Kefir has a definite expiry date. This date is a guideline for consumers to determine if it’s safe to use. If the grains appear white, chunky, and elastic, they should be thrown out. The consistency should also be firm and odorless. If the grains are too thick or runny, throw them out. If it looks watery, it’s probably not good.
A clear sign that your Kefir is going wrong is the presence of mold. The mold may be present in the bottle, or pink or orange spots appear on the surface. If you notice a moldy look or smell, it isn’t good. Similarly, if the Kefir has started to separate, it’s likely wrong. If it has an off smell, it’s probably stale.
If the kefir grains are not as soft as usual, you can discard them. This is because the kefir grains do not need to propagate to grow and become unhealthy. If you don’t see new growth, toss it out. You can retry the process until there are enough new grains to make Kefir. The Kefir must be fermented in an unheated room for about a week.
Kefir Nutrition Fact
How To Tell If Kefir Is Bad?
Look for the following symptoms to see whether your Kefir has gone wrong:
Presence of mold on top of Kefir
That is the most unambiguous indication. It could be a sizeable fuzzy growth, or a few pink or orange spots are strewn about.
The presence of mold is the most obvious sign that your Kefir has gone wrong. While you can’t smell any mold, it should be slightly sour, and its appearance and smell should be buttermilk-like. In addition, it should smell sour and not be moldy. The color of the Kefir will also indicate if it has gone wrong. When it smells bad, you should discard it and look for new Kefir.
Even though it’s impossible to test Kefir’s condition, it’s easy to determine that it has gone wrong. The first thing to look for is mold growth, and this will look fuzzy and pink and indicate that the Kefir is terrible. Moreover, it’s not good if the Kefir is clumped or has a grainy texture.
Heavy Separation
It’s no longer good if it looks like water with several virtually solid bits. It should have a texture similar to buttermilk.
The Off Or Too Sour Smell
Sure, Kefir can have a sour or vinegary smell, but get rid of it if it was moderate when you first opened the box and is now harsh and biting.
A sour or moldy odor is another sign that your Kefir has gone wrong. The aroma will be much more robust than it was before. If the Kefir smells rotten or is smelly, you should discard it. Otherwise, you’ll have to eat it immediately. Fortunately, if you’ve made a little kefir in advance, you’ll have plenty to snack on. It’s a great way to store extra Kefir and use it in salad dressings and smoothies.
Tastes Too Sour
Like a living product, Kefir improves in taste and strength over time. And at some point, your taste receptors will tell you that it’s too much. If that’s the case, toss it out or try incorporating it into a dish that calls for it.
One of the most common ways to tell if Kefir is sour is observing it. It should be a milky white color with a sour smell. If it’s orange or pink, it has gone wrong. Its appearance will be sour and should have an off smell. The grain will have a pronounced sour smell. If it is fuzzy, it’s time to discard it.
What Is the Shelf Life of Kefir?
One approach is to presume it will not spoil and discard it after the flavor has become too solid or spoiled. But don’t worry if you’re not entirely comfortable with that method; it’s not the only one.
You can also do it the old-fashioned way, by looking at the date printed on the label. Because Kefir is a fermented product, use that data to guide how long the dairy drink’s flavor should last.
Kefir should last two to three weeks or until the expiration date on the label. Once the product has passed that date, the taste will become too strong sooner or later. Depending on your preferences, it can take anywhere from five days to a week.
The shelf life of Kefir doesn’t change once you open the package ([LW]), but there’s always the risk of microbial infection causing the Kefir to degrade. That means it’s not a given that the Kefir you opened two weeks before its expiration date will remain in excellent condition until then.
What Is The Best Way To Store Kefir?
Kefir should be kept in the refrigerator, plain and straightforward.
Refrigeration keeps it safe to eat while also slowing down the fermentation process. And the reason for the relatively extended shelf life I said is that the fermentation occurs slowly and steadily.
Make sure the leftovers are tightly wrapped once you’ve opened the container.
If the Kefir arrives in a bottle or a resealable carton, this isn’t an issue. However, if it comes in a non-resealable plastic container, pour the leftovers into a mason jar, especially if you plan to keep them for a few days.
Conclusion
The appearance of Kefir is essential. It should be thick and creamy. If it’s grainy, it means it’s spoiled. The color and smell will change, but sour Kefir is safe to eat. The texture will vary depending on the season and the fermentation temperature. This is healthy food to consume, and there’s no reason to avoid it.
Kefir is a living product and is best to store in the fridge to prevent spoilage. Please keep it in the refrigerator for an extended period, and it should be consumed within a few days of opening. If the grains are stressed, they will begin to deteriorate. The good news is that Kefir is a highly resilient product and can bounce back if given the right conditions.
