Yogourmet Kefir Starter

Yogourmet Kefir Starter

Yogourmet Also Does a Kefir Starter

Yogourmet is well known for production of top selling and highly rated yogurt starters. And just like their yogurt products, Yogourmet Kefir Starter is one of the most popular in the kefir category as well. With over three decades of experience, Yogourmet produces a potent kefir starter that gives customers the highest chance of success for each batch.

What is Kefir?

Kefir is a fermented milk beverage that originated in Russia and Central Asian countries. It was brought to the US in the early 1900s and has been growing in popularity ever since (source: Wiki). Kefir starter is a combination of yeast and bacteria used to ferment milk. Traditionally this starter is used with cow, goat, or sheep milk. The combination of yeast and bacteria produce a consistency similar to thin, drinkable yogurt.

Some advantages of kefir are:

• no straining required
• beneficial yeast
• ferments at room temperature
• complex taste
• heirloom

Preparation

Simply add the Yogourmet Kefir Starter

to a milk of your choice. Kefir ferments at room temperature between 68 to 77 degrees F. The ideal length of fermentation time for kefir is about 24 hours. Ideally the kefir should ferment in a closed container that’s not exposed to light. The combination of yeast/bacteria found in kefir is very robust. As a result, some kefir can be saved from each batch to start a new batch.

Taste/Texture

The bacteria in kefir ferment the milk sugar called lactose. Two of the byproducts of this fermentation are lactic acid and kefiran. Lactic acid contributes to a mildly sour taste while kefiran imparts a creamy texture. These beneficial bacteria also produce other acid byproducts which give kefir a buttery flavor. Much like yogurt, increasing fermentation time will increase lactic acid and result in more of a tart flavor.

Yeast ferment the lactose as well, but their byproducts are alcohol and carbon dioxide. The alcohol is typically only 0.2 – 2% which make it hard to taste in the final produce. The carbon dioxide can impart natural carbonated texture to this beverage.

PS, we also have a page devoted to Yogourmet yogurt starter.

Original article and pictures take www.yogurtstartercultures.com site