Are you a fan of kefir but looking for a non-dairy alternative?
Look no further than almond milk kefir!
While it may seem like a daunting task to culture almond milk with milk kefir grains, it is possible with the right technique.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of kefir and how to make almond milk kefir using live milk kefir grains or a powdered kefir starter culture.
Plus, we’ll discuss the advantages of homemade almond milk and how it can enhance the probiotic benefits of kefir.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make this delicious and nutritious beverage!
Can You Use Almond Milk To Make Kefir?
Yes, you can use almond milk to make kefir! However, it’s important to note that using milk kefir grains to culture almond milk must be done carefully.
When using any culture in a medium it is initially not intended for, like culturing dairy milk kefir grains in almond milk, the results can be mixed and sometimes unpredictable. It’s essential to remember that we are not only trying to turn milk into a cultured food, but we are also feeding that culture with the medium we are culturing.
To make almond milk kefir with milk kefir grains, it’s recommended to use extra milk kefir grains that have been well established in dairy milk first. This will ensure that the grains are fully activated and ready to culture the almond milk.
The Benefits Of Kefir: What Is Kefir And Why Is It Good For You?
Kefir is a fermented cultured beverage that has been around for centuries and is known for its powerful health benefits. It is a probiotic containing a wide variety of beneficial yeast and bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut. Kefir contains over 40 strains of bacteria, which is more than yogurt. It also contains a wide variety of yeasts which yogurt does not contain. The rich diversity of microorganisms in kefir makes it a very potent probiotic that can colonize the intestinal tract creating a healthy and balanced eco system.
Regular consumption of kefir has been associated with numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system, building bone density, fighting cancer, improving digestion, fighting IBS and IBD, improving allergies, boosting skin health, and improving lactose intolerance symptoms. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in kefir are largely responsible for breaking down lactose, making it a potential option for those with lactose intolerance.
Kefir is made from either kefir grains or a powdered kefir starter culture. Kefir grains are small, translucent, whitish in color, and have a gelatinous texture that resembles tiny pieces of cauliflower florets. The grains are a more probiotic-rich culture and are meant for making continuous batches and to use indefinitely but they do require a little care and maintenance. The powdered culture is a prepared combination of bacteria and yeast made in a laboratory and are meant for single use which requires no maintenance.
Almond Milk Kefir: How To Culture Almond Milk With Milk Kefir Grains
To culture almond milk with milk kefir grains, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
– 1 cup of homemade almond milk (store-bought almond milk may contain additives that can interfere with the culturing process)
– 1 tablespoon of date paste or raw sugar
– 1 tablespoon of live milk kefir grains (extra grains recommended)
– A glass jar with a lid
– A non-metallic strainer
Here are the steps to make almond milk kefir with milk kefir grains:
1. Heat the almond milk gently in a saucepan until it reaches room temperature. Do not boil or heat it too much as this can damage the kefir grains.
2. Add the date paste or raw sugar to the almond milk and stir until it dissolves.
3. Pour the almond milk into a glass jar and add the live milk kefir grains.
4. Stir gently to distribute the kefir grains evenly in the almond milk.
5. Place a lid on the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 18-24 hours or until tart or sour tasting. It’s normal for the mixture to separate into whey and curds.
6. After 18-24 hours, strain out the kefir grains using a non-metallic strainer and transfer the almond kefir to another glass jar or container.
7. Store the almond kefir in the refrigerator or enjoy immediately. It will continue to get sourer over time but will last at least a month in the fridge.
8. Place the kefir grains in fresh dairy milk to culture again, making sure to add more date paste or sugar and repeat steps 1-7 again.
It’s important to note that using milk kefir grains to culture almond milk may result in a thinner consistency than traditional dairy milk kefir. This is because almond milk doesn’t contain as much protein and fat as dairy milk.
Using A Powdered Kefir Starter Culture: An Alternative To Milk Kefir Grains
If you don’t want to use milk kefir grains to make almond milk kefir, an alternative method is to use a powdered kefir starter culture. This method is also preferable for vegans and those with severe dairy allergies.
To make almond milk kefir using a powdered kefir starter culture, begin with a quart of almond milk and a packet of the powdered kefir starter culture. It’s important to use high-quality probiotic capsules that are stored in the fridge at the health food store and kept cold.
Break open the capsules to release the powder and add it to your almond milk. Mix well and pour the mixture into a glass jar. Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band.
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24 hours or until it thickens and becomes tangy. The longer you let it sit, the tangier it will become. Once it’s ready, strain out any remaining grains or particles and store the almond milk kefir in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Using a powdered kefir starter culture is an easy and convenient way to make almond milk kefir, without the need for milk kefir grains. It’s also a great option for those who prefer a consistent result every time they make almond milk kefir.
The Advantages Of Homemade Almond Milk: How To Make Your Own
One of the biggest advantages of making your own almond milk for kefir is that you have full control over the ingredients. Many store-bought almond milks contain additives, thickeners, and artificial vitamins and minerals, which can complicate the culturing process. By making your own almond milk, you can ensure that it’s fresh, free of preservatives, and contains only the ingredients you want.
Homemade almond milk is also creamier and more delicious than store-bought versions. Plus, it’s naturally more nutritious because you can choose to use high-quality almonds and avoid any unnecessary additives.
Making your own almond milk is easy and only requires a few simple steps. Start by soaking raw almonds in water for at least 6 hours or overnight. Then, drain and rinse the almonds and blend them with fresh water until smooth. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove any solids, and voila – you have fresh almond milk!
Once you have your homemade almond milk, you can use it to make kefir by adding kefir grains and date paste or raw sugar to the jar. Let it sit for 18-24 hours or until tart or sour tasting, then strain out the kefir grains and place the almond kefir in the refrigerator or enjoy immediately.
In addition to being a great base for kefir, homemade almond milk is also a nutritious addition to smoothies, coffee, or cereal. It’s rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats, making it a great alternative to dairy milk for those with lactose intolerance or allergies.
Enhancing The Probiotic Benefits Of Kefir With Almond Milk: Why You Should Give It A Try
Almond milk kefir is a great way to enhance the already impressive probiotic benefits of kefir. Almonds are a source of prebiotics, which are essentially food for the beneficial bacteria in kefir. When it comes to gut health, it’s important to not only colonize the gut with probiotics but also to properly maintain them with prebiotics. Foods that combine both probiotics and prebiotics are called “symbiotics” and work together synergistically to create and maintain a healthy gut flora.
Almond milk is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin E, which are beneficial in keeping the intestinal cells healthy and reducing inflammation. It is also fiber-rich, which helps in the easy processing of food and contributes to a healthy gut. The presence of good bacteria in kefir makes it a superfood for the gut. Kefir helps in digestion, gut functioning, keeping bad bacteria away, and preventing falling sick.
When you combine the probiotic-rich benefits of kefir with almond milk’s prebiotic properties, you get a powerful symbiotic drink that can help fight off the common cold and even chronic forms of disease. Making almond milk kefir is simple and easy to do – you can drink it once or twice a day or add it to smoothies.
It’s important to note that non-dairy kefirs never get as thick as regular dairy kefir drinks. If you wish to create a thicker almond milk kefir-like texture, you can either leave the almond pulp in or replace the pulp with 1/2 Tbsp of psyllium husks. One other way to control the thickness is to use less water when creating your almond milk.
Tips And Tricks For Making Delicious Almond Milk Kefir At Home
Making almond milk kefir at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make delicious almond milk kefir at home:
1. Soak the almonds: Soaking almonds in water for 6-8 hours or overnight before blending them will make them easier to blend and will result in a creamier almond milk kefir.
2. Use a blender: Blending the soaked almonds with water in a high-speed blender will ensure that the almonds are incorporated into a smooth consistency.
3. Strain the mixture: For a thinner consistency, strain the blended mixture through a nut bag to remove any small pieces. For a thicker consistency, leave the pulp in.
4. Use milk kefir grains: If you want to use milk kefir grains to culture your almond milk, make sure to use extra milk kefir grains that have been well established in dairy milk first. This will ensure that the grains are fully activated and ready to culture the almond milk.
5. Use prebiotic-rich nuts: Almonds are a great choice for making almond milk kefir because they contain prebiotics, which are food for the beneficial bacteria in kefir.
6. Use a warm place: Kefir grains love a warm environment, so make sure to place your jar of almond milk kefir in a warm place like on top of your dishwasher or on your kitchen counter.
7. Experiment with different nuts: While almonds are a popular choice for making almond milk kefir, you can also use other nuts like hazelnuts, peanuts, macadamias, pistachios, cashews, walnuts or pecans.
8. Use powdered kefir starter culture: If you want to avoid using milk kefir grains or if you’re lactose intolerant, you can use powdered kefir starter culture instead.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create delicious and nutritious almond milk kefir at home. Enjoy!
