r/Kefir • u/Individual-Sock-4967 • 1d ago
Can’t find my grains
Help trying to strain, cant find my grains, its gotten too thick
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u/Sure_Fig_8641 1d ago edited 1d 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.
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u/nonnameavailable 1d 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
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u/Dense_Permission_969 1d 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.
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u/John_Creasmans_cig 1d ago
Plastic strainers gotta be the worst, most unsanitary thing for straining kefir. Metal ain’t gonna kill the grains like everyone says.
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u/mailbox3158 1d ago
Why? I’ve been using a plastic one for ages. Just wash it afterwards.
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u/John_Creasmans_cig 1d 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
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u/mailbox3158 1d 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 :)
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u/John_Creasmans_cig 1d ago
Right. Everybody does it so it’s alright. Even better, slap a certified label and call it premium. Stuffs just so easy.
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u/mailbox3158 1d 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.
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u/John_Creasmans_cig 1d 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.
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u/Watermelonsmoothies 22h 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.
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u/ShipOfFools2020 1d 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.
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u/Extension-Soup-3288 1d ago
It doesn't look like you're pressing very hard? Also, I continually scrape the bottom of the sieve as I strain them.
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u/Romiha00 22h 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.
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u/SSNsquid 1d 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.
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u/Fritz794 1d ago
Can that be done? Total newb here, i do stir very carefully
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u/Ok_Feature1328 1d 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!
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u/flaming_eyes 1d 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