Kefir - Smell, Taste and Texture?

[gina2328]

I got a hold of some grains from a local lady about a tsp size each. She instructed me to put my two separate grains in a cup of milk for 48 hours.

My first couple of batches were somewhat sour, strong tasting, and the texture was grainy. It also separated into a thick upper layer (curd) and a thin lower layer.

I made another batch that I only let sit for 24 hours that was less grainy, strong tasting and smelling. I think I prefer the 24 hour batch, but I don't know how to tell when it is done exactly or if 24 hours is not enough to reap the probiotic benefits?

I was wondering if 48 hours is overdoing it. The grain size seems small. Is a teaspoon about right for one cup of milk for 24 hours or 36-48 hours?

I also had some diarrhea from drinking a cup of the 48 hour batch so I am wondering if I brewed too strong a batch of kefir? I got advice on another thread to cut back to 1T a day which I am doing now and to slowly increase. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[quietserena]

Kefir does have a laxative effect especially for those who aren't used to it so it might take a little while before loose stools stop.

Kefir is done whenever you like it done, imo. It's not doing you any good if you won't drink it. I personally prefer young kefir, but I take it plain too so that's a part of it.

To help your kefir stay incorporated, consider swirling your jar a few times a day. If you do that, you're less likely to have it separate. Also, whenever you swirl, you're bringing fresh milk to your grains.

Ratio of grains to milk really depends on how fast you want it done. If it's brewing too slow for you, use less milk. Also, temperature will affect it. Now that my kitchen is so cold at night (50s), I'm finding that I'm using probably 1/2 cup of grains per cup and a half of milk to have it done in 24 hours. This summer though, when my kitchen was in the mid 80s, I was using probably about a table spoon for the same amount of milk.

Gah, I hope this helps.

Enjoy your kefir!