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Kefir starter culture - For 1 liter - Organic

Starter culture for making Kefir - Recipe included
Product no.: 2403, Weight: 10 g. (Content: 1 g), In stock
Price for
1 item: 36,00 DKK
2 items: 64,00 DKK

Picture of Kefir starter culture - For 1 liter - Organic Økologisk

Kefir starter culture producing a viscous kefir very similar to soured milk and yogurt. Kefir has more than just lactic acid bacteria, as it also contains beneficial yeasts and kefir microorganisms.

The kefir structure depends on fermenting time and temperature. The longer it ferments the more viscous it becomes.

A small portion of the freshly made kefir can be used to culture a new batch.

Sealed in an airtight sachet with dextrose added. May contain traces of lactose. 

Read the recipe for home-made kefir here (opens in new window)

 

Be aware that this kefir does NOT form grains like fresh kefir.

If you want the kefir with grains - Click here.

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Kefir starter culture - For 1 liter - Organic 36,00 DKK
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Contents: 1 g.

Contains the following:

O - Lactococcus lactis sp. lactis
L - Leuconostoc sp. mesenteroides
T - Streptococcus thermophilus
LB - Lactobacillus lactis sp.
KY - Kefir yeasts
K - Kefir microflora


Usage

This starter culture ferments any dairy milk or vegetable milk like soy or coconut as long as is contains adequate amounts of sugars for the bacteria to thrive.

It is also possible to make lactose-free soured milk products or yogurts from dairy. Learn how to make lactose free milk here.

Dosage

Contents of 1 g is intended for 1 liter.

This is a heirloom culture.

A starter culture is defined as either a DVS culture or a heirloom culture.

A DVS culture is designed to give a unique flavors and texture every time. These cultures are called Direct Vat Set cultures or just DVS cultures. If a DSV culture was your base to make a batch and you use some of this as starter culture for your next batch, it could cause an undesireable shift in flavors and textures. This happens when the balance between bacterial strains shifts and may be noticable already after the second batch. It is not a problem to use this first batch as starter for the next but you may find flavors and textures hereafter alter too much. If this happens for you, make a fresh start using a DVS starter.

A DVS culture starter makes up to 25 litres or 250 litres with some chance of reusing the freshly made product as starter culture for more batches. The amount of starter culture to add when making 1 liter is very little - just a few pinches. Store the remainder of the DVS culture in the freezer to retain its activity for many months.

A heirloom culture is designed to make 1 portion of 1-1½ litres. The bacterial composition in a heirloom culture is in balance and only alters slightly from batch to batch, making them a good choice if you want to take out fresh portion as starter culture for the next batch. However, bare in mind, freshness is crucial for any starter culture and you may not always want to make new batches continuously. If so, simply freeze a small portion of the product for later use. Be aware; a defrosted product tend to be less active as starter culture and that poses a risk for changes in flavors and texture.

In sum, each type (DVS vs. heirloom) approximately yields the same amount but a DVS culture is much more convienient if you wish to make a product on occasion and have a break in between batches. DVS cultures barely looses any freshness in the freezer compared to a heirloom culture.

Our cultures come in 3 variations / sizes

  1. (Starter) cultures intended for 1 litre (small, silver sachet)
    This is a heirloom culture.
    It is 1 sachet, and you use the whole content to make your first litre of yogurt.
    You will then use 1 tbls of this yoghurt as a starter for the next batch.
    And you will use 1 tbls of each batch as a starter for the next batch.

  2. Cultures intended for 25 litre (small vials, with snap-cap closure)
    This is a DVS-culture.
    This is a small vial, and you need to use a "pinch" from the vial for each litre of yogurt you make.
    You will eat the whole portion.
    When you have to start making your next batch, you will sttart by using fresh culture from the vial.
    It is perfectly possible to make a new batch by using a small portion of the previous batch, but you will likely observe that the structure and taste will rapidly change.
    If you make 1 litre per batch, you will then be able to produce 25 batches.

  3. Cultures intended for 250 litre (en large sachet).
    This is a DVS-culture.
    This is a large portion (x 10) of the culture, intended for 25 litre.
    Same procedure as described under 2.
    If you make 1 litre per batch, you will then be able to produce 250 batches.


Note om dosering af bakteriekulturer og enzymer


Dosering af bakteriekulturer


Når man giver aktive mælkesyrebakterier de rette vækstbetingelser, dvs. vand, sukker/laktose og den rette temperatur, vil bakterierne formere sig med en hastighed så antallet af mælkesyrebakterier fordobles på cirka ½ time. Bakterierne omsætter sukkeret og vandet til energi og syre, som medfører at væsken bliver mere syrlig i takt med at antallet af bakterier stiger. Når antallet af bakterier efter nogle timer er vokset, er syrligheden af væsken øget, hvilket bevirker at aktiviteten af bakterierne falder. Syrligheden af væsken bliver til sidst så høj at bakterierne ikke længere trives og bakteriernes aktivitet stopper. Som følge af bakteriernes reducerede aktivitet, i takt med øget syrlighed, vil mængden af bakterier som man doserer ved f.eks. opstart af yoghurt eller ostefremstilling ikke være af afgørende betydning for syrningsforløbet. Vores opskrifter angiver ofte doseringen af bakteriekulturer i mængder af ”knivspidse”, hvilket ikke er et præcist mål, blot et udtryk for at der ikke skal bruges ret meget. Som forklaret ovenfor, hvis man laver 2 portioner og doserer dobbelt så meget kultur i den ene som i den anden vil resultatet blot være at den med mindst mængde starterkultur skal syrne ½ time længere end den anden. Man kan derfor udmærket ”strække” forbruget af kultur. Hvis en portion er angivet til at kunne række til 25 liter yoghurt, kan den fint række til mere, hvis man doserer mindre per liter og samtidig blot forlænger syrningstiden en anelse.


Doseringen af enzymer


Enzymer som osteløbe, lipase og laktase er proteiner, som har en kompleks struktur, der har den effekt at hvis enzymet rammer ind i et kaseinmolekyle (for osteløbe), et fedtstofmolekyle (for lipase) eller et laktosemolekyle (for laktase), så brydes kaseinet/fedtstoffet/laktosen op. Efter sammenstødet flyder enzymet uændret videre, rammer ind i flere andre molekyler og fortsætter således nedbrydningen.


Et enzym er ikke en organisme som formerer sig som en mælkesyrebakterie – enzymets effekt er udelukkende en følge af de tilfældige sammenstød af molekylerne. Jo flere sammenstød der sker, des hurtigere går processen og doseringen af enzymet er derfor forholdsvis afgørende for om processen forløber indenfor den tid som procesforløbet gives.


Osteløbe
: Hvis man doserer for lidt osteløbe, vil koaguleringen gå for langsomt og mælken vil ikke stivne som ventet. Doseres for meget osteløbe vil mælken stivne hurtigere, men overdosering kan give bitter eftersmag i osten. Osteløbens effekt er meget afhængig af pH og temperatur. Ved frisk mælk med pH på cirka 6,8 er den optimale temperatur 34°C. Ved syrnet mælk (pH 4-5,5) er osteløben mindre kritisk overfor temperaturen og der doseres typisk mindre osteløbe, hvis mælken er syrnet forinden (f.eks. ved friskost og mozzarella). Til de fleste typer at ost, doseres osteløbe med 1 ml per 5 liter mælk. Man kan dosere mindre osteløbe og kompensere ved at forlænge tiden for koagulering, hvilket også har den effekt, at der tilbageholdes mere vand i ostemassen og osten bliver dermed blødere.


Laktase
: For personer med intolerance overfor laktose, er det vigtigt at laktosen nedbrydes til simple sukkerstoffer, hvilket netop er laktasens effekt. Graden af intolerance er meget individuel. Nedbrydningen af laktosen tager den tid det tager, men doseringen er afgørende for denne tid. Doser efter anvisningen og brug den anviste tid, og inddrag personlige erfaringer. Laktasens effekt er meget afhængig af pH og temperatur. Dette er beskrevet nøjere under beskrivelsen af laktaseproduktet.


Lipase
: Nedbrydningen af fedtstoffer giver smag i ost. Lipasens effekt er derfor ikke vigtig for at osten skabes, men lipasen er betydende for udviklingen af smag efter at osten er fremstillet. Vil du have en almindelig smagsudvikling, doseres lipasen efter anvisning, ellers doserer du mindre eller mere efter behag. Bemærk at man normalt kun tilsætter lipase til feta og blåskimmelost. Mikroorganismerne som man tilsætter til ostemælken, udvikler nemlig også lipase. For andre typer af ost end feta og blåskimmel, vil der blive skabt tilstrækkeligt af lipase gennem mikroorganismernes virke til at smagsudviklingen vil ske passende gennem modningstiden for osten.

Storage and Durability

Store in freezer (-18°C).

Background

Kefir originates from Russia and Caucasus and is a complex interaction between lactic acid bacteria and yeast. 

The internet flourish with praisals about Kefir health benefits. Hjemmeriet holds no account for this and is NOT liable for any side effects caused by ingesting Kefir. There are both for and against out there and Kefir may have individual influence. Seek out information and make up your own mind whether Kefir is for you. However, you should be cautious if you have known reactions to yeast or if you are new to fermented foods and only ingest small amounts in the beginning, gradually increasing the amounts.

Article on documented Kefir influence - Click this link (new window)

Miscellaneous

About fermented milk (yogurt/junket/sour cream)

For a fermented milk product to be traded as "yogurt" it must traditionally contain at least the two following bacterial species; Lactobacillus bulgaricus (or Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) and Streptococcus termophilus (or Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus).

Fermented milk products that do not contain these species can not be marketed as yogurts, even though they often have the same properties as yogurt, in terms of flavor, texture and purpose. They are therefore often referred to as yogurts anyway - hence we speak off all fermented milk products as yogurt.

There is a vast variety of different starter cultures to choose from. All contain species of lactic acid bacteria and can be used with regular dairy milk or nut milks, such as soy or coconut milk.

Yogurt is cherished world wide and as a consequence there is a wide variation in flavor, texture and what bacteria that has been used to ferment the milk. The type of starter culture to choose depends solely on personal preference for flavors and texture.

Health benefits

Fermented milk products are thought to have many health benefits as lactic acid bacteria play a great role in keeping our digestive tract healty. When we consume fermented milk products, some of these bacteria make it to the gut and colonize our digestive system. They help break down food and perform many other health services. When we lack healthy bacteria in our digestive system, we are unable to break down the food properly and our overall health and digestive health can be compromized. By having a healthy gut flora we will not only feel good in your digestive tract - we will also feel more energized and our overall health improves as we benefit from the activities performed by the healthy bacteria.

Yogurt products with a high number of species are known as probiotics and are thought to be the healthiest. However, keep in mind it is not always a good idea to mix several starter culture to increase the probiotic content, as this may not get you great results in terms of flavor and texture. Different species have unique properties that could affect fermentation, flavor and texture. Some multiply at room temperature whilst other species prefer warmer temperatures, thus one will outnumber the other and some times throw the flavoring off.

Each species of lactic acid bacteria is thought to have their own unique health benefits, however Hjemmeriet has not the professional basis for recommending cultures nor specific bacteria if you wish to targets specific health benefits. We recommend that you seek information through the Internet or a professional health care nutritionist with knowledge about the health benefits of lactic acid bacteria. Although our personal opinion is that it it the healthiest to consume a variation of different fermented milk products, made with different strains of bacteria. 

Thermophilic vs. Mesophilic lactic acid bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria are either thermophilic or mesophilic.

The term thermophilic means 'heat-loving'. These bacteria thrive best in warmer termperatures between 38-46°C which then must be provided for them to develop and fermentation to happen correctly. When making yogurt, 42°C is the optimal temperature. The yogurt starter culture is to be added to the luke warm milk and this temperature kept steady for appoximately 4-12 hours. This temperature can be maintained by using a yogurt maker, an oven, kept close to the stove, wrapped up under the bed sheets or in an insulated box. The most commonly know yogurts are Bulgarian, Greek and Acidophilus.

The mesophilic lactic acid bacteria thrive around 20-25°C, and ferments just by being left on the kitchen work top for 12-24 hours. Junkets and sour creams falls under this category.

Since the mesophilic cultures ferment at room temperature, these are somewhat easier to make but with the help of yogurt makers, ovens etc., the thermophilic cultures can be just as easy.

Both types benefit equally in maturing another 12 hours in the frigde, this will enhance better flavors and textures.

Homo - and hetero-fermenting bacterial strains

The bacteria in yogurts convert sugars in milk (mainly lactose) into lactic acid (C3H6O3), thereby raising acidity levels in the milk. Simply because the sugars provide them with the energy they need to thrive and reproduce.

Despite the fact that all species produce lactic acid, they differ in demand for certain conditions as they perform different activities. Some species produce lactic acid only - these are called homofermative. Yet, other species produce CO2 and flavoring substances (Acetyl, Acetaldehyde, and Ethanol) which is what flavors yogurt. These bacteria are called heterofermative. To accomplish nice balanced flavors and textures, the right blend of bacteria is crucial. 

DVS vs. Heirloom yogurt starter cultures

DVS (Direct Vat Set) starter cultures are freeze dried (powder) cultures, ready to mix with milk and ferment your first batch. If you ensure good hygiene, a small portion of the fresh yogurt can be taken out and used to culture the next batch. This can be done only a few times, then the composition of bacteria would have changed so much you will have to start over with frieze dried starter culture.

Fresh yogurts made from heirloom (reusable) starter cultures can be used repeatedly to culture the next batch. In theory, the composition of these cultures are such that they can be reproduced for an infinite number batches without altering the composition of bacteria. However, be aware of potential contamination from other bacteria and do not leave more than 4-5 days inbetween making new batches. 

Flavor

The distinctive sour flavor in yogurts is due to the lactic acid bacteria activity. Flavors vary from slightly sour to distinct sharp acidic flavors. It highly depends on which bacteria you use to ferment, fermenting time and temperature. The longer it ferments the stonger the sourness.

Acidity is measured in pH units. The lower the pH, the more acidic. Fresh milk is about pH 6.8 but long fermentation time could develop pH leves around 4. 

Texture

Yogurt can vary greatly in terms of thickness and texture. Depending on which starter culture you choose, what type of milk and how you ferment it - this will influence the texture.

The thinnest yogurt is "piimä". If piimä is made based on cream the result will be only slightly thickened yogurt and still be consumed with a straw. At the opposite end of the scale you will find Greek yogurts, sometimes with a thickness like mashed potatoes.

Yogurt can be grainy, stringy, creamy or gelatinous, it all depends on the cultures and how it is fermented. 

Why does yogurt turn thick in texture?

In regular milk, the proteins are organized in clusters (micelles) which have a small electric (negative) charge. When two micelles collide in the fresh milk they will therefore repel from each other and will be evenly distributed in the milk.

When milk ferments, sugars are converted into lactic acid that are electrically positively charged. This interferes with the protein's movement as they are slightly negatively charged. The consequence is that the micelles will be more bound to their present position which will result in a thickening of the milk (liquid).

If you like thicker yogurts, heat the milk to 85°C prior to adding your culture, maintain this temperature for up to 30 minutes and cool the milk before adding culture and begin fermenting. This will affect proteins by hydrolyzation and thickens yogurt.

If you like even thicker texture, once fermentation is complete, drain of excess whey using a strainer, a colander lined with a cheese cloth or anything else suitable. It is a good idea to let it drain off while standing in the refrigerator to minimize the risk of contamination from unwanted bacteria. 

Fresh cheese is drained yogurt...

Straining fresh yogurt produces a from of "Fresh Cheese". Remove excess whey as described above or you can also add a bit of rennet to thicken it. By adding a few drops of rennet, the proteins will tangle up in the presence of Calcium and cause a thickening. The whey will effortlessly separate from the proteins and easily be poured off.

Documents


For additional information - please see the following links:For additional information - please see the following links:

Culture Overview

Use the following to understand your possibilities for choosing cultures and enzymes for the production of butter, soured milk or cream, yogurt and cheese.

Read the introductory explanations first. This explains the basics you need to understand the range of possibilities.

Read this first

To make dairy products you typically need starter cultures and eventually enzymes and ripening cultures.

  • Starter cultures contain good and healthy bacteria, typically lactic acid bacteria, which will ensure that the dairy product is acidified to give the product the desired taste and texture.

  • Enzymes are proteins, like rennet to drain of whey or lipase to break down fats.

  • Ripening cultures, when given the right conditions, will change texture and taste, like mould for brie cheese. 

Bacteria strains used in starter cultures are classified based on their temperature for optimal growth:
- Mesophilic bacteria strains have an optimal growth at 20-25°C.
- Thermophilic bacteria strains have an optimal growth at 35-45°C.

A mesophilic starter culture contains mesophilic bacteria strains only.
A thermophilic starter culture contains thermophilic bacteria strains only.
A mix starter culture contains a blend of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria strains.

In addition to the mesophilic/thermophilic classification, bacteria strains are divided into classes (O, D, L, T, Y, A and B), depending on specific properties of the bacteria strains. The O, D and L classes are mesophilic. The T, Y, A and B classes are thermophilic.

The starter culture tables show which bacteria strains each starter culture includes. Additional information is available for the starter cultures:

  • Hover over the class symbol in the top row to see the names of bacterial strains for the class.

  • Hover over the Information symbol to display overall characteristics for the culture like flavour, structure and acid production speed. Where the Information symbol is shown, this indicates that the culture is a heirloom culture, meaning that the starter culture is for fermenting a single portion of milk (used only for soured milk, creme fraiche or yogurt). Following batches can be cultured using a small portion of the previous batch. For non-heirloom cultures (also called DVS cultures), you will use a new portion of the culture each time.

  • Hover over the symbol to see the prices available for the culture. Clicking the symbol adds the specified amount to the cart.

The starter cultures contain blends of bacteria strains depending on the style of the dairy product being made. Some of the cultures are shown to contain the same strains of bacteria; however, those cultures are not identical. They each have a different ratio, percentage or contains individual sub-spieces of strains in order to give the desired result.

Bacteria strains from class D and L are heterofermentive and will produce lactic acid along with CO2 (gas) and diacetyl and/or other components which will contribute a buttery taste. All other acidifying classes are homofermentive, producing only lactid acid and will contribute a more simple acidic taste.

For ripening cultures, proteolysis specifies in which degree the microorganisms breaks down the milk proteins, which contribute to the development of flavour and texture of the product.

Lipolysis specifies in which degree the microorganisms breaks down the milk fats, thereby contributing to the development of fatty acid flavour and texture of the product.

Microorganisms

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Tips

Her er et forslag til en super smoothie / greenie.

Per portion, cirka 3½ dl:

½ avocado
3 kugler hakket, frossent spinat
1-2 cm frisk ingefær
2½ dl væske, f.eks. fra:
- ½ grape
- ½ appelsin
- ½ lime
- ½-1 dl vandkefir, mælkekefir, yoghurt, mælk, havredrik eller lignende
En nip salt

Det hele blender i kort tid og hældes på et stort glas, som kan toppes med en spsk. afskallet hampefrø.

Varier smoothien efter smag - tilsæt gerne et stykke frosset banan, stykker af friske eller frostne grøntsager.

Facts

Current storage information:

- Lotnr: 34210657, Best before date: Okt-2026

Number of units in stock: 8

Shipment weight10g


Shipping (Dänemark): 49,00 DKK - Select country:
You may add additional 390 g for the same shipment price. See more here.


Kefir starter culture - For 1 liter - Organic
Starter culture for making Kefir - Recipe included
Product no.: 2403, Weight: 10 g. (Content: 1 g), In stock
Price for
1 item: 36,00 DKK
2 items: 64,00 DKK

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