Frequently Asked Questions about Kefir 
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Question: Are there actual grains such as barley, malt, wheat etc. in kefir grains?
Answer: No, there are no grains in kefir grains. The term can be a little misleading because they look like grains. They are also referred to as kefir crystals, kefir curds or kefir starter culture.
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Question: Do milk kefir grains expire?
Answer: No, you can use them indefinitely as long as they are properly cared for.
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Question: I've seen the powdered starter kefir, which is better the grains or powder?
Answer: Kefir grains are better because they have more beneficial bacteria (56 or more different strains).
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Question: What do I need to make my first batch of kefir milk?
Answer: Kefir grains, a clean glass jar (a mason jar works well), milk (dairy or non-dairy will work but try to stay away from ultra pasturized milk - organic is best), something to cover the jar with such as a coffee filter or paper towel, rubber band, fine mesh plastic or stainless steel strainer, bowl, large wooden spoon
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Question: Why can't I just eat yogurt, Is Kefir better for you?
Answer: Kefir is better because it can supply beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus Caucasus, Leuconostoc, Acetobacter species, and Streptococcus and many more (56+ strains) (which yogurt does not have) to the intestinal tract at much larger quantities than yogurt can also it contains good yeasts such as Saccharomyces kefir and Torula kefir which help get rid of the bad yeasts in our body (such as Candida). Store bought yogurt has about 3 -7 strains of probiotics in much lower quantities
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Question: How do I drink kefir?
Answer: Recipes are available but all you really need is your imagination! You can use kefir in smoothies, drink it plain, bake with it, make a kefir shake, add a little agave syrup and pour it over fresh berries, substitute recipes calling for sour cream, salad dressing, cream cheese....
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Question: How long will a batch of kefir last?
Answer: It should last 2 - 3 weeks if you put it in the refridgerator right away.
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Question: If I can buy Kefir in the store, why should I make it?
Answer: Store bought Kefir only has about 10 strains of beneficial microbials, its WAY cheaper to make your own, store bought has added sugar among other things, home grown kefir drinks contains beneficial yeasts that store bought products do not have.
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Question: What do I do with the extra kefir grains?
Answer: The nice thing about making your own kefir milk is you will always have grains. You can share them with a friend, sell them online, eat them for an extra probiotic boost or store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Question: What's the difference between water kefir grains and dairy kefir grains?
Answer: Water kefir grains, which have around 30 strains of beneficial bacteria, are grown in non-dairy beverages such as organic coconut milk or juice. Dairy Kefir grains, which have over 56 different strains of beneficial bacteria can be grown in cows milk, goat milk or even coconut milk. Dairy kefir has anti-inflammatory effects and a higher nutritional value than water kefir. Water kefir grains cannot grow in a non dairy base.
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Question: Where can I get starter kefir grains?
Answer: If you know someone who makes kefir milk you might ask for some so you can get kefir grains for free or if you can't find any for free you can buy some very cheaply right here on this website.
Do you have a question about kefir? Please ask us in the comment section below.
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