Some people get excited when talking about fermented products because of its peculiar taste and the health benefits it gives. Focusing more on fermented drinks, let’s talk about kefir. Kefir evidently originated in North Caucasus, Russia, and Eastern Europe, where it is produced by cow’s milk and processed to ferment using a kefir culture or kefir grains. It’s a type of fermented drink that has been famous in Asia and in some parts of Europe, but due to its health benefits, it’s slowly been gaining attention too in America.
Knowing fermentation involves natural producing or adding cultures to the product, some people will definitely be skeptical about trying one. So, what does kefir taste like? Do you have to worry about having this distinct tangy taste from buttermilk? Or, does it taste ironically creamy and sweet? If you are really curious about it, keep reading on through this article as we describe and explain every flavor your tongue can taste.
What Is Kefir?
First of all, you might be wondering what even kefir is, especially when you have only heard it a few times in your life. It is believed that the word Kefir comes from the Turkish word “keif”; this basically means having a “good feeling” and people claim this right after drinking it.
Kefir drink can be made from cow, goat, or coconut milk and processed to ferment using kefir grains. Kefir grains are cauliflower-like and wheat kernel like in appearance. It’s made a combination of yeast and bacteria which are responsible for the fermentation process. Thus, the drink is only called a kefir drink once you add the kefir cultures to a specific type of milk.
There are two types of kefir drinks – milk type and water type.
- Milk Type – You can make it at home by adding kefir cultures or grain to the milk and leave it for 24 hours untouched. Once done, strain the crumpled grains and voila. You can add it to smoothies or drink it by itself.
- Water Type – Different from the milk type, you are supposed to add sugar first before kefir grains; this will feed the microorganism in the grain and start fermenting. Set and leave it for a day or two and strain out the grains.
What Does Kefir Taste Like?
What exactly does kefir taste like? Does kefir taste like buttermilk? – No. Unlike sour milk and buttermilk, kefir does taste a little tangy but sweet. Its taste is more similar compared to yogurt and Italian soda. You can say that it’s also a bit sour but the intense creaminess it has will balance the taste making it enjoyable and delectable. Talking about its consistency, you can also think about comparing it to plain yogurt but thinner. It is not something you can be forced to eat because you need to.
Since kefir grains are more usually consumed when added to a drink, some say that kefir tastes like sour milk. This only happens when you let your drink set longer on your storage or you had a higher temperature while the fermentation process is happening. Remember, the bacteria and yeasts are sensitive to different temperatures affecting their capacity and so does the fermentation process. Nevertheless, kefir taste and flavor also vary when added to different types of drinks which mostly are enjoyed and love not just by adults but also by kids.
Benefits of Kefir
Kefir offers a wide variety of health benefits once the process of making is proper. Now, let’s talk about the abundant health benefits that it can give.
- Prominent in probiotics – Kefir is a good source of probiotics. Probiotics are the so-called good bacteria that help balance the bad bacteria in your stomach. Studies found that it improves your gut and over-all digestive system. It also helps to cure diarrhea and good for those people who are recovering from certain illnesses.
- Increases Nutrition – Focusing on kefir only, it is rich in calcium, protein, potassium, Vitamin B, and Vitamin K, which redound to the benefits of the nutrition requirement of your body. Since kefir is added to milk, you will get more vitamins and minerals out of it.
- Helps Regulate Blood Sugar – According to a conducted study, people who are suffering from diabetes have significantly lowered their sugar levels on regular consumption of kefir and its milk type.
- Improves Stomach Health – It is found that kefir contains laxative properties that help in aiding constipation and increase bowel movements.
- Lowers Cholesterol – Kefir also surprisingly helps to lower one’s cholesterol. The major responsibility for this is the probiotic content in kefir that could play a part in the absorbance of cholesterol in the food you are taking.
There are more health benefits that kefir can give, considering the number of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics it contains. This could be just the type of food that you can eat or drink without having extra guilt. After rolling out this good information about kefir, you could now probably understand why it is called “keif” – good feeling.
Conclusion
Kefir may not be so famous as buttermilk and sour milk but once the market has known its delectable taste alongside its wide range of health benefits, it may even become a staple to some countries. So, after rolling out the facts and descriptive explanation about what does kefir tastes like, would you now muster the courage to try and taste one? How about you add the kefir grains into your favorite milk type or make a smoothie out of it? Wouldn’t it be interesting enough for you to try?
There is no wrong with consuming fermented products and drinks like kefir. However, it is still best to consume it with limitation as excessive consumption will always lead to a few to several adverse health effects. Do not forget that kefir is dairy; therefore, be careful when you know you are allergic to the dairy product as such. Worries aside, start making your own kefir and indulge in its amazing creamy taste!
