Tell me about kefir, especially making your own

[Daffyducklet]

I've been reading a lot about the connection between our gut and brain and the importance of probiotics, so I've bought a kefir drink, but wondered about making my own. Does anyone do this and how easy is it? Can I use lactose free milk? What do you flavour it with, if at all?

Thanks.

It's extremely simple. You need to get kefir grains, try looking for a kefir group on fb, most people who make it are happy to share grains. You put the grains in milk in a glass jar, I actually use an old Yankee candle jar, use a coffee filter or cheesecloth or similar to cover, secure with an elasticated band, leave to ferment, it'll thicken, you can stir occasionally but i seldom bother, it'll vary on how long it takes depending on the amount of milk, the amount of grains, the temperature, but I promise its hard to go wrong. When it's ready you strain the grains using a plastic sieve, sometimes you'll have to use a spoon to help it through the sieve and start again with fresh milk. I drink it straight but it can be flavoured with almost anything you like, I used maple syrup, fruit, etc. There are lots of FB groups who will give you more information, I second ferment for fizz but that's not essential. I miss my kefir if I stop taking it, my dogs also love it.

Thank you that's really helpful. Do you let it ferment at room temperature? Doesn't the milk go off or do the kefir grains prevent that happening?

Room temperature, when it's cold I stick mine in to the hot press (airing cupboard) or on top of a warm radiator. The grains do their job and it's fine.

I buy water kefir as I don't have dairy and it is a similar process too.