Milk Kefir Smoothie

Fermentation is a buzz word these days, but it is actually an age old tradition that has been practiced all over the world for generations. Here is my article on Fermentation
6th

Every morning we start our day with a delicious milk kefir smoothie, loaded with probiotics, berries and protein, it tastes delicious and is fantastic this time of year to boost immunity. It is so easy to make

Milk Kefir is a fermented milk drink made using milk and milk Kefir grains (different to water Kefir grains). It is a very nutritious drink as it is very high in probiotics. Kefir contains high levels of vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, biotin, folate, enzymes, and probiotics. making kefir is very simple, check out the recipe below or you can watch the video here. You can buy your kefir in a health food shop but I recommend you make it yourself, it only takes 5 mins each day!

Serves 2
Ingredients
400ml Milk kefir
1 small banana
1 handful berries, eg strawberries, blueberries and blackberries (fresh or frozen)

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and blitz until smooth.
2. Drink and enjoy!

Variations:

There are so many variations. When I make a fruit & Veg smoothie I would aim for min 50% veg but with the milk kefir I tend to just add berries and banana or some vanilla or you could omit the banana and simply have the berries. You can of course add the milk kefir in place of milk or yoghurt in any smoothie.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp milk Kefir grains*
500ml whole organic milk

Method:

1.Place the milk in a glass container.

2.Add in the Kefir grains.

3.Cover the container with muslin/cheese cloth and an elastic band.

4.Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

5.24-hour ferment will produce slightly thickened milk like product. Strain, chill and serve.

6.36- 48 hours will produce a more yoghurt like product.

7.Once the top of the milk has a slightly gelatinous texture and bubbles appear, it is ready.

8.Strain off the Kefir using a non-metal strainer, the grains are ready to be reused, no need to rinse them.

*Milk Kefir grains can be purchased online or dried in some health food shops. However, the community of home fermenters is usually happy to pass on their excess grains. As you continue to ferment your grains will multiply and once you reach a volume of Kefir milk suitable for your family then you will have excess to pass on.

I give all attendees of my fermentation demos the milk kefir grains, as well as water kefir grains and sourdough starter to take home to ferment. In Ireland there is a Facebook group called sharing starter cultures Ireland and you can easily get grains from other fermenters around the country.