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If you are looking for tips on how to activate water kefir grains, this is the article you need to read. We will discuss ingredients, describe the process step-by-step and look for answers on most common issues with activating.
Water kefir is not just one of more delicious and fresh beverages, it’s also very rich in live microorganisms. So, to take advantage of all the benefits, homebrewing is the way to go. First step in preparing water kefir at home is obtaining the kefir grains. Whether you get them fresh or dehydrated, it’s quite probable that you will need to activate water kefir grains first.
Even fresh grains, if they weren’t used for fermenting, for example if they travelled by mail or were stored in the fridge, need to be activated before use. The same is with dehydrated grains, which need to be rehydrated first too.
You will need water kefir grains, glass jar with a lid, water and sugar and optionally some additional minerals.
If you have fresh grains, they probably arrived in liquid. Strain them and rinse them with room temperature water before you start activating them.
Our packs of Organic water kefir grains include 5g of dehydrated grains. They reconstitute to 30g fresh kefir grains. For activating this amount of kefir grains, we recommend using 200 ml of water with sugar diluted in it.
You will notice some signs that your grains are becoming more active.
It can take up to a month for grains to reach complete activity, but you can start preparing kefir before that. After you will be fermenting for a while you will notice, that grains start to grow and adjust well to the ingredients and the environment conditions you ferment in.
Another factor that is important with fermentation is the temperature. Recommended temperature for fermenting water kefir is 22-26 °C. Ferment in a dark place or at least do not expose to direct sunlight.
Establish a routine with your kefir preparation. If the grains are fed regularly and without long breaks, they will be more active and will grow and multiply.
It’s crucial to get used to idea that the kefir grains are live microorganisms. Even though we know a lot about them and know the recipes for keeping them healthy, something unexpected can still happen. For example, grains slow down or stop working without any apparent reason. Try giving them a possibility that they are only taking a rest and be patient with them.
For more details on caring for water kefir grains, visit our Learn center.
We didn’t answer all your questions here? Let us know in comments.
Hello,
I wonder why some grains are transparent white, does it come from raffined suggar ? In my culture they’re more yellow / light brown, I use can sugar and fruits every time.
Hi!
That’s probably the reason, brown sugar and fruits often color the grains. That is OK though.
Hello, that’s really useful! I am confusing why my kefir grains can’t be activated. Now I know it takes times and your recommendations are reasonable. Thanks a lot! I will try again.
Hi Theodora, thank you for the comment. Hope you manage to activate your cultures.
Hello,
I have followed the instructions and my grain don’t seem to be active 🥲
They are now thick and fluffy. But there is no kefir smell or bubbles and the water is still very sweet. There are no signs of fermentation.
Have you got any tips to help them?
Thanks,
Joe
Hi Joe,
many things may affect the activations of water kefir grains. It could be a problem with water. Did you try adding some minerals, for example a piece of ginger root or any other fruit (fig)?