How to care for milk kefir grains?

In recent years, fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, kimchi, and Greek yogurt have become favorites among younger generations and those looking to improve their health through good nutrition. Specifically, kefir is well-known as bulgaros, milk bulgaros, or yogurt bulgaros. Although today this fermented drink can reach exorbitant prices, it is actually a product many of us remember from our grandmother's kitchen, who washed and soaked them every day, only to treat us with a delicious smoothie. So if you want to save a fortune on kefir and prepare milk bulgaros at home, here’s how to take care of them—it’s very easy! Plus, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this ingredient, its benefits, and more, so take note! You can also read: What are milk bulgaros and what are their benefits? What are bulgaros?Milk bulgaros are a type of bacteria, but don’t worry, they are not harmful to health—in fact, they are the key to the fermentation process that produces kefir. When mixed with milk, the bulgaros act and result in a drink rich in probiotics, with a somewhat sour taste, but a creamy and slightly bubbly texture. The best part about making your own bulgaros at home is that it’s a much more environmentally friendly process, as you can wash and reuse them the next day, ensuring you get a good dose of probiotics daily, but in a much more economical and sustainable way. It’s worth mentioning that bulgaros have been consumed for centuries and are believed to have originated in Turkey thousands of years ago. Back then, nomadic groups used them to preserve milk and yogurt for longer periods. How to take care of milk bulgaros? Taking care of milk bulgaros is very easy; you only need patience, a bowl, milk, a cheesecloth, and a strainer—take note! So follow these tips closely and you’ll have kefir for a long time. Place the bulgaros in a glass or plastic bowl. Cover them with a cheesecloth so oxygen can pass through. Use fresh milk at room temperature. Let the bulgaros sit in the milk for 24 hours. Keep them away from light and the stove. Change the milk every 12 to 36 hours. Wash the bulgaros with drinking water, drain, and store them in a glass or plastic container. You can also read: Differences between probiotics and prebioticsHow to prepare milk bulgaros? Now that you know how to take care of milk bulgaros, let’s explain how to prepare them step by step; kefir is your best option for taking care of your health! 1. Place the bulgaros in a glass or plastic bowl. 2. Pour in the milk. 3. Stir, cover with a cheesecloth. 4. Let sit for 12 to 36 hours. 5. Strain the bulgaros and use the milk to prepare a good smoothie with fruits and seeds or nuts. 6. Rinse the bulgaros, drain, and store them in a glass or plastic container. What are the benefits of consuming bulgaros? According to the Food and Fisheries Information Service, milk bulgaros are an incredible option for everyone, as they have many health benefits, including: Protects the digestive system. Prevents and helps treat infections. Improves diarrhea, constipation, and colitis. Helps repair intestinal flora Moreover, consuming bulgaros milk is also ideal for those who want to include more probiotics in their diets, as these small live microorganisms improve digestion, prevent and alleviate diarrhea, are beneficial for the heart, have a positive impact on the immune system, and could even help with weight loss. Best of all, according to experts, kefir contains around “30 unique species of probiotics, which are known to improve gut health and could aid in the body’s digestive processes”. In addition, bulgaros milk or bulgaros yogurt is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including: Folic acid Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium Vitamin C Vitamin K  Now that you know how to take care of milk bulgaros, how to make kefir at home, and are aware of its many health benefits, go ahead and prepare a good smoothie at home—you won’t regret it! You can also read: What you eat might be taking away your harmony