Can You Freeze Kefir: find out how

Kefir, a fermented milk beverage that has gained popularity over the past decade, is known as Kefir.

Kefir is made of kefir grains. These tiny organisms ferment milk into Kefir. They are typically sold either in powdered form like buttermilk powder or frozen form in liquid nitrogen. You can store these grains at room temperature for an indefinite time.

Can I freeze my Kefir?

Our frozen kefir contains probiotic cultures that are not active while they are frozen. After thawing, the Kefir might lose its creamy consistency. If you want to freeze the Kefir, pour it into an ice tray and blend it before serving. It is OK to consume Kefir even if it has frozen in the refrigerator.

Two ways to freeze Kefir

After defrosting, you should keep your Kefir at a temperature appropriate for your use.

This means you must spend some time planning what you will use the Kefir with. This will make it easier to use Kefir later.

A kefir container is best if you want a cup to make pancakes.

If you prefer small cubes, an Ice Cube Tray (or a muffin Tin) is the best option.

Freezing in Containers

1. Take the Kefir. Place the dairy product in the containers you have prepared. Each container should contain enough Kefir to make the dish it’s going into. Allow the liquid to expand by leaving some headspace.
2. Seal the container.
3. If you wish, add a label. A post-it note could prove helpful if your freezer is full and you lose track of what’s inside and how long it has been there.
4. Place everything in the freezer.

That’s it. The process should take less than three minutes, depending on how much Kefir is frozen.

Freezing in an ice cube tray

1. Place the Kefir in the tray.
2. Place the cubes in a freezer. Let it remain there until the Kefir solidifies. 
3. Transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. After cubes have formed, you can put them in a freezer bag. You can even use the tray for other purposes.
4. Put the bag back in the freezer. Put the freezer bag in the freezer. Label the bag with your name and date if you wish.

Although this method is more complex than the one with containers, it yields better results. It is also more flexible.

Freezing Kefir Grains

You should store your Kefir grains in stainless steel or plastic containers. Sterilized containers are best to prevent contamination. Use a towel or cloth to dry the grains.

If you need to keep the grains fresher for three days, store them in the refrigerator. Add a teaspoon of powdered milk to protect the grains. They can be kept with water or milk.

People use Kefir grains to make yoghurt, beer, wine vinegar, kombucha and other fermented foods. It is a good idea to have a backup set of grain once you have enough. In case of loss, you should store them in dry places.

Before using kefir grains, you should rinse them with milk. Place them on a parchment-covered cookie sheet. Allow them to dry for between 2 and 5 days. Put them in a bowl. Add some powdered milk to coat the grains.

This protects the grain. You can use regular or organic powdered dairy milk. 

You must freeze-dried milk kefir grains. If properly sealed, they can last for up to one year. You can freeze water kefir grains without washing them first.

Be sure to freeze your kefir grains without adding liquid. Kefir grains are good for your health. You can clean them with warm water. They may get damaged if they are rinsed in cold water.

How long can Kefir Grains last in the freezer?

When frozen for less than four weeks, Kefir grains will retain more than 90% of their health benefits. The beneficial properties of the grains will begin to disappear if kept for more than four weeks.

The kefir grains can be kept in the freezer for six months. It is best to make fresh Kefir from them as soon as possible.

You will need to dispose of any liquids that have formed during the thawing process. This will allow you to preserve the cultures you wish to keep.

How does freezing affect Kefir Grains?

Kefir grains are not affected by freezing. Kefir grains are quite resilient and can withstand freezing, thawing and drying in the fridge.

You can freeze your grains for long-term preservation so you can use them as often. Many people don’t like the taste of Kefir. Frozen grains are a great way of ensuring they are always ready and available when you need them.

How Do You Thaw Frozen Kefir Grains?

You can place your kefir grains in the refrigerator or on the stove to thaw them. Place the frozen grains in a deep refrigerator to make your Kefir last longer.

You can place your frozen kefir grains on the counter if you need quicker results or are impatient. They will thaw in 6 hours.

Let your frozen kefir grains thaw in a sealed container with sprinkled milk powder.

This will keep them from drying out and activate any dormant microbes.

You can freeze Kefir grains to prevent them from going bad over a prolonged period.

After defrosting the grains, you can get back to kefir-making with them.

Kefir Benefits

Kefir can have many health benefits, including improved energy, digestion, and nutrient absorption.

Kefir cultures achieve the fermentation of sugars in milk and other foods. The fermentation process decreases the number of carbohydrates in foods and increases levels of vitamin B1, B2, B6, & vitamin K2 found in Kefir.

Kefir also has enzymes that help to break down the proteins in milk, so it doesn’t cause allergic reactions in people with lactose intolerance. These enzymes can also work against arthritis medications like ibuprofen. This makes them great if you are taking these medications or want to try Kefir as a natural treatment for arthritis.

Kefir is also rich in antimicrobial compounds that aid the body in fighting many bacterial strains. Kefir can be a valuable addition to your diet if you struggle to maintain healthy intestinal flora or have suffered from persistent urinary tract infections.

Can Kefir Go Bad?

Kefir is a fermented milk beverage made by adding kefir grains and milk.

Keep the Kefir in the fridge for up to two weeks. However, it may spoil faster if it is not stored correctly. Kefir should always be kept in an airtight container. Also, ensure that the kefir grains remain submerged in the milk.

Kefir should be safe to consume if it is kept in a cool, dry place and does not expire after the expiration date. If Kefir is not stored correctly, it can develop a bitter and unpleasant taste. You may notice a lumpy or slimy texture. It’s best to throw out Kefir if you are still determining if it has gone bad.

There are several ways you can tell if your Kefir has gone bad. Check the expiration date of the packaging. Do not consume Kefir that has passed its expiration date. Second, examine the appearance and texture of the Kefir. It should be smooth and creamy without any lumps. It has most likely gone bad if it’s lumpy or has many clumps. Next, smell the Kefir. It should have an aroma that is pleasant and slightly sour. If it smells foul, it is most likely gone bad.

FAQS

Do kefir’s probiotics disappear when it is frozen?

No. Probiotics become inactive when you freeze yoghurt, but they become active again once you defrost it.

Does heat destroy kefir?

Kefir and yoghurt can be consumed as is. You can add these products to smoothies and breakfast cereals. Kefir and yoghurt should not be heated as this can cause harmful bacteria to grow.

Can you use frozen fruit in your kefir?

A great combination of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries is always possible. Pick and freeze if you have your own source. Adding frozen fruit to this makes it more delicious. You can also use a frozen mango for a Mango lassi effect, forgoing the spices and blending the frozen mango and milk kefir.