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*Farmgirl Barter™:  Looking for Kefir grains. They're here!!! ???  |
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LakeOntarioFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
933 Posts
Brenda
North Rose
NY
USA
933 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 07:37:18 AM
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Am completely new to Kefir, but boy is it expensive to buy it in milk form! 
I would like to try to get some grains, but am not sure if any of you have some, and if so, can they be mailed, or do they need to stay cold?
Or, does anyone know of a good place to get some?
Thanks for any help at all!
Brenda
FarmGirl # 711
Nothing we achieve in this world is achieved alone. It is always achieved with others teaching us along the way. Lee J. Colan
http://theviewfromhere-brenda.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - LakeOntarioFarmgirl on Apr 01 2010 11:34:43 AM |
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clothedinscarlet
True Blue Farmgirl
1333 Posts
Siobhan
Battle Creek
MI
USA
1333 Posts |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 07:40:26 AM
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There are several places you can buy them online. If I were you, I'd put a want ad on craigslist and freecycle in your area and you'll probably find someone willing to share their grains with you. If you were near me, I have several friends who'd be more than willing to share.
Farmgirl Sister #1110
Siobhan - AKA Liza-Jane (my farmgirl name), wife to my best friend, Trent, and mommy to Camden (11/28/05) and Bennett (7/11/07). and Truman (7/28/09) |
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City Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Deb
Chattanooga
TN
USA
1402 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 04:12:31 AM
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I'm looking for some as well. I'm kind of funny about getting them from someone on craigslist or otherwise. I know I'm weird. I wonder if we could set something up here on MJ's - like a swap? Someone who has them - then as we grow them we could share them?
I'd much rather get some from a Farm Girl. Know what I mean?
Farm Girl #790
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place
https://twitter.com/EllieFunt
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LakeOntarioFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
933 Posts
Brenda
North Rose
NY
USA
933 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 08:25:18 AM
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I know what you mean Deb! I trust my farm girl sisters way more than I do someone I've never met before! :)
That's why I posted this here, hoping someone would have some to share..... I would definitely pay shipping, barter with them whatever it took!
I wasn't sure though if they could actually be mailed. I am still learning about them, but I thought maybe they had to be refrigerated....
I have been buying Kefir milk from the grocery store- ouch, it's expensive, but I love it!
Brenda
FarmGirl # 711
Nothing we achieve in this world is achieved alone. It is always achieved with others teaching us along the way. Lee J. Colan
http://theviewfromhere-brenda.blogspot.com/ |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 08:33:34 AM
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Brenda, I talked to my friend yesterday to see if she has any and she does. She said she's soaking them in sugar right now and they will be ready next week. I am so excited because my goats are having kids now and I'll be making it with goat milk. I'll see if she'd be willing to sell you some to get you started. And to mail to NY wouldn't take too long to get there. MAybe she could overnight it. I'll ask her and let you know something.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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MaryLD
True Blue Farmgirl
861 Posts
Mary
New Braunfels
TX
USA
861 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2010 : 8:33:35 PM
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If anyone reads this post later, and there are no kefir grains around, I know they are on Etsy. Wells of Health has them. I got a different culture from them, which I use to make a soft cheese.
~ Mary LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
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Dawniamw
Farmgirl in Training
24 Posts
Dawnia
Mapleton Depot
PA
USA
24 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 8:23:16 PM
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Hi Everyone,
I was wondering if I might ask if Kefir grains and Kefir starter are two different things? I also have only found the milk version, but most recently saw in the refrigerated section at my local naturalistic store a kefir starter. Also, has anyone ever tried to make kefir with milk other than cow's ? Any thoughts, answers or suggestions would be great.
Blessings,
Dawnia |
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MaryLD
True Blue Farmgirl
861 Posts
Mary
New Braunfels
TX
USA
861 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2010 : 06:45:05 AM
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I've made goat's milk kefir, which is very good.
I read something online once, about how you can kefir all manne rof things including juices and non diary milks, but I have never tried it!
Mary LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
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City Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Deb
Chattanooga
TN
USA
1402 Posts |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2010 : 1:21:15 PM
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If someone figures out and lets me know the right way to mail them, I can share some with someone. =)
Do what you love, love what you do. |
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LakeOntarioFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
933 Posts
Brenda
North Rose
NY
USA
933 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2010 : 5:18:51 PM
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Oh Angie really??!!! I'll find out! :) For some reason I think you put them in a cup of milk in a tight lidded jar, wrap it up well and send it priority mail?
I will find out for sure!
Brenda
FarmGirl # 711
Nothing we achieve in this world is achieved alone. It is always achieved with others teaching us along the way. Lee J. Colan
http://theviewfromhere-brenda.blogspot.com/ |
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urban chickie
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Catherine
Niles
IL
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2010 : 9:38:09 PM
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I have mailed kefir grains successfully, and mine originally came in the mail to me from out of state. I am hesitant to mail any to others right now, though, as I may have damaged their growth factor. I was away about a week and didn't change the milk for that long, and they have been growing REAL slow ever since. The kefir still ferments just as good though, so I am hoping it is a temporary thing. If mine start up the way they were, I will be happy to share. In the meantime, I actually bought off a gal on eBay who got great reviews from folk on a soaping list I was on at the time....might check her out. I think her sellers name was stitchingtime or something like that.
As for mailing them, just put them in a little fresh milk in a ziplock bag. Triple bagging will insure they get there without leaking. They will smell rather nasty upon arrival LOL, and the first batch or two might not taste quite right. The yeasts and bacteria get out of balance during shipping sometimes, but after a couple batches they right themselves. The key is to give them fresh milk daily and they get their happiest. I recommend a small box rather than envelope so they don't get squished, that can damage them. |
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QueenofQuiteAlot
True Blue Farmgirl
865 Posts
Dalyn
Milk 'n Honey Ranch
Central, WA
USA
865 Posts |
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MaryLD
True Blue Farmgirl
861 Posts
Mary
New Braunfels
TX
USA
861 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2010 : 09:23:25 AM
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Here's a question.
My hubby has more of a sweet tooth than I do. He likes the storebought kefir with fruit and sweetener added. Does anyone have a recipe for making that kind of kefir once the milk is kefered?
I suppose I could experiment, but thought I should ask the true experts first!
`MAry LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
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LakeOntarioFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
933 Posts
Brenda
North Rose
NY
USA
933 Posts |
Posted - Apr 01 2010 : 11:36:33 AM
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Thank you to Angie who sent me some Kefir grains!!!! She's so sweet, she also put in a crocheted dishcloth, scrubbie and some tea bags as padding!!! They are very pretty too!
I should have researched this... what do I do now??!!!
I haven't opened the bag, I guess they will be okay for a little bit, but I want to make sure I don't ruin them so thought I would ask you girls!
Thanks again Angie!
Brenda
FarmGirl # 711
Nothing we achieve in this world is achieved alone. It is always achieved with others teaching us along the way. Lee J. Colan
http://theviewfromhere-brenda.blogspot.com/ |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Apr 01 2010 : 1:58:17 PM
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Brenda, I finally got mine yesterday. You should leave it at room temp til you get milk. I got enough to make 1 cup to start. I put the grains in 1 cup milk in a glass lidded jar. Leave it 24 hours. Strain through fine sieve. Return curds (or grains) to jar with a fresh cup of milk. Let set 24 hours. Repeat daily- strain, consume fermented milk, refill jar with grains and fresh milk. After a week or when you notice that the grains have multiplied, you may increase the milk adding 1 cup per week.
I am so excited to have gotten mine. And I am getting goat milk now too. I'm glad you got yours, Brenda. There's all kinds of things you can do with this kefer. Have fun. I hope this helps. I had to get my friend to write out the directions for me.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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LakeOntarioFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
933 Posts
Brenda
North Rose
NY
USA
933 Posts |
Posted - Apr 01 2010 : 5:55:54 PM
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Thank you Kris! I am excited too!
I can see it now.... before too long we will be turning all the farm girls on to Kefir...sharing recipes!!!
Anyone have any good recipes to share?
Brenda
FarmGirl # 711
Nothing we achieve in this world is achieved alone. It is always achieved with others teaching us along the way. Lee J. Colan
http://theviewfromhere-brenda.blogspot.com/ |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Apr 02 2010 : 08:24:24 AM
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I use my grains by putting them a quart of whole milk for 24 hours sitting on the counter. THen stick the whole jar in the fridge until I can use it up. Typically I make a smoothie with a cup of kefir, a tablespoon of berry jam, half a banana and some stevia. Whip it up and drink. That's my morning drink for breakfast. =)
Do what you love, love what you do. |
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marmieto12
True Blue Farmgirl
213 Posts
laura
utah
USA
213 Posts |
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urban chickie
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Catherine
Niles
IL
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Apr 03 2010 : 08:43:55 AM
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Dalyn, I also would be interested in some kefir grains. Let me know if there's something I could send you in trade.....I think I have damaged the ones I have and really need to replace them :(
Catherine |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Apr 03 2010 : 10:41:07 AM
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Does anyone use goat milk with theirs? I would like a thicker kefir. Maybe it will get thicker as it gets older?
I have been making smoothies with bananas and strawberries. But can it be used like buttermilk too? Or sourcream?
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Chives
True Blue Farmgirl
232 Posts
Victoria
Shelton
Washington
USA
232 Posts |
Posted - Apr 03 2010 : 12:10:15 PM
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| Dalyn, Please let me know when you have grains also. I am new to kefir but want to try it out. Let me know how much. Thank you Vicki |
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marmieto12
True Blue Farmgirl
213 Posts
laura
utah
USA
213 Posts |
Posted - Apr 04 2010 : 2:03:29 PM
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I have used grains in my goat milk and it is tasty. I use in place of buttermilk too.
I became ill awhile back and didn't tend to my grains. But otherwise we used almost daily.
Laura;Dreaming of big girl farm...
Farmgirl # 148
Farm Girl Projects http://justsimplythegirls.blogspot.com
My Vinyl Decor Business http://thegirlscreate.blogspot.com |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 6:46:23 PM
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Made "buttermilk" biscuits last night for dinner using the kefir as a sub for the buttermilk. Couldn't tell the different....still yummy!
Do what you love, love what you do. |
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 7:05:54 PM
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I have also been looking for Kefir grains if anyone has any to spare.
All of creation sings Your praise! |
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QueenofQuiteAlot
True Blue Farmgirl
865 Posts
Dalyn
Milk 'n Honey Ranch
Central, WA
USA
865 Posts |
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*Farmgirl Barter™: Looking for Kefir grains. They're here!!! ??? |
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Looking for Kefir grains. They're here!!! ???
