Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to dairy milk? Look no further than oat milk kefir!
This fermented beverage not only has all the benefits of traditional kefir, but also the added goodness of oats. Plus, it’s lactose-free and perfect for those who are trying to lose weight.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make your own oat milk kefir at home using live kefir grains. It’s easy, affordable, and a great way to incorporate probiotics into your diet.
So, let’s get started!
How To Make Oat Milk Kefir?
To make oat milk kefir, you’ll need live kefir grains and some oat milk. You can either buy oat milk from the store or make your own by blending soaked oats with filtered water and prebiotic fiber in a high-speed blender.
Once you have your oat milk, add the live kefir grains and some date paste or raw sugar to a jar. Cover the jar with a lid and let it sit for 18-24 hours, or until it becomes tart or sour tasting. It’s normal for non-dairy milks to separate into whey and curds during fermentation.
After fermentation, strain out the kefir grains and place the oat milk kefir in the refrigerator or enjoy it immediately. It will last for at least a month in the fridge, but it will continue to get more sour over time.
To culture the kefir grains again, place them in fresh oat milk and repeat the steps above. Make sure to add more date paste or sugar to feed the grains.
What Is Oat Milk Kefir?
Oat milk kefir is a fermented beverage made from oat milk and live kefir grains. Oat milk is a dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk that is made by blending soaked oats with filtered water and prebiotic fiber. Kefir grains are live cultures of bacteria and yeast that ferment the oat milk, producing a tart and tangy drink with probiotic benefits.
Oat milk kefir is an excellent source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help to promote a healthy gut microbiome. The beta-glucan fiber in oats also contributes to healthy gut flora, lower LDL cholesterol, better blood sugar control, and reduced cancer risk.
To make oat milk kefir, you simply need to add live kefir grains and some date paste or raw sugar to a jar of oat milk. Cover the jar with a lid and let it sit for 18-24 hours until it becomes tart or sour tasting. After fermentation, strain out the kefir grains and place the oat milk kefir in the refrigerator or enjoy it immediately.
Oat milk kefir is a delicious and nutritious beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for smoothies and other recipes. It’s a great way to incorporate more probiotics into your diet, especially if you’re lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet.
Health Benefits Of Oat Milk Kefir
Oat milk kefir is a delicious and nutritious beverage that offers numerous health benefits. Oats are prebiotic, which means they contain fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. When fermented with kefir grains, oat milk becomes a probiotic-rich drink that can improve your digestive health and boost your immune system.
One of the main benefits of oat milk kefir is its ability to promote a healthy gut microbiome. The beta-glucan fiber in oats has been linked to an increase in beneficial gut bacteria, which can improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Additionally, the probiotics in kefir can help balance the bacteria in your gut and reduce the risk of digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation.
Oat milk kefir is also a great source of calcium and vitamin K2, which are important for bone health. As we age, our bones become less dense, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Consuming foods like oat milk kefir that are rich in calcium and vitamin K2 may help support bone density and reduce the risk of these conditions.
Furthermore, oat milk kefir has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. The beta-glucan fiber found in oats has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and colon cancer. Additionally, the probiotics in kefir may help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, both of which are important in preventing cancer.
How To Make Oat Milk Kefir At Home
If you’re interested in making oat milk kefir at home, it’s important to note that kefir grains do not get any nutrients from non-dairy milks and will perish if they are not regularly fed with full-fat dairy milk. Therefore, when you first receive your kefir grains, it’s necessary to sit them in full-fat cow’s or goat’s milk for 24 hours and sieve through before giving them more full-fat milk. It’s advisable to repeat this process at least three times to help the grains settle and feed them up.
Once your kefir grains are well-fed, you can use nut milks or coconut milk to make vegan kefir. However, it’s crucial to operate a rotation system to keep your grains happy and healthy. After 2-3 brews in non-dairy milk, sit your grains back in full-fat cow’s or goat’s milk for 24 hours so they can feed. As long as you continue with this rotation, your grains will happily make probiotics while staying healthy.
To make oat milk kefir specifically, pour oat milk into a brewing jar and add 1/4 cup of water kefir grains straight into the milk. Mix with a wooden spoon and place the jar somewhere with consistent heat for 24-48 hours for the first ferment. Make sure the lid is on but not fastened. After fermentation, remove the grains by straining them and give them a good rinse under running water before returning them to dormancy.
Keep fermented oat milk kefir in the fridge for up to a week. Some separation may occur, which is normal. Simply mix it thoroughly before serving. The starch from oats in oat milk powder helps make kefir sweeter and creamier, while the high fiber content of oats could further enhance gut health and ease digestive troubles. Oat milk kefir is also recommended for people who are lactose intolerant or trying to lose weight.
Tips For Making Perfect Oat Milk Kefir
1. Use high-quality oat milk: The quality of your oat milk will affect the taste and texture of your kefir. If you’re making your own oat milk, make sure to use high-quality oats and filtered water.
2. Use live kefir grains: Live kefir grains are essential for making oat milk kefir. Make sure to use fresh, live kefir grains for the best results.
3. Add date paste or raw sugar: Oat milk doesn’t contain lactose, which is the main source of food for kefir grains. To feed the kefir grains, add some date paste or raw sugar to the oat milk before fermenting.
4. Ferment at room temperature: Ferment your oat milk kefir at room temperature for 18-24 hours, or until it becomes tart or sour tasting. The ideal temperature for fermentation is around 70°F.
5. Strain out the kefir grains: After fermentation, strain out the kefir grains using a slotted spoon, mesh colander, or nut milk bag. Set the kefir grains aside to culture another batch of oat milk kefir.
6. Refrigerate or enjoy immediately: You can either refrigerate your oat milk kefir or enjoy it immediately after straining out the kefir grains. The longer you refrigerate it, the more sour it will become.
7. Rotate between dairy and non-dairy milk: If you’re using non-dairy milk to make your oat milk kefir, make sure to rotate between dairy and non-dairy milk to feed the kefir grains. Kefir grains require lactose to survive and thrive, which is not present in non-dairy milks.
By following these tips, you can make perfect oat milk kefir every time. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy the many health benefits of this delicious probiotic beverage!
How To Store And Use Oat Milk Kefir
To store oat milk kefir, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should last for up to a week, but make sure to mix it thoroughly before serving as some separation may occur.
If you want to make more oat milk kefir, take 1/4 cup of the fermented mixture and add it to 3-3/4 cups of fresh oat milk. Culture again for 18-24 hours or until tart. You can repeat this process many times over until the kefir grains stop working and making the milk tart.
It’s important to note that when making kefir with non-dairy milks like oat milk, the kefir grains do not get any nutrients from these milks and will perish if they are not fed properly. When first receiving your kefir grains, sit them in full-fat cow’s or goat’s milk for 24 hours and sieve through. Repeat this process at least three times to help the grains settle and feed them up.
After three full-fat milk changes, you can start using nut milks or other non-dairy milks to make your vegan kefir. However, it’s crucial to operate a rotation system where you put the grains back into dairy milk at least once every three brews. This helps keep the grains happy and healthy.
It’s also important to note that non-dairy kefir may not be as thick and yogurty as dairy kefir due to the fat content in the milk. Some nut milks may not thicken at all, so don’t expect the same texture as dairy kefir.
If you need to store your kefir grains for an extended period, rinse them thoroughly with filtered water and lay them on a piece of unbleached parchment paper in a safe location. Dry at room temperature for 3-5 days or use a dehydrator as long as the grains do not get heated above 85°F. Place dried milk kefir grains in an airtight bag and add a small amount of powdered milk. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oat Milk Kefir
Q: What are live kefir grains?
A: Live kefir grains are a combination of bacteria and yeast that are used to ferment milk or non-dairy milk, like oat milk, to create kefir.
Q: Can I use store-bought oat milk to make kefir?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought oat milk to make kefir. However, make sure that the oat milk doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives that may interfere with the fermentation process.
Q: How do I know when the oat milk kefir is ready?
A: The oat milk kefir is ready when it becomes tart or sour tasting. The fermentation process usually takes 18-24 hours, but it may take longer depending on the temperature and the amount of kefir grains used.
Q: What should I do if my oat milk kefir separates into whey and curds?
A: It’s normal for non-dairy milks to separate during fermentation. Simply mix the whey and curds together before placing the oat milk kefir in the refrigerator or enjoying it immediately.
Q: How long does oat milk kefir last in the fridge?
A: Oat milk kefir can last for at least a month in the refrigerator, but it will continue to get more sour over time.
Q: Can I use the same kefir grains to culture different types of non-dairy milk?
A: Yes, you can use the same kefir grains to culture different types of non-dairy milk, like coconut milk or almond milk. However, make sure to feed the grains with fresh date paste or sugar each time you culture a new batch of non-dairy milk.
