What is Kefir
Kefir (pronounced keh-FEER) is a traditional fermented drink made with kefir grains. These aren't grains like wheat or rice. They're small, jelly-like clusters of live yeasts and bacteria that look a little like cauliflower florets. Put them in milk or sugar water and, within a day or two, they turn it into a tangy, lightly fizzy drink.
Where does kefir come from?
Milk kefir is thought to have come from shepherds in the North Caucasus mountains, who found that fresh milk carried in leather pouches would sometimes ferment into a sparkling drink. Traditionally, kefir was made in skin bags hung by the doorway, and everyone who passed would knock the bag to keep the milk and grains mixed.
Milk kefir and water kefir
- Milk kefir is made with milk kefir grains and cow's, goat's or sheep's milk. It's thick, creamy and tangy, a bit like a drinking yoghurt with a gentle sparkle. The fermentation uses up much of the lactose (milk sugar) in the milk.
- Water kefir is made with water kefir grains, sugar and water, often with a little dried fruit. It's light, fruity and fizzy, and it's dairy-free. You can flavour it with fruit, juice or herbs, like a homemade soda.
The two grains are different cultures, so milk kefir grains can't be used to make water kefir, or the other way around.
What's in kefir?
Kefir is a living food. It contains many different strains of live bacteria and yeasts, which grow naturally during fermentation. Nothing is added: they all come from the grains. Milk kefir also contains the protein, calcium and vitamins of the milk it's made from.
Homemade kefir usually contains a much wider range of live cultures than shop-bought drinks, and it's easy and cheap to make once you have your grains, as they keep growing and can be used again and again.
Easy to make at home
Making kefir takes just a few minutes a day. Add your grains to fresh milk or sugar water, leave them at room temperature for a day or two, then strain out the grains and start again. Your grains will grow over time, so you can share them with friends.
Ready to start? Have a look at our milk kefir grains and water kefir grains, or read our common kefir questions.