Water kefir grains

[sunnysandiegan]

Let's talk about water kefir grains...

I won an order and will be receiving them in the next two weeks. I need to educate myself so I can hit the ground running when they arrive.

Please share any personal experiences with me (complete newbie) and any useful resources.

Do I need any special supplies/equipment? Certain sizes?

Do I need to know anything about these things to keep them alive? Our house is neither heated nor air-conditioned. We live in San Diego and we humans are comfortable in the house year-round, though we do get a little hot for short periods in Aug-Sep (yesterday was 94 degrees, for example!) and a little chilled in Jan-Feb.

I appreciate any and all tips! Thank you!

[sunnysandiegan]

I've read through several websites and now I'm confused on why there are so many different "rules" or "guidelines"...

Water - So many strong opinions on the type to use and they contradict each other.

Strainer - Same.

Jar lids/covers - Same.

Any insight? Does anyone here make water kefir????? Are your "grains" healthy and multiplying????

[_ktg_]

Heyla Sunny Congratuations on such a wonderful prize!! 

I just came across your post and I hope you are having lots of success with your water kefir grains!  I've only done milk kefir, but the site I loved was culturesforhealth (just google that) as they had wonderful videos on how to manage/prepare water kefir.

I've relied on their instructional videos many times for my milk grains and I'm about to jump into water kefir. 

As for jars/containers - I would just look for something non-reactive (mason jars 1qt sized)

Covers - when actively fermenting - I just use a coffee filter with a rubber band around it.   Storing for drinking later - I put a lid (just a lid/ring combo from the above mason jar) and it goes into the fridge.

Strainers - I know culture for health talks about a plastic strainer, but I use my metal mesh one all the time and it does not hurt my milk grains one bit.  They are quite plentiful and I got a batch in June/July and they mulitple like crazy in that I've given away 4 batches (1/2 cup sizes).

I have no ideas about types of water (like tap, distilled, purfied etc) so I hope you have found answer to that question

[sunnysandiegan]

Thanks! :)

[PennyAsheville]

I was searching "water kefir asheville" and found this site, and your thread here!  I want to try the water kefir, but am hesitant to order....I wondered if anyone had some growth to share? I am not currently crafting more than my family needs, but I do have herbs I can do cuttings- or a nice division of a house plant? Aloe?

Let me know how your progress goes with it- it will be a fun project for sure :) Take care!

--Penny gibbs

[PennyAsheville]

Hi :) I'm new- I was searching about water kefir here in asheville...I sent a message on the thread down a bit- would you have any more info to share? Thanks! --Penny Gibbs

[_ktg_]

Hi Penny - I don't have any water kefir grains right now, only milk.  Usually someone on this board has some grains and many are willing to share.  Good luck!