Strainer bags for individual grains?

[HarrisB]

I'm totally new to making kefir and the first challenge I've come across is separating the kefir grains from the thick curds. It can be so hard to pick them out. One solution I read about is putting your grains in muslin bags, but that can make the milk ferment less.

What if I made strainer bags out of plastic that's open like a real strainer? Or even more open than that, and just tight enough to keep the grains inside? I figure I could even use different sizes of mesh for different sized grains. I'd love to hear what y'all think.

[AlexP]

You are right about the muslin bags. It sounds like a great idea, but it just doesn't ferment as well. It's possible to make something else, but I would caution against using anything plastic. I personally do not trust plastic (even food grade plastic) for long term contact with kefir as it is very acidic and will leech the plastic. I would simply recommend getting the timing right on the ferment and not let it overfement. If you catch it at the right time, its quite easy to strain.

Alex