Table of Contents
If a longer break is required, we recommend drying the water kefir grains. Lay them on a piece of unbleached parchment paper in a safe location. Dry at room temperature for 3 to 5 days, depending on humidity and room temperature. Or, use a dehydrator as long as the grains do not get heated above 85°F.
How do you dehydrate kefir grains?
Instructions for Activating Milk Kefir Grains Empty the entire packet of dehydrated milk kefir grains into 1 cup fresh, cold pasteurized milk (don’t use raw milk for activation) and stir. Cover with a coffee filter or cloth, secured by a rubber band and place in a warm spot, 68°-85°F, to culture.
How do you save water kefir grains?
The best way to store water kefir grains (and ginger beer plant) Step 1: Simply place your grains in a clean jar. Step 2: Pour sugar water (1 tablespoon of sugar per cup) or finished kefir or plain unchlorinated water over grains. Step 3: Cover with lid and store in the fridge for up to 6 months.
How do you dry kefir grains for storage?
Drying the Kefir Grains Lay them on a piece of unbleached parchment paper in a safe location. Place dried milk kefir grains in an air-tight bag; add a small amount of powdered milk. Store in refrigerator for up to 6 months.
What can I do with leftover water kefir grains?
7 Ways to Use Your Extra Kefir Grains Feed Them to Your Pets. Feed them to your pets (cows, goats, chickens, cats, and dogs!) Share the Grains. Give your kefir grains to friends! Kefir Grain Smoothie. Kefir Grain Smoothie Bowl. Kefir Grain Dips. Add Them To Your Compost ???????????? Freeze Your Extra Kefir Grains.
How do you reactivate dehydrated kefir grains?
Reactivation (Day 1 to 7) Place the milk kefir grains in the jar. Add ½ cup of milk (125ml). Cover and let stand at room temperature (19-25°C). After 8 hours, mix regularly using a clean spoon or by shaking your closed container up and down (a very effective technique!) After 24 hours, filter and rinse with warm water.
Can water kefir ferment too long?
When water kefir is finished, it tastes a bit sweet still. If you prefer it more sour you can over ferment it. If you leave it for a very long time it may become even to sour to drink. After long fermentation, it becomes more sour, even vinegar-like in taste.
Why are my water kefir grains disintegrating?
Grains can break apart, disintegrate, and become mushy for a few reasons: Over-culturing: In warmer temperatures, shorten the culturing time and transfer the grains to new sugar water more frequently. Over-mineralization: An unrefined sugar and water that is high in minerals may be too much for the grains.
How many times can you reuse water kefir grains?
If cared for properly, water kefir grains have an unlimited life span and can be used repeatedly to make water kefir. Kefir made with a powdered kefir culture (direct-set) can often be recultured from 2-7 times.
How do you know if water kefir grains are dead?
To find out if your water kefir grains have died, you can test them by making them ferment a new batch. If the grains are dead, the water will remain very sweet and there will be no sign of fermentation. Another sign is the appearance of mould on the surface.
Does water kefir multiply?
Water kefir grains are known to grow and multiply, but at times they can be reluctant to do so. Because of wide variations in culturing conditions and ingredients, we cannot guarantee that the grains will multiply, but when cared for properly, they should make good water kefir indefinitely.
How long do water kefir grains last?
The water kefir grains should be safe and healthy for up to 3 weeks. When ready to make water kefir again, separate the grains from the storage liquid, place in fresh sugar water, and culture as usual.
Can you ferment kefir in the fridge?
You can try fermenting in the fridge during the day, and letting it sit out on the counter during the night. Or you can immediately place the kefir in a thick cooler after pouring cold milk into it (or add cool water or a little ice pack in the cooler to help keep it cool).
Can I eat my water kefir grains?
Can you eat the kefir grains too? Yes. They are rather bland – flavorless except for the lingering flavor of the kefir (or sugar-water) that they are in (unlike delicious milk kefir grains which are like sour gummy worms). They are however very benificial for your health because they’re chalk full of probiotics.
Can you compost water kefir grains?
At that point, you can either add more sugar-water if you want more kefir, eat them or store them (it’s always a good idea to have some back-up grains on hand). They also are a good addition to a compost pile! 🙂 Eating the grains is another way to get a mega dose of probiotics.
Which is better for you kombucha or water kefir?
Both beverages are rich in beneficial probiotics that put your gut in good shape, and both are great for hydration. While kombucha seems to have more nutrients like enzymes and antioxidants, water kefir contains a greater number of probiotic bacteria strains. So which you consume mostly comes down to a matter of taste.
How do you know when water kefir is ready?
How do you know when the kefir is ready? When you nudge the jar and bubbles fly up from the bottom, and if it has a sour bite (not just a flat extremely sweet water) it is most likely ready. To test just stick a straw or spoon in to try. ‘Double dipping’ is ok but not really recommended.
