Can you use the initial batch of kefir to make a new batch using raw milk? and what would be the proportions?
492891
Yes. I've done it for months. With a fork scrape off some curds off the top, about a 1/2 cup or more. (It takes a couple of days to get it going well.) Put them in the bottom of a clean quart jar and add freshly milked, warm milk over it. Keep at room temperature for 24 hrs. It has really improved our health.
492892
I don't know, but I don't think you should and here's why: Although I love this stuff, it doesn't have the huge amount of probiotics that real kefir has. Amazon sells the real stuff that is live and you use portions of it to make your new batch. I plan on doing that, but right now I don't have time nor the inclination to grow my own. Since this has such a small amount of probiotics, you'd be diluting it even further and getting away from the reason you're drinking kefir in the first place. Hope this helps.
492893
This isn't Kefir. Kefir can be used over and over again an grows. This is a yoghurt culture of some type. Not Kefir.
492894
The proportions will show up on your package of Kefir mix. About 1/4 cup of kefir to 1 qt. warm milk. Don't think the proportions have to be very exact
1342891
Yes, you can. When my kefir starts getting low, I sometimes transfer the kefir into a clean jar and add milk and let it "work" until it's the consistency I desire, usually more like yogurt than milk. I use the packs when we travel which is more convenient.
975024
YES, I just started using my own starter from my previous batch of yogurt. The previous batch was made with a starter packets, two (2) packets of 5g of yogurt starter, making two (2) quarts. My new batch I used 3-4 Tablespoons of previous batch, which is probably way too much. It did come out wonderful, a little thick, just add some milk if it is too thick. I have read and you only really need "...2-3 teaspoons of commercial or homemade yogurt..." I just get carried away. I make at least two (2) batches a week, so yummy--add raspberries for a topping. I use 2 bags of frozen raspberries place in a pot, adding some water, maybe a 1/2 cup and add about 1/2 cup of sugar.
1364759
You can use yogurt from your last batch to make the next batch. Keep in mind the batch size does shrink down when strained meaning you won't have as much to enjoy for eating. I keep a store bought container around for starter. I keep the homemade for enjoyment.
2222440
I don't see why not, wish i had thought of that,(DUH) it was delicious, but went off before i could use it all!!!Things with a lot of fat in them usually freeze well. i had bought the milk from the same maker, but in very small carton, perfect! thought this was the same size as the milk, didn't read close.
2217656
I have not used goat milk for Kefir, but have friends that use it. It should take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours to ferment. Room temperatures can make adifference. Cooler temps would take longer. I hope that this helps.
1742507
I would think that would be the ideal way to use the culture. I could only find pasteurized milk that wasn't homogenized. I would have rather used the raw milk.
1612052
I know your question was from several months ago, but here is a great recipe for raw milk yogurt, which you can use with this yogurt maker. You do have to heat the milk slightly, but not enough to kill all the "good stuff." http://nourishedkitchen.com/raw-milk-yogurt/
1579534
Yes. It is so easy you wont believe!! I used this exact kit, and my results were delicious. I personally used whole organic milk. I made 7 quarts out of one packet. There are 6 packets. Have fun!!
15981
Mixing Instructions: Scoop Enclosed. (1 scoop = 2 tbsp). Lightly shake can before each use. 1 Cup: Gradually mix 2 unpacked level scoops (28g) to 8 oz (240mL) warm water. Stir.1 Quart: Gradually mix 8 unpacked level scoops (112g) to 32 oz (960mL) warm water. Stir. " """"Makes approximately 3 quarts whole goat milk.""""Best served chilled. Keep mixed product refrigerated. Use within 5 days. Store unused powder tightly sealed in a cool, dry place for up to 8 weeks.
2016576
Im sure you can. Ive always mixed mine with whole milk. Just make sure you stir it good because it doesnt mix very well
1039045
Never tried making half a batch in my 1 pint size, but i don't see why you couldn't. You're just using a whole canister of g as on half a bottle of cream.
437828
The pure would interfere with the fermentation process of the yogurt and you'd probably end up with something very similar to the milk you put in rather than yogurt.
2057033
I think so. I am using for my 3 batch of kefir. And it works great. I was having a hard time find milk that is not UHT milk in the stores in Florida.
1552986
Yes you can. Make the first batch with 1/2 gal. and the second batch with a full gal.
975025
YES, I just started using my own starter from my previous batch of yogurt. The previous batch was made with a starter packets, two (2) packets of 5g of yogurt starter, making two (2) quarts. My new batch I used 3-4 Tablespoons of previous batch, which is probably way too much. It did come out wonderful, a little thick, just add some milk if it is too thick. I have read and you only really need "...2-3 teaspoons of commercial or homemade yogurt..." I just get carried away. I make at least two (2) batches a week, so yummy--add raspberries for a topping. I use 2 bags of frozen raspberries place in a pot, adding some water, maybe a 1/2 cup and add about 1/2 cup of sugar. YES, I just started using my own starter from my previous batch of yogurt. The previous batch was made with a starter packets, two (2) packets of 5g of yogurt starter, making two (2) quarts. My new batch I used 3-4 Tablespoons of previous batch, which is probably way too much. It did come out wonderful, a little thick, just add some milk if it is too thick. I have read and you only really need "...2-3 teaspoons of commercial or homemade yogurt..." I just get carried away. I make at least two (2) batches a week, so yummy--add raspberries for a topping. I use 2 bags of frozen... » Read More YES, I just started using my own starter from my previous batch of yogurt. The previous batch was made with a starter packets, two (2) packets of 5g of yogurt starter, making two (2) quarts. My new batch I used 3-4 Tablespoons of previous batch, which is probably way too much. It did come out wonderful, a little thick, just add some milk if it is too thick. I have read and you only really need "...2-3 teaspoons of commercial or homemade yogurt..." I just get carried away. I make at least two (2) batches a week, so yummy--add raspberries for a topping. I use 2 bags of frozen raspberries place in a pot, adding some water, maybe a 1/2 cup and add about 1/2 cup of sugar. « Show Less
2137276
I haven't done it yet. From what I understand it is best to have a separate culture to experiment with. Mine have almost doubled. They should culture the coconut milk but might not grow and will need to be recharged in regular milk every couple of batches.