Kefir - what is it and where can I get it?

[Debbietilbee]

Hi all,

I read a lot of posts that recommend kefir. Can someone tell me what it is and where I can get it please? X

[Kaarina]

Hi Debbie,

I thought this was an interesting read:

healthline.com/nutrition/9-...

I believe you can buy it from Asda/Sainsburys.

Starter kits can be purchased via Amazon/Ebay

It seems easy to make one's own

[Debbietilbee in reply to Kaarina]

Thanks Kaarina,

Looks like a good "all round" thing, im going to put that on my shopping list! 😃

[Kaarina in reply to Debbietilbee]

Hi Debbie,

LOL Kefir is even being talked about in The Archers!

[Kaarina]

Hi Debbie,

Ruthmunby posted about how to make your own Kefir a few days ago:

healthunlocked.com/boneheal...

[Lulet99]

Its fermented milk!!! the cheapest place to get it is any Polish shops - they all sell it and and its half the price of supermarkets!!!

[Kaarina in reply to Lulet99]

Lulet,

An acquired taste, I am given to understand!

[Lulet99 in reply to Kaarina]

Its very much like natural yoghurt. - you could always put it in a fruit smoothie or put honey in it or something.

[Kaarina in reply to Lulet99]

Hi Lulet,

I am definitely going to try it. Anything that is good for one does not always taste that great!

I hope to make my own and note that it is left at room temperature "to do its own thing" although ruthmunby's recipe said to leave it in the fridge.

If I eat this daily then perhaps I can stop ordering K2 on the internet.

[Lulet99 in reply to Kaarina]

Yes, it does need to be room temperature. I thought of making my own. But have never got around to it.....I find it's so cheap to buy that I can't be bothered!

[HeronNS in reply to Kaarina]

We started drinking kefir by buying the sweet thick kind, then gradually started to mix it with plain, the real, slightly fizzy kind, and now we just drink the plain one, no more sugar! It was an easily acquired taste! There is a nondairy variety now, made with coconut milk, for those who can't tolerate any kind of dairy, including the fermented foods.

[DizzyDoll36 in reply to Lulet99]

How long does it keep in the fridge once opened please?

[Kaarina in reply to DizzyDoll36]

If you purchase kefir from a supermarket or Polish shop, it has a "best before" date on it. This is about a week or so on the ones I buy. I can obtain small or large bottle of it.

[DianeG52]

Hi If you go on the Happy Kombucha website and read the information and instructions, they also have videos, you will know all about it. They also sell it. This company is where I bought my starter kit from a couple of years ago and I still make it and drink it. It's is packed full of nutrients and good gut flora

[Lignite7]

Aldi's food market.

[Jessie1234]

I have been making and drinking a glass full of Kefir daily, for the last 8 months, from a starter kit "Happy Kombucha" bought from Amazon. I am intolerant of cows milk but ferment the probiotic "grains" with goats milk in which way I obtain the vitamins and minerals ( all v good for bone health in synchrony) as well as the probiotics. Coconut milk fermented only gives the probiotics which in itself is brilliant for supporting the digestive system, protects against a number of majority infections besides other health benefits. To keep the gut friendly probiotics thriving you need to eat prebiotic foods regularly such as bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus plus others. Store bought kefir does not give the full benefits of home made besides which it is relatively cheap to make and keeps growing. These extra grains you can give away, put in a compost heap or make extra kefir to cook with ( use in the same way as buttermilk). It looses its benefits when heated. If going away for 7-10 days seal in an airtight jar in the fridge then remove and ferment as normal. Myself and my husband have seen gains in digestive health, energy and, a first ever for me, I have lovely, long strong nails!! It has to be doing good. Plus lots of friends were delighted to recieve the extra grains in jam jars!

[Prudanced]

You don't have to drink it neat. I put some in a smoothie every morning, with apple juice and then I ring the changes with different frozen fruits. Its easy to drink that way. Or I mix it with greek yogurt and have it with fruit and granola. Some brands are nicer than others though, so if you don't like the first one you get, try another.