Kefir: The Miracle Drink!

What Is Kefir?

Originally from the Caucasus region, where it has been consumed for thousands of years, kefir is a fermented drink with multiple benefits, highly appreciated in Russia and Eastern Europe. Made from milk or fruit juice (or water with fruit), kefir is a naturally fizzy drink with a very low alcohol content (less than 1%) and a characteristic taste that is slightly tangy and bitter. Traditionally, kefir (made only from milk at the time) was the emblematic drink of nomadic peoples who carried it in animal-skin pouches. It is believed that storing goat’s milk in these natural skins may have initiated the fermentation process.

Are Kefir Grains Essential for Making Kefir?

Without kefir grains, it is impossible to make this unique beverage, because the grains act as a ferment and trigger the chemical reaction that produces kefir. Kefir grains look like clusters of tiny beads that join together, resembling miniature cauliflower florets; they can be white, yellowish, or translucent. Behind their surprising appearance, kefir grains are actually a combination of bacteria, yeasts, and polysaccharides with remarkable properties. Historically, milk kefir grains were simply the whitish film that coated the inside of the animal skins used to carry milk, which was then collected and reused as a ferment. These grains were passed down from generation to generation. Today, kefir grains are available in health food stores or online, most often sold in dehydrated form.

Milk Kefir, Water Kefir — What is the Difference?

Milk kefir is produced by fermenting milk, while water kefir is produced by fermenting fruit (and is sometimes called fruit kefir). Milk kefir grains are different from water kefir grains: the former are white or yellowish, while the latter are smaller and translucent, similar to crystals. Each type of grain has its own composition of yeasts, bacteria, and polysaccharides — but both produce drinks valued for their wellness-supporting properties. It is important, however, to use the appropriate type of grain depending on the beverage you want to make.

What Are the Wellness Benefits of Kefir?

Kefir is often considered as the ultimate health drin!. Élie Metchnikoff, Nobel Prize laureate in 1908, even referred to it as an "elixir of long life." Very rich in probiotics, kefir is widely appreciated for supporting digestive comfort and may help promote healthy intestinal transit. But that is not its only advantage. Like all foods that contain significant levels of probiotics, kefir helps maintain and rebalance the intestinal flora. The benefit? A more resilient digestive system and overall support for the immune response. Kefir may also help improve lactose tolerance, support healthy cholesterol levels, and contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure. It is sometimes recommended for supporting skin wellness and may even, according to certain studies, help reduce the risk of abnormal cell development. In addition to its richness in probiotics, kefir also provides vitamins and, in the case of milk kefir, proteins.

How to Make Homemade Kefir?

It is very easy, and you will find plenty of recipes and tutorials online (many blogs explain the process step by step) to prepare your own milk kefir or water kefir at home. In summary, the first step is to rehydrate the kefir grains (if they are dehydrated), then place them in milk (cow’s milk or another type) or in a mixture of water, fruit (citrus fruit and figs work well), and sugar. The mixture must ferment at room temperature for several hours before being strained (always with a plastic strainer). It is important to follow each step carefully, as kefir is a living and therefore delicate culture. Do not discard the kefir grains when your drink is ready — they can be reused. Simply store them in the refrigerator, covered in liquid, in a container kept away from other fermented products. To make the most of this unique beverage, try to drink it regularly and alternate between milk kefir and water kefir. Homemade kefir can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.