Kefir – A Popular Russian Drink

Kefir is most likely something that if you live in America, you do not drink. In fact being also considered sour milk – Kefir would get a lot of disgusting looks from people in America.

The closets thing in America that I can compare to it is buttermilk…

When I first came to Russia years ago, I was confronted not by vodka as the Western world thinks you would be, but by everyone drinking this terrible milk drink called Kefir!

What is Kefir? – – Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originated with shepherds of the Caucasus region, who discovered that fresh milk carried in leather pouches would occasionally ferment into an effervescent beverage. Kefir grains are a combination of bacteria and yeasts in a matrix of proteins, lipids, and sugars. This symbiotic matrix forms “grains” that resemble cauliflower. (Link)

Sounds just plain terrible and I refused to give into the tradition of drinking this beverage so loved by most Russians. Until about 6 months ago…

I finally after years of prodding by my wife, I decided to drink a whole glass full. Not just sip at it and make faces at the taste like I normally would. I drank that glass full of Kefir and after that found that I really liked the flavor. It was satisfying to the pallet and when I read about how the Russians consider it excellent for your health. I decided to make it part of my regular diet and find out if it helps…

By Golly, I feel better after a few months of drinking this fermented milk and now drink more than my Russian wife. I have lost almost 20 pounds and Kefir has been a part of that weight loss…

Windows to Russia!

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