Do I need to wash the grains?

No. Routine rinsing is unnecessary. Strain them and transfer them directly into fresh milk.

Can I use lactose-free milk?

Fermentation becomes less predictable because traditional kefir grains normally rely on lactose as an important substrate. If you want to maintain vigorous grains over time, regular dairy milk is the simplest option. Fermentation reduces some of the lactose in milk, but finished kefir should not automatically be considered lactose-free.

Is separated kefir still usable?

Usually, yes. Separation into thicker curds and yellowish whey generally means fermentation has progressed further. That is different from coloured or fuzzy surface growth.

How to Make Milk Kefir at Home

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