If it doesn't smell bad it's fine to eat? Another kefir question...

[bohemama]

Ok, so a few days ago I posted about my kefir grains possibly being dead. I ended up just sticking the last jar of milk I added the grains to (it really is just one big grain...not sure if that's how it's supposed to be or not) into the refrigerator to deal with later. I didn't want the milk to go bad.

Anyway, tonight I noticed that the milk was much thicker than it was when I put it in the fridge a few days ago. I'm wondering if it's ok to eat and if my kefir grain(s) are still alive. It doesn't smell bad and it tastes just like kefir, just a little more tangy than usual. I'm assuming this means it's ok to consume...it would smell and taste bad if it weren't, right? Also, does this mean my grain isn't dead?

Is kefir making this confusing for everyone?

[dogmom327]

Refrigeration slows down the fermentation process but doesn't stop it completely. It sounds like your grain is alive. I'd put it in some milk on the counter and see what it does.

Did you have the grain in raw milk? If so, I'd be a lot less concerned about drinking the results. If it's not raw milk, I'd just go by the smell and taste test.

[bohemama]

Thanks!

I did put it in some milk last night...I should go check it again

I've decided the stuff in the fridge is fine to consume...it smells and tastes just like kefir. It wasn't raw milk though (haven't had room in the budget for $16 a gallon lately)

Thanks again

[bohemama]

Well it made kefir perfectly this time. I don't know what it's problem was...I used the same milk I did last time and kept it in the same place. Maybe it just needed a rest and putting it in the fridge did that. Who knows?

Thanks again