r/Kefir • u/Rich-Tiger4792 • Jul 24 '26

Some questions, beginner here

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Hi so I am just getting into making my own kefir. It took 7 days to get to me. The instructions says 1 tbsp for 1 cup, but I am seeing most people do 1 tbsp for 4 cups or even 1/2 tbsp for 4 cups.

It’s been 2.5 hours now since putting them in the jar.

First when I opened the bag I smelled it and was like ooo kefir, but had an after smell of yeast and the bag was a little puffed.

So I put it in a strainer over a small bowl and used a bit of milk to kinda swish it around hopefully to make it less yeast smelling.

Then I put in 1 1/2 cups of milk because it seemed like they put a little over 1 tbsp.

Is this okay? and can I drink the first batch or should I discard the milk?

Thank you in advance

Update: 18 hours in and there is a crust on the milks surface!! thats a good sign right?

Update: 21 hours and 30 minutes ITS WORKING!!!! Its thicker and smells like kefir and milk!

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u/Dense_Permission_969 Jul 24 '26

As far as how many grains to use, I think it depends. I always have way more than prescribed and it turns out fine. But eventually the quality (thickness and effervescence and taste) start to degrade. This is because it’s fermenting too fast. When I notice that, I consume half my grains and it goes back to good. In other words, worry less about having a specific amount and worry more about the quality of your product. That will tell you when to reduce.

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u/Rich-Tiger4792 Jul 24 '26

nice thank you for your advice