The marvels of milk kefir lie in the hidden world of its microbiota – a complex network of bacteria and yeasts working harmoniously to ferment the milk, resulting in a tangy, nutritious beverage loaded with probiotics. Milk kefir's rich microbial diversity sets it apart from other fermented products, contributing to its unique flavor, texture, and health benefits.
In this guide, we take a deep dive into the world of these microscopic warriors. We've catalogued an impressive 59 strains of bacteria and yeasts found in milk kefir, shedding light on their specific roles and impacts on our health. From the well-known Lactobacillus and Streptococcus species to the less-studied Candida and Yarrowia yeasts, each strain adds another layer to the multifaceted profile of milk kefir.
Join us as we unravel the microcosm of milk kefir, one strain at a time.
Lactobacillus Species:
- Lactobacillus kefiri
- Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens subsp. kefiranofaciens
- Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens subsp. kefirgranum
- Lactobacillus parakefiri
- Lactobacillus brevis
- Lactobacillus casei subsp. pseudoplantarum
- Lactobacillus hilgardii
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus helveticus
11. Streptococcus thermophilus
- Streptococcus paracitrovorus
- Streptococcus lactis
14. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis
- Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis
- Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris
17. Enterococcus durans
- Enterococcus faecium
- Enterococcus faecalis
20. Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris
- Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides
- Leuconostoc dextranicum
- Leuconostoc lactis
Dekkera Yeasts:
24. Dekkera anomala/Brettanomyces anomalus
25. Kluyveromyces marxianus/Candida kefyr
- Kluyveromyces lactis
Candida Yeasts:
27. Candida milleri
- Candida famata
- Candida firmetaria
- Candida kefyr
- Candida krusei
Yarrowia Yeasts:
32. Yarrowia lipolytica/Candida lipolytica
Debaryomyces Yeasts:
33. Debaryomyces hansenii/Candida famata
- Debaryomyces [Schwanniomyces] occidentalis
Issatchenkia Yeasts:
35. Issatchenkia orientalis/Candida krusei
Galactomyces Yeasts:
36. Galactomyces geotrichum/Geotrichum candidum
Saccharomyces Yeasts:
37. Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Saccharomyces subsp. torulopsis holmii
- Saccharomyces pastorianus
Acetobacter Species:
40. Acetobacter aceti
- Acetobacter rasens
Others/Unidentified Species:
42. Pseudomonas species
- Escherichia species
- Serratia species
- Citrobacter species
- Klebsiella species
- Bacillus species
- Raoultella species
- Xanthomonas species
- Flavobacterium species
- Rahnella species
- Pediococcus species
- Propionibacterium species
- Gluconacetobacter species
- Gluconobacter species
- Zygosaccharomyces species
- Candida glabrata
- Candida guilliermondii
- Candida pseudotropicalis
We've journeyed through the fascinating world of microorganisms that make milk kefir the probiotic powerhouse it is. We've unveiled a diverse microbiota of 59 strains of bacteria and yeasts, each contributing to the unique properties and health benefits of this fermented drink. As we've seen, the complexity and diversity of these microorganisms play a crucial role in making milk kefir a nutritious addition to our diet.
But this exploration doesn't stop here. Now that we have discovered the individual players in this microscopic symphony, it's time to see them all together in one place. Our next article presents a comprehensive summary of the bacteria and yeasts found in milk kefir. This easy-to-reference guide provides an overview of each strain's benefits and the scientific research supporting them, all collected in handy tables.
The world of milk kefir's microbiota is diverse and enchanting. With each new piece of knowledge, we appreciate this fermented marvel a little more. Stay tuned for our next article where we bring this rich microbial diversity together, further unraveling the health benefits of milk kefir. Until then, raise a glass of kefir to good health!
