SAUGEEN COUNTRY KEFIR

Kefir — The Secret Superfood

 

Kefir is a fermented milk product with a delicious taste that is enjoyed throughout Europe for its unique flavour and health benefits. 

Kefir has a thinner texture than yogurt, is lightly carbonated and has a characteristic tangy flavour.  Kefir, whose name comes from the Turkish word for “well-being,” has a long history of use in treating everything from stomach ulcers to pneumonia.

Kefir contains naturally occurring probiotic bacteria that offer many health benefits. On top of being packed with nutrients, kefir is easily digested and can help to relieve common gastrointestinal problems, including lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome. It is a high source of protein and calcium, and rich in B vitamins. Kefir can be used in a multitude of recipes or enjoyed by itself as a beverage or with a spoon.

Because of the carbonated nature of kefir, there is always some pressure
under the seal and the top of the container should bulge slightly.

Kefir Recipes:

Not sure how to introduce kefir into your diet? Try out some of our favourite recipes!

Saugeen Country Banana Blueberry Smoothie -

Ingredients:
- half a banana
- 1/2 cup of blueberries
- 1/2 cup of Saugeen Country Kefir
- Honey (as an optional sweetener)

Directions:
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Pour & enjoy!

Markdale Maple Crunch -

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of Saugeen Country Kefir
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 a shredded apple
- crushed pecans

Directions:
Mix kefir with maple syrup and shredded apple. Top with crushed pecans or any other dried fruits or nuts for a delicious indulgence.

Probiotic count:

 

Under the labelling guidelines, only a few organisms can be called probiotic. In our kefir, these are the acidophilus (= Lactobacillus johnsonii) and Bifidus bacteria. Some dairies count all the live organisms and arrive at astronomical numbers. The number of live probiotic organisms goes down over the course of the shelf life because the ongoing fermentation causes the pH level in the kefir to drop. Bacteria are quite sensitive to a low ph environment.

Quick Facts:

Number of live probiotic organisms per gram:

Day 7:  16 Million

Day 21:14 Million

Day 35:13 Million

The number of live organisms in our kefir is a lot higher, they just cannot be all called “probiotic” by the CFIA standards.


 

Strains in our Kefir Culture:

  • Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactis

  • Lactococcus lactis subsp. Cremoris

  • Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactis biovar. Diacetylactis

  • Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. Cremoris

  • Bifidobacterium lactis

  • Lactobacillus johnsonii

  • Streptococcus thermophilus

Our kefir does NOT contain yeast strains.

Day 1 of shelf life is 45 days prior to the best before date on the lid.