill them completely. They still produce alcohol when thawed, but it takes much longer than normal fermentation.
To prevent this, you can add sugar to the mixture before freezing. Sugar helps the yeast reproduce faster, so the fermentation process happens quicker.
You can also add salt to the mix before freezing to help preserve the bacteria. When frozen, the salt crystals form ice around the cells, protecting them from outside elements.
Once you’ve made your kefir, let it sit in the fridge until it ferments, or put it into the freezer. Either way, you’ll end up with a delicious beverage.
Kefir grains stored in water, how long do they last?
You can keep your kefir grains alive by storing them in ice cubes. They will last longer than if you kept them in water. However, you must change the water daily, so it doesn’t grow mold.
It’s best to start with 1 cup of sugar per gallon of water. Then add the kefir grains and let sit. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Once you’ve done this, you can either put the mixture into bottles and refrigerate it or freeze it.
Freezing works better because it prevents the growth of bacteria. As soon as you remove the kefir from the freezer, stir it vigorously, so the yeast gets activated again.
Then you’re ready to brew your beverage.
How To Defrost Kefir:
Kefir is a delicious beverage made from fermented milk and sugar. It is often enjoyed cold, so if you plan to keep your kefir around for longer than a couple days, you might want to freeze it.
Simply put it into the fridge for a day or two to defrost kefir. However, if you do this, you may notice that the taste becomes slightly off. So instead, you can pour the liquid into a bowl and let it sit outside in the sun for several hours.
Once the kefir has thawed, you can consume it immediately or transfer it back into its original container.
You can find kefir grains in most health food stores, but if you prefer to purchase them online, you can find them here.
Steps To Store Kefir Grains:
Kefir grains are used to make kefir, a fermented milk drink that originated in Russia. When making kefir, you must store the kefir grains properly so that they continue producing kefir. Here’s how to keep kefir grains correctly.
- Use Glass Containers
Glass containers are best for storing kefir grains because glass doesn’t react with kefir bacteria.
- Don’t Let the Bacteria Grow Too Much
Bacteria proliferate when stored in warm temperatures. Cold storage slows growth.
- Clean the Vessel Well Before Storing
Before storing kefir grains, clean the vessel wall. Wash it thoroughly under running water. Dry it completely before placing the kefir grains inside.
- Place the Container Away from Light
Place the container away from light to prevent exposure to sunlight, which may damage the kefir bacteria. If you’re concerned about keeping the container dark, place it in a cupboard or closet.
- Check the Temperature Regularly
Checking the temperature regularly ensures that the kefir grains stay alive. Ideally, the kefir grains should be kept between 50°F and 55°F.
- Replace the Water Every Few Days
Keeping the kefir grains submerged in fresh, cool water prevents mold growth.
- Remove the Kefir Grains Once They’ve Produced Enough Fermentation
Once the kefir has produced enough fermentation, remove the kefir grains from the liquid and let them dry out.
- Rinse the Vessel with Alcohol
Rinse the kefir vessel with alcohol after removing the kefir grains. Doing so removes excess moisture and kills the remaining kefir bacteria.
- Keep It Cool
Keep the kefir grains in the fridge until needed. The cold temperature helps preserve their viability.
- Refrigerate After Opening
Refrigerating the kefir grains after opening preserves their viability.
- Re-Store Them Properly
After using the kefir grains, re-store them in an airtight container. Make sure to keep the container away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Label the Container
Label the container clearly so you’ll remember where you put the kefir grains next time.
- Enjoy Your Kefir Tea
After storing the kefir grains correctly, enjoy your homemade kefir. You can use it as a starter culture for other drinks like beer, wine, and cider.
- Share Your Experience!
Did you find this article helpful? Do you have any questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you!
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