Kefir In Austria: Availability And Popularity

Kefir is a fermented dairy drink that has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits. It is made using raw milk and kefir grains, and it contains a wide variety of beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health and boost the immune system. In Austria, kefir is becoming a customer favourite, with a small increase in production of 1% in 2018. Schärdinger Kefir Drink, made from 100% Austrian milk, is one example of a kefir product available in the country. Additionally, fermentation supplies for making kefir at home can be found at local stores in Vienna, as well as online retailers like Amazon.de.

Where to buy kefir in Austria

Kefir is a fermented dairy drink that has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits. It is very similar to yoghurt and can be made with live kefir grains, dehydrated kefir grains, or with freeze-dried powdered kefir starter culture.

If you are in Austria and want to buy kefir, you can do so from the following places:

• Kefirshop.eu: This online store offers kefir grains, yoghurt, kombucha, and other fermentation-related products. They ship across Europe, including Austria.
• Ubuy: You can buy Lifetime Kefir Milk Kefir Grains online in Austria from Ubuy.
• Local health food stores or organic grocery stores: Unpasteurized kefir can often be found at health food stores or organic grocery stores. You can also try checking with local dairy farmers or specialty food stores.
• Augora Ferments: Based in Vienna, this company offers milk kefir grains and provides instructions and tips for making kefir at home.

When purchasing kefir, especially unpasteurized kefir, it is important to buy from a trusted source to ensure proper storage and handling, as there is a risk of bacterial contamination.

How to make kefir at home

Kefir is a fermented milk drink, similar to yogurt, that is packed with nutrients and probiotics. It is easy to make at home and requires minimal equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make kefir at home:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Kefir grains (live grains are best)
• Milk (cow, goat, soy, coconut, or rice milk)
• Glass jar
• Plastic lid
• Stainless steel or plastic mesh strainer
• Plastic spoon or wooden spoon

Method:

• Place about 2 teaspoons of kefir grains into a clean glass jar.
• Add about 3 cups of fresh milk, leaving some room at the top of the jar.
• Cover the jar with a plastic lid, but do not tighten it.
• Leave the jar in a warm place, out of direct sunlight, for 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, the kefir should be slightly thickened and smell fermented.
• Tighten the lid and shake the jar well.
• Place a strainer over a clean jar and strain the kefir into it.
• At this point, you can add fresh or frozen fruit for a second fermentation, which will increase the amount of probiotics.
• If you don't want to do a second fermentation, you can put the lid on the jar and store the kefir in the refrigerator.
• To make more kefir, simply repeat the process with the kefir grains you have in the strainer. There is no need to rinse the grains.

Tips:

• Use whole milk for the best-tasting and most nutritious kefir.
• Avoid using skimmed milk, ultra-pasteurized milk, or lactose-free milk.
• If using coconut milk, revitalize the kefir grains in animal milk for 24 hours every few days.
• Do not use metal utensils or containers when dealing with kefir, as it can react with the acidity of the ferment.
• Store kefir in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Kefir's health benefits

Kefir is a fermented drink, traditionally made with cow's or goat's milk. It is made by adding kefir grains to the milk. These are not cereal grains but grain-like colonies of yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Over approximately 24 hours, the microorganisms in the kefir grains multiply and ferment the sugars in the milk, turning it into kefir.

Kefir is a fantastic source of many nutrients

A 1-cup serving of low-fat kefir contains calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, riboflavin, magnesium, and vitamin D. It also contains bioactive compounds, including organic acids and peptides, which contribute to its health benefits.

Kefir is a more powerful probiotic than yogurt

Kefir grains contain up to 61 strains of bacteria and yeasts, making them a very rich and diverse source of probiotics. Other fermented dairy products are made from far fewer strains and do not contain any yeasts.

Kefir has potent antibacterial properties

Certain probiotics in kefir, such as Lactobacillus kefiri, are believed to protect against infections by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, Helicobacter pylori, and E. coli. Kefiran, a type of carbohydrate present in kefir, also has antibacterial properties.

Kefir can improve bone health and lower the risk of osteoporosis

Kefir is a great source of calcium and vitamin K2, which are essential for improving bone health and slowing the progression of osteoporosis. Animal studies have associated kefir with increased calcium absorption in bone cells, leading to improved bone density and a reduced risk of fractures.

Kefir may be protective against cancer

The probiotics in fermented dairy products are believed to reduce tumor growth by stimulating the immune system. Test-tube studies have shown that kefir extract reduced the number of human breast cancer cells by a significant percentage. However, further human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Kefir’s probiotics may help with various digestive concerns

Probiotics such as kefir can help restore the balance of friendly bacteria in the gut, making them effective at treating diarrhea. Additionally, evidence suggests that probiotics and probiotic foods can alleviate various digestive concerns, including irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers caused by H. pylori infection.

Kefir is low in lactose

The lactic acid bacteria in kefir turn lactose into lactic acid, so it is much lower in lactose than regular milk. It is generally well-tolerated by people with lactose intolerance and also contains enzymes that can further break down lactose.

Kefir may improve allergy and asthma symptoms

Animal studies have shown that kefir can suppress inflammatory responses related to allergies and asthma. However, further human studies are needed to explore these effects.

Kefir is easy to make at home

Kefir grains are available in health food stores, supermarkets, and online. The process of making kefir at home is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients and equipment.

Kefir's nutritional value

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus Mountains in Eastern Europe, near present-day Turkey. It is made by adding kefir "grains" (colonies of yeast and bacteria) to cow, goat, or sheep milk. The drink is high in probiotics and has a range of potential health benefits.

A one-cup serving of low-fat kefir contains:

• Carbohydrates: 11.5 grams
• Calcium: 300 milligrams (30% of the daily value)
• Phosphorus: 20% of the daily value
• Vitamin B12: 29% of the daily value
• Riboflavin (B2): 25% of the daily value
• Magnesium: 7% of the daily value
• Vitamin D: 12% of the daily value
• Vitamin A: 6% of the daily value
• Sodium: 4% of the daily value

In addition, kefir has about 104 calories, 11.6 grams of carbs, and 2–3 grams of fat, depending on the type of milk used.

Kefir is also a good source of protein, providing 8 grams of complete protein per 8-ounce serving. This means it contains all the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce.

Kefir is often touted for its health benefits, including improved digestion, a boosted immune system, and reduced risk of certain diseases. It is also said to be beneficial for bone health, heart health, and blood sugar management.

Kefir's popularity in Austria

Kefir is indeed available in Austria, and its popularity is on the rise. In 2019, Austrian dairies witnessed a surge in kefir production, with a total of 14.5 million kg of kefir being produced, reflecting a significant increase over the past five years. This increase in production aligns with the growing popularity of kefir among Austrian consumers.

Kefir, a fermented dairy drink, has gained traction in Austria due to its perceived health benefits. It is known for its high protein and calcium content, as well as its potential to improve digestion and boost the immune system. The drink is also suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals as it contains enzymes that aid in lactose digestion.

The availability of kefir in Austria is facilitated by local suppliers and retailers. Schärdinger, for example, offers a kefir drink made from 100% Austrian milk, which can be purchased from the online supermarket Gurkerl.at. Additionally, fermentation enthusiasts can find the necessary supplies for making kefir at home in various stores and websites, including Amazon.de, Wilhaben, and IKEA.

Austria's dairy sector is well-developed, with a significant focus on organic milk production. In 2019, Austrian dairies were supplied with a substantial amount of raw milk, and the country continues to be a front-runner in the organic milk sector. This emphasis on organic milk aligns with the increasing popularity of kefir, as consumers seek out the perceived health benefits associated with organic and fermented products.

Frequently asked questions