Keeping Up With Kefir

When you first arrive in Russia, you might notice this strange product in the supermarket refrigerators. It’s called kefir and it looks like milk – but don’t try adding it to your tea or coffee!

What is kefir?

Kefir is a cultured milk drink that originated in the Caucasus Mountains. It’s most popular in Russia and Central Asia, although it can be found all over the world. Kefir is made using kefir grains, which contain a variety of bacteria and yeasts. These grains are fermented in milk to produce a drink that looks a bit like thin yoghurt.

What does kefir taste like?

Kefir tastes like yoghurt, but with a sour edge and a hint of fizz. The tart taste can take some getting used to at first, but once you get used to it, it’s actually quite refreshing. The sourness is caused by the grains, which ferment the lactose in the milk to produce lactic acid, which in turns causes the bacteria in the grains to proliferate and produce carbon dioxide. The longer the drink is left to ferment, the sourer it tastes.

Why should I try kefir?

Besides getting a taste of Russian culture? Well, for one thing, kefir comes with a whole host of health benefits. Not only is it a good source of calcium, protein and other nutrients, but it’s also packed to the brim with probiotics, the friendly bacteria that help your stomach run smoothly. For this reason, kefir is a popular cure-all in Russia. It’s said to improve digestion and help prevent and treat gastrointestinal problems, and many Russians attribute their svelte figures to kefir, which is believed to help control appetite and manage weight.

And there is science to support kefir’s status as a superfood, with some studies suggesting that kefir can help control blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and might even have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties too. (However, it’s worth noting that further research is required before we can say for certain if these effects exist for humans in the real world.)

There’s also some evidence to suggest that, because kefir grains break down all the lactose in the milk, kefir is safe for individuals who are lactose intolerant. So, if you usually have to avoid dairy, you might still be able to give kefir a whirl.

How can I enjoy kefir?

Kefir is ready to drink straight from the carton, so you don’t need to do anything to cook or prepare it. You can:

• Drink it on its own
• Pour it over a bowl of cereal or fruit
• Add it to smoothies or milkshakes
• Use it as a dressing or dip

If you don’t like plain kefir, you can buy brands that have added sugar or flavours. Alternatively, you can sweeten it yourself, for example with cinnamon or cocoa.

That said, kefir is also a versatile cooking ingredient (although heat is likely to reduce the probiotic properties). An online search reveals thousands of kefir recipes, from sourdoughs and banana bread to meat marinades and potato salads. Kefir is also the main ingredient in okróshka (a cold Russian soup) and chłodnik litewski (a cold Lithuanian soup) and can be added to hot soups to make them creamier.

By now, you should be well and truly caught up with kefir. Once you’ve tried it, why not let us know what you think on Facebook or Instagram? We’re sure you’ll be as kefir-krazy as we are in no time!

Posted by Leah E

Leah is studying Russian at Liden & Denz Language Centre in St. Petersburg, while interning as a Blogger/Editorial Assistant.