Why strain kefir?

[hypatia]

What is the reason behind straining kefir? Does anybody else omit that step?

I have been making kefir for a couple of months now, and I follow a super-simple process:

1. When Kefir bottle is almost empty, pour in milk.
2. Shake
3. Leave on counter for 12-24 hours, then refrigerate.
4. Pour kefir to serve (don't bother straining).
5. Every so often change bottles for hygiene purposes.

Is there some reason I should strain it that I'm not thinking of? Could I screw things up somehow by not straining?

[babygrant]

Originally Posted by hypatia

What is the reason behind straining kefir? Does anybody else omit that step?

I have been making kefir for a couple of months now, and I follow a super-simple process:

1. When Kefir bottle is almost empty, pour in milk.
2. Shake
3. Leave on counter for 12-24 hours, then refrigerate.
4. Pour kefir to serve (don't bother straining).
5. Every so often change bottles for hygiene purposes.

Is there some reason I should strain it that I'm not thinking of? Could I screw things up somehow by not straining?

I believe you strain it so none of your kefir grains fall into your cup or whatever. That's all.

[quietserena]

You can eat the grains but they don't appeal to me that much. Kefir gummi bears.

Doesn't sound like you're using grains at all though...

[memory maker]

yeah when I made kefir (need to get more grains) I would strain them so I could reuse my grains to make another batch

[Taedareth]

I scoop out the grains with a fork. Never had a need to strain.

[spughy]

I fish the grains out with my fingers (after washing my hands well). I just keep track of how many there are, and once I've dug that many out, I dump the kefir into the blender, put the grains back in the jar, and refill it with milk. And, as the OP said, change the jar once in a while if it gets crusties. I'm sure I've lost half a grain here and there but it just cuts down on the number of people I have to convince to take my excess grains.

[lastrid]

Originally Posted by spughy

but it just cuts down on the number of people I have to convince to take my excess grains.

I always give my excess grains to my dogs. They go crazy for them. I also let them lick out the strainer, which is the main reason I still do it that way.

[Metasequoia]

Originally Posted by lastrid

I always give my excess grains to my dogs. They go crazy for them. I also let them lick out the strainer, which is the main reason I still do it that way.

I give mine to my kids , they sit there & beg like gods when I strain the kefir, hoping to score a grain.