Healthy? Foods

I think it had a good review in Trust me I'm a Doctor, but I got the impression it's only really good if you make it fresh yourself and that's beyond my culinary skills [I can't even make yoghurt in those yoghurt making kits]...

I take two big gulps of commercial kefir before going to bed and another first thing in the morning. It is good for my irritable bowel syndrome. Also reduces/eliminates wind from down under (which used to embarrass me greatly).

It’s easier to make than yogurt, as there’s no heating or keeping warm involved.

Grains are reusable and keep going forever- gradually multiply, so after a while you can divide and give some away. If anyone wants some, PM me and I can post them. I’ve had my culture about 10 years now! I sometimes only transfer to fresh milk every few weeks, meanwhile I keep in fridge. Interestingly, it doesn’t seem to get mouldy, even if kept a long time- I think it has some type of natural preservative.

Thank you! Are the grains reusable or can you make further batches using some of the first batch, as with yoghurt?

Kefir is made from kefir “grains” which are a bit like very small pieces of cauliflower. Used to be called buttermilk “plant”. You just put them in milk and leave at room temp for about 24 hours, then pour through strainer to separate, then add to fresh milk. The “grains” actually have a mix of bacteria and yeast. The yeast produces a very small amount of alcohol and carbon dioxide so sometimes it’s a bit fizzy. The bacteria sour the milk. Commercially made kefir may be different.
Yogurt has different bacteria, needs a higher temp to ferment, and no yeast.

What's the difference between regular home made yoghurt and kefir?

I think there must be different types of kefir. The one I make is not unlike commercial yogurt in texture, and not very strong in taste. If it gets a bit too sour tasting, I take that as a sign a fresh culture is needed. I also use it in bread & scones sometimes.

I have had a kefir culture for years but don’t drink the fermented milk it makes- much too sour. I just use it instead of buttermilk for brown soda bread, scones and pancakes. I wouldn’t be convinced of any more health benefits than yogurt.
Tried kimchee- like a spicy sauerkraut, didn’t like.

I make Kefir yoghurt regularly. I put it on top of my breakfast cereal, or eat it with fruit. It can be diluted a little and taken as a drink. It is supposed to improve gut biota. It tastes more "yogurty" than the commercial bio-yoghurts.
It isn't difficult to make & a culture made from the starter sachet(readily available online) lasts for months before a fresh start is needed

Keffir is a sort of yoghurty drink. Apparently it has all sorts of health benefits. I got some in Sainsbury's once. It was OK.

You use Kaffir lime leaves in Thai and other Asian curries. As for kimchee, I really don't fancy fermented cabbage and radishes. ??

I know of kaffir only through listening to the archers, unsure what it is, a drink? Need to google.