Making kefir is an artisanal craft, just like wine or cheese making. It does take practice to make the perfect kefir to suit your pallet but I can assure you that this is worth the time and effort. Most people like a thick kefir but to produce this consistence you need to cultivate the right mixture of probiotics and this does take time as your kefir grains acclimatise to their new environment and food source (the milk you are using)
In the meantime, thin milk kefir is fine to consume as long as it is sour and separation is a great sign that your grains are healthy and active. It will still provide the same health benefits as a thicker kefir. Simply add to smoothies for a delicious healthy probiotic treat. You can also strain out the whey (clear liquid in the bottom of jar) and consume as a fermented beverage or use to make fermented vegetables. The cottage cheese remaining will be thick and creamy and can be consumed as a yoghurt. Adding a teaspoon of honey will counter the sourness.
Separation is totally normal and happens as milk becomes sour. If your are getting major separation within 24 hours it's because the kefir is fermenting too quickly. We suggest that you add more milk when you stat a new batch or remove some of the grains when making the next batch. Try to maintain ratio of 1 teaspoon grains to 1 cup of milk.
Also, It might be warm in your home, during the summer months and this will make separation occur faster, so shortening the fermentation time will also assist. Alternatively adding pure organic cream and colostrum powder to recipe prior to fermentation will naturally thicken your milk kefir giving is a rich creamy texture and reduce the amount of sourness. Our Milk Kefir growth booster will all help to product a thicker consistent kefir.
- Add more milk to your next batch or reduce amount of grains
- Shorten fermentation time to around 12 hours
- Add Pure Cream and colostrum powder to recipe
- Add Milk Kefir Growth booster to recipe
- Give your Kefir Jar a shake every you walk pass