If you like yogurt, you have to try this!!!

[horsemom]

HI! I have been drinking Lifeway lowfat Kefir for awhile now. It tastes good, and is rich in calcium.

One cup serving is 174 Calories (20 from fat) 2g fat, 21g sugar in the form of organic cane juice, and 14g protein.

Really tasty on cereal.

Laura

[margo49]

It is here a lot now in the Russian shops.
What does it taste like?
Can one make it at home like yoghurt? (By adding milk to some of it at a certain temp)

[FreshNewbie]

Margo, I saw some recipes online , just google "kefir" recipe and I am sure you can find something. But the one that I bought in a little yogurt like can tasted really good, almost like ice cream.
Laura, I always buy big Kefir in russian stores ( I was born in Russia) and it has better calorie count than yogurt. But if you see the one i am talking about, buy it and try it, its really tasty

[Mr. Bloom]

The other day, I was advised to try Kefir (which I had never heard of). I bought some and strangely enough (for me) enjoyed it.

It has the appearance of milk and the consistency of diluted yogurt. It's described as a "probiotic fluid" on the label...I certainly don't know what that means...

So, the question is:

• Why is this not better known?
• Is there a downside to it?

I'm having a very "bad back" week and it was my acupuncturist/chiropractor that suggested I introduce this into my diet.

[Blueberry]

I've consumed Kefir for quite a while. I stumbled on it and happened to like it It was well before I knew anything about the often touted health benefits....

There doesn't seem to be a down side to me, and I'm not sure why it isn't better known. However, even the "big box" groceries around here carry it, so it seems to be gaining in popularity.

[KnottedYet]

We used to make kefir back in the hippy days. (it's like making yogurt, put some starter in some milk and let 'er rip!) Good stuff! Don't think I've had any in about 30 years. Maybe I should go find some and see if it still tastes as good as I remember.

[Pedal Wench]

Back in teh 70's, my dad was on a kick where we had it 'growing' all the time. It was pretty tasty,if I recall.
As a slight hijack - if you like yogurt, you have to try Faje brand yogurt. I get it at Whole Foods or Trader Joes. It's a greek yogurt, and it is SO rich and creamy, even the fat-free one. Actually, that's the only type I've tried. Caution though - there's a sheet of parchment over the top. I didn't realize it and thought my first container was spoiled with a 'skin' on the top. Ooops!

[margo49]

We used to make kefir back in the hippy days. (it's like making yogurt, put some starter in some milk and let 'er rip!)

When you say "starter" do you mean culture or just some kefir added to milk? I have been trying to get these "seeds" as they are called thru a Cheese website and Russian shopkeepers with no luck.
I am also a bit wary of trying it myself because of the high (room) temps here and it is not expensive to buy.
It is a mould + bacteria culture I believe not a straight bacterial one (like yoghurt) and someone told me it takes *days* not hours so God alone knows what else might be going on "in there" over that kind of time. Mind you with milk any unwanted bacteria usually either spoil the product or give you a colour or texture that you aren't expecting so I s'pose I shouldn't worry...