The kefir that I remember (in Moscow) was indeed fairly thin. I think mostly
because it was not-quite done. The commercial process is to only ferment for 12
hours at about 23C and then post-ferment another 12 hours at 2-4C. So, no time
for maturation. I remember it somewhat thickening in the fridge in the next
couple of days though. But nothing close to what I get in my kitchen where I can
play with different milks, time, etc.
I cannot say that Moscow kefir was fizzy. Rather not. Although it would acquire
a mild tang (without in-your-face fizziness) over a few days. After a week it
would even separate in the fridge -- but nobody (at least in my family) would
ever consider drinking it. Tastes differ though. :-)
I am very glad to hear you've got the thickening. It's a *very* important
indication that things are right. Please do not be alarmed by lack of fizz (or
lack of separation LOL). You'll still get your tang after
maturing/post-fermenting your kefir in the fridge in a couple of days.
And giving grains to breathe is a very important part of it. I do read people
dissecting those poor grains and saying that this or that particular bacteria
does not need/like oxygen. Maybe it the yeast that needs oxygen. Who cares? I
know that kefir grains as a whole *do* need oxygen to produce good stuff. So,
instead of saying to my grains -- according to some sources you are not supposed
to need oxygen, I give them that plenty. They pay me handsomely with delicious
creamy and thick never-separated kefir.
Thanks,
Vladimir.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kefir_making@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Kefir_making@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Lizzie Moore
Sent: Monday, 24 April 2006 1:00 PM
To: Kefir_Making
Subject: [Kefir_making] Maxim and Vladimir
So I guess when they make Kefir in Russia in those big
steel vats, it comes out thinner and fizzy because its like Kefir from a screw
top jar? I am amazed at how thick my Kefir batch was, that I did with just a
busted off CD holder on top, so plenty of air could get in through the one cm
hole. Blessed day, I achieved the mystical thickening!
best, Lizzie in Oz
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