Kefir Smoothie

Kefir is made of milk, cultured by a natural blend of friendly probiotic bacteria and yeast called "kefir grains". Easily digested, it cleanses the intestines, provides beneficial bacteria and yeast, vitamins and minerals, and complete proteins. Kefir grains originated in the mountains of Caucasus (north of Turkey and Iran). They can be purchased at health food stores or online. Kefir milk is easily cultured at home and it makes a fantastic smoothie! This video will demonstrate how to make cultured kefir milk into a delicious, healthy smoothie.

I've put about a tablespoonful of kefir grains in a plastic container, with about a cup or so of whole milk. Set the container on a countertop or on top of your refrigerator. The grains do not need to be refrigerated or kept cool.

The kefir grains and milk can be cultured in any container: plastic, glass or ceramic. Avoid metallic containers or waxed cardboard. The kefir grains create an acidic environment (that's the source of the pleasant sourness!).

Any type of milk will work fine: whole or low-fat, fresh or pasturized.

I prefer to keep my kefir in a glass jar, covered loosely with a cloth.

Let the kefir grains culture the milk overnight or as long as it takes to thicken the milk. I like to have a kefir smoothie as a refreshing treat when I get home after work. I strain out the grains from the thickened milk, refill the container with fresh milk, and let it sit overnight. When I get home the next day from work, the milk is nicely thickened and ready to make another smoothie!

My recipe for a kefir smoothie is simple:

• 2 cups cultured kefir milk (strain the grains out)
• Dash of vanilla flavoring
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen fruit

Blend all until smooth, pour into a glass and enjoy!

Consider blending a few fresh spinach leaves for a powerful vitamin punch. Add a banana. Or Jello! Go wild!

If you need to be away from home, you can cover the grains with milk and keep it in the refrigerator. The cool temperatures slow the metabolism of the kefir grains, allowing you to be away without having concern for the milk becoming too sour.

Experiment with kefir. The longer you allow it to culture, the thicker and more sour will be the milk. Many people prefer kefir milk more sour.

Let me know your favorite ingredients for a kefir smoothie and I'll post it on my website!

Blessings!

How to Prepare a Kefir Smoothie

Kefir is made of milk, cultured by a natural blend of friendly probiotic bacteria and yeast called "kefir grains". Easily digested, it cleanses the intestines, provides beneficial bacteria and yeast, vitamins and minerals, and complete proteins. Kefir grains originated in the mountains of Caucasus (north of Turkey and Iran). They can be purchased at health food stores or online. Kefir milk is easily cultured at home and it makes a fantastic smoothie! This video will demonstrate how to make cultured kefir milk into a delicious, healthy smoothie.

I've put about a tablespoonful of kefir grains in a plastic container, with about a cup or so of whole milk. Set the container on a countertop or on top of your refrigerator. The grains do not need to be refrigerated or kept cool.

The kefir grains and milk can be cultured in any container: plastic, glass or ceramic. Avoid metallic containers or waxed cardboard. The kefir grains create an acidic environment (that's the source of the pleasant sourness!).

Any type of milk will work fine: whole or low-fat, fresh or pasturized.

I prefer to keep my kefir in a glass jar, covered loosely with a cloth.

Let the kefir grains culture the milk overnight or as long as it takes to thicken the milk. I like to have a kefir smoothie as a refreshing treat when I get home after work. I strain out the grains from the thickened milk, refill the container with fresh milk, and let it sit overnight. When I get home the next day from work, the milk is nicely thickened and ready to make another smoothie!

My recipe for a kefir smoothie is simple:

• 2 cups cultured kefir milk (strain the grains out)
• Dash of vanilla flavoring
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen fruit

Blend all until smooth, pour into a glass and enjoy!

Consider blending a few fresh spinach leaves for a powerful vitamin punch. Add a banana. Or Jello! Go wild!

If you need to be away from home, you can cover the grains with milk and keep it in the refrigerator. The cool temperatures slow the metabolism of the kefir grains, allowing you to be away without having concern for the milk becoming too sour.

Experiment with kefir. The longer you allow it to culture, the thicker and more sour will be the milk. Many people prefer kefir milk more sour.

Let me know your favorite ingredients for a kefir smoothie and I'll post it on my website!

Blessings!