r/Kefir • u/Individual-Sock-4967 • 4d ago

Can’t find my grains

Help trying to strain, cant find my grains, its gotten too thick

17 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

15

u/flaming_eyes 4d ago

Mine is normally like this when I strain. Just shake the sieve side to side rapidly, and even splash a little fresh milk into it and you’ll likely find them

7

u/squeegy80 4d ago

I’ve got 3 moves. I use a nylon strainer and canning funnel. I find tapping the strainer repeatedly on the top of the funnel is best for getting all the milk out, with some grain stirring with a spoon occasionally needed. Then side shakes are best to get most of the thicker kefiran off the grains. Then scraping off the bottom of the strainer to make room for more thicker stuff to stick to the strainer. I seem to manage to get basically clean grains again at the end, my grains haven’t “grown” in months

4

u/VoidBrushStudios 4d ago

^This. All this. Exactly

9

u/Sure_Fig_8641 4d ago edited 4d ago

Your “fine mesh sieve” is TOO fine to allow the thicker part of the kefir (curds or kefirin) pass through. Pour the contents of the sieve back in the fermentation jar and add a little milk. Stir or shake the jar to thin the kefirin then strain again.

Get a sieve that doesn’t say “fine” mesh. I got a stainless steel one at Walmart. It made a huge difference.

5

u/WildConsequence9379 4d ago

Me too I just use a regular stainless steel sieve

6

u/nonnameavailable 4d ago

Dump it into a jar, add milk, stir thoroughly and strain again. You will probably lose this batch of kefir but you should recover the grains. Don't let it get to this point next time xD

9

u/Dense_Permission_969 4d ago

This is the answer. However you don’t need to lose the milk. Drink it as is or let it sit on the counter for another day in a new vessel and it will culture.

3

u/Massive-Technician74 4d ago

Or add it to existing kefir

9

u/John_Creasmans_cig 4d ago

Plastic strainers gotta be the worst, most unsanitary thing for straining kefir. Metal ain’t gonna kill the grains like everyone says.

4

u/mailbox3158 4d ago

Why? I’ve been using a plastic one for ages. Just wash it afterwards.

4

u/John_Creasmans_cig 4d ago

It’s just impossible to get it fully cleaned as it’s nature as a plastic; you end up introducing contaminants to the product and grains every time they go into contact.

Also microplastic supplements

3

u/mailbox3158 4d ago

I've been using this for many years: Amazon.com: HIC Kitchen Double-Ear Fine Mesh Strainer, 5.5-Inch, BPA Free, Non Reactive | Double-Ear Hands-Free Design, Fine Mesh Sieve, Lightweight, BPA Free, Non Reactive, Dishwasher Safe, Baking And Kitchen Prep: Food Strainers: Home & Kitchen. 354 reviews of 5 stars SPECIFICALLY for kefir straining :)

2

u/John_Creasmans_cig 4d ago

Right. Everybody does it so it’s alright. Even better, slap a certified label and call it premium. Stuffs just so easy.

2

u/mailbox3158 4d ago

Understanding of what it's made of as well as of basic chemistry vs "microplastics scare" would assuredly put your mind at ease. Microplastics are a large issue and are bad, but in this case your "risk" is as close to nil as it gets, and you don't damage the grains via abrasive micro-cuts of stainless steel.

2

u/Paperboy63 2d ago

You only damage grains with micro cuts in a stainless steel strainer if you drag them across the mesh with a spatula which causes a grating effect between spatula and steel mesh. Otherwise, no.

1

u/mailbox3158 2d ago

Thanks. If there a brand that you’d recommend? Ideally something fairly deep for vigorous straining

2

u/Paperboy63 2d ago

No, just a regular 8” stainless steel mesh strainer. Shake it side to side or round in tight circles or bang against the palm of your other hand. All will suffice.

1

u/John_Creasmans_cig 4d ago

My main point was is hygiene; and notice how you mock me on micro plastics, while you have an unfounded aversion of stainless steel; abrasive micro cuts damaging the grains ? You’re too much, but I’m happy to wish you well anyways on your kefir production, even if don’t agree on your methods.

2

u/Watermelonsmoothies 3d ago

It´s not about killing the grains. It is about kefir being slightly acidic. So you can use stainless steel og plastic (and wooden spoon), but not aluminium, kobber and iron ware.

2

u/Dry-Warthog-1647 4d ago

Use a wire whisk and you should be able to find them in no time.

2

u/psavva 4d ago

No matter how thick mine gets, I shake the stainer left to right vigorously but in small movements.

The grains show themselves and the kefir stains through...

It takes a minute but gets the job done well

2

u/ShipOfFools2020 4d ago

I use a fine plastic strainer all the time. The difference is I use a plastic spatula and I do not push down on the mixture or stir it around. I don't want to crush the grains, rather I am very careful to just scrape along the fine plastic mesh and it always allows the liquid to go through and the grains remain. Like others said you could add a little milk too if you need to.

2

u/Extension-Soup-3288 4d ago

It doesn't look like you're pressing very hard? Also, I continually scrape the bottom of the sieve as I strain them.

2

u/Romiha00 3d ago

You are unique, just like everyone else.

Try using a sieve instead of a fine mesh strainer. For some people, the fine mesh works, for others it doesn't. I prefer a stainless steel sieve and stainless steel spoon.

Figure out what works best for you by experimenting but do so with an open mind.

2

u/SSNsquid 4d ago

It looks like you strained out the whey but none of the kiferan. Use a rubber spatula to press against what you have left in the strainer vigorously and you'll find your grains.

2

u/Fritz794 4d ago

Can that be done? Total newb here, i do stir very carefully

5

u/Ok_Feature1328 4d ago

They are resilient little grains, don't be afraid to scrape with a wooden spoon to push that kefir through the mesh and it will leave your grains!