I Drank Chewy Sour Milk On Purpose

Homemade kefir. Photo Credit: David Niergarth/Flickr

As a foodie, I'm always willing to try something new. Usually the goodies are appetizing, colorful and well, palatable.

Last week a friend lovingly shared her decades old recipe for kefir. This fermented dairy drink is completely new to me. When she offered a sample, in a pretty glass jar, I wasn't excited.

It was lumpy, thick and smelled like sweaty socks. Knowing she wouldn't be pulling a fast one on me, she really did want me to drink this stuff. I graciously accepted her "treat" and took it home to try later.

I looked into that glass and wondered what I was getting into. It looked like watery cottage cheese. How was I supposed to drink that?

As I Googled information about kefir, I glanced back and forth between my computer monitor and that pretty little glass of lumpy milk. Finally, I decided to just go for it. I took a drink.

Sour. Chewy. Tangy. Tart.

I kept reminding myself of the wonderful healthy benefits everyone lists online. Kefir contains:

• beneficial bacteria for digestive health
• immunity boosting properties
• calcium for strong bones and teeth
• protein without a high fat content
• B vitamins to nourish the blood and nervous system

Then I took another drink/bite. I had to give it a chance. But the sour odor made me start to feel queasy, so I put the glass in the refrigerator. I had enough. Unfortunately, the kefir's next stop was the garbage disposal.

So, fellow foodies, tell me, do you like kefir? Was I supposed to eat the chewy kefir grains or just drink the liquid? Was it supposed to be so sour? Although I'm not a huge fan of sour flavors, I enjoy pickles and sauerkraut, but this type of sour just seemed off to me.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living