Probiotics

[margaret@rothwel]

This is a money saving tip. If you are spending 'loads o' money' on probiotic drinks in little tubs, I recommend that you make your own -very easy!

I make Kefir - google it for more info.

What you need:- milk (I use UHT whole milk)
glass jar with lid (I use a 908gram jamjar)
kefir 'grain' - costs about a fiver but it lasts forever
and a plastic sieve to strain it and recover the grain for the next batch

The kefir grain looks like a small piece of cauliflower. It grows like yeast does, so eventually you can split it and give it to friends.

I have even made my own cream cheese with kefir.
It is a fermented milk drink which lasts for ages in the fridge - it doesnt go mouldy and isnt sour tasting.

Probiotics are dear to buy but cheap to make, -a few minutes to fill a jar gives you the good stuff 24 hours later.

[margaret@rothwel]

PS - my grains are ready to divide - anyone want a piece to try?

[Col.Kurtz]

Just had a google for it, sounds like cool stuff and easy to make. One site suggests that amongst other things it creates serotonin (feel good chemicals). I always thought those probiotic products were for women's troubles and "that bloated feeling", but I've not had any stomach trouble for years so never tried it. Might be interested in making some now.

[WillowTheWhisp]

I would love to have a go Margaret but if Col K wants the piece you are offering of course it's first come first served. I could do with something improving my health!

I used to do something once which I wish I could remember the name of. (The kids are making so much stupid noise here that I can't think straight.) It was a sort of flat pancake thing which fermented when kept to a specific temperature in a liquid but also formed a new pancake every time so you either ended up with loads or gave them away to everybody you knew. I stopped doing it because we needed the cupboard for something else.

You were supposed to make it with tea but I made it with raspberry leaf tea on account of being a Mormon.

[WillowTheWhisp]

I've just googled it too and see that it helps with metabolic problems - that's me! I have metabolic problems and the doctor is struggling to find a solution. This could be just what I'm looking for.

[margaret@rothwel]

Grain to Willow tonight - If you want a piece - I can spare another - just ask

[WillowTheWhisp]

I'm looking forward to this. Got my little cauliflower chap in milk now and just hoping that the top of my fridge is warm enough for it.

[Digsyboy]

cauliflower milk
yummy

you'll have to let us know how it goes hun?

[WillowTheWhisp]

I don't have a plastic seive though This is going to be my problem now. I shall have to just fish the thing out with a plastic spoon and hope all will be OK.

[margaret@rothwel]

It will be Ok to fish out the piece of grain with a plastic spoon. After that (If you dont sieve it) you may find you need to whisk or blend it together before drinking it because it will have separated into curds and whey. It is lovely blended with berry fruits and honey as a smoothie. I drink it unsweetened too. It isnt sour or bitter

[Magpi 47]

Is there any way of making it if you suffer from milk intolerance?

[margaret@rothwel]

When I was websearching it I remember reading that there is type of Kefir grain which can be used in water. It isn't the sort that I have so I havent researched it -sorry. Try google -thats where I found lots of sites with advice and places to buy.
PS I remember now that I read that some lactose intolerant people are using it without ill effects

[WillowTheWhisp]

I've been reading the websites and they nearly all say that people who are lactose intollerant can drink it because the thing they are intollerant to is affected by the thingummy and doesn't react the same.

[Magpi 47]

that is interesting...about the lactose intolerant folk being able to drink it....Having said that I am not really keen on milk....what am i saying?
i flipping loathe the stuff...so being intolerant isn't a big deal for me.
having some milk or milk products won't kill me, but it makes me very bloated and causes disruption in bowel habits.....not a nice topic i know.

[Mercury]

Originally Posted by Magpi 47

that is interesting...about the lactose intolerant folk being able to drink it....Having said that I am not really keen on milk....what am i saying?
i flipping loathe the stuff...so being intolerant isn't a big deal for me.
having some milk or milk products won't kill me, but it makes me very bloated and causes disruption in bowel habits.....not a nice topic i know.

You can tell you were a nurse! :bighug: