kefir grains on honey

[~Shanna~]

So I've fallen in love with teh Mellow Mead recipe in Full Moon Feast - are there any dangers from constantly having my water kefir grains in honey water?

[Taedareth]

I love that recipe, too. Can't think of any reason not to keep feeding your kefir grains on honey-water. They need fuel, and one source of sugar is the same as another as far as they're concerned. I would think, anyway.

[dogmom327]

Honey does make yummy kefir

With honey it's a long term issue. Since honey is antibacterial and kefir is a combination of yeast and bacteria, over time honey can weaken and eventually kill the grains. It's not something that will happen in a few batches so if you really like the honey, by all means use it but just be aware that you will likely have to replace your grains at some point.

[~Shanna~]

I can never keep up with a quart every 2 days, so maybe I'll just use honey every 3rd batch or so and use th rapadura batches just as maintenance...

[FairyRae]

OK to use honey to sweeten kefir?

Originally Posted by dogmom327

Since honey is antibacterial and kefir is a combination of yeast and bacteria, over time honey can weaken and eventually kill the grains.

Is it ok to use raw honey to sweeten already made kefir, and leave it in the fridge until it's used up (w/out the grains)? I've been making this yummy coconut milk kefir and it tastes awesome w/ some vanilla and honey. I'd love to sweeten the batch and leave it in the fridge for easy access, but wouldn't want to harm the good buggies!

What do you think? TIA!

[dogmom327]

Originally Posted by FairyRae

Is it ok to use raw honey to sweeten already made kefir, and leave it in the fridge until it's used up (w/out the grains)? I've been making this yummy coconut milk kefir and it tastes awesome w/ some vanilla and honey. I'd love to sweeten the batch and leave it in the fridge for easy access, but wouldn't want to harm the good buggies!

What do you think? TIA!

Absolutely! The only issue is with when the honey comes in contact with the grains themselves. Sounds delicious!

[FairyRae]

THANKS Dogmom!!!

Awesome! It *is* delicious--perfect to replace my old yogurt cravings (w/out me needing to go through the process of making coconut milk yogurt, which is a task I found a bit tedius, w/ the heating of the coco milk, etc...the kefir is so easy b/c I just pour in the coco milk and the grains and voila!)

I sure am excited! I've got a batch of coconut milk kefir brewing now and I'll be eating some more tonight! Woo hoo!