I've been using my water kefir grains for 8 months, they multiply, but they've gotten much smaller, almost sludgy. Anything I can do to perk them up?
509052
i would rinse them in some good water then put some raisins in with the sugar water, that should help.
509053
Using boiled water that has been cooled along with mineral drops is important. Are you doing these things?
668854
I put them in a blender to shred them into flakes. I do this with a few cups at a time, and it lasts me a while. I then put 1 tablespoon of this in milk at the same time as I add granola, and they soften perhaps a little faster than the rolled oats. I also sometimes add them to a glass of kefir.The strangest thing I've tried is putting some on pizza.I suppose you could add these shredded flakes to a dry trail mix, and it wouldn't be bad to chew.
1464320
Maybe you put too much in the jar. Does it do this for liquids only or for provisions and grains as well? If so it just might mean you put too much.
154344
I find that I have to keep an eye on a lot of things i cook. Try two things: a hair less water, and pulling it early. (Try separately, not the same time). One of those solutions should fix your soggy and lumpy issue.
1813435
In my experience, this happens when I make my dough too wet. Try cutting back on the water a little. Alternately, you can add some fat to your masa... I like lard or butter... and that'll help keep it from sticking. I use 1/2 to 1 tbsp fat per cup of masa flour... experiment.
1455539
I had the same initial problem. Try your recipe with 1/8-1/4 cup less flour. Worked for me.
1060604
For a sweeter kefir only ferment the grains for 24 hours. The longer you leave the graing fermenting the more sugar the grains consume leaving you with a more vinegary flavor. As to the fizz, don't leave your second ferment tightly covered and you will have a flat drink....similar to what happens with soda pop.
1342891
Yes, you can. When my kefir starts getting low, I sometimes transfer the kefir into a clean jar and add milk and let it "work" until it's the consistency I desire, usually more like yogurt than milk. I use the packs when we travel which is more convenient.
1704076
I had this same question, the owners manel states not to grind sprouted grain. I first thought it was because of the added moisture But then I thought it might be because of more oil due to sprouting. Sorry I don't have a better answer.
616911
If you just got the grains, then they are still small. Besides that, they are probably still recovering from transit. The instructions I received advised to place the grains in a fresh cup of milk each day for a week or so before recovery. At that point, depending on warmth of the environment, you can consume. But, even then, it may take longer for the kefir to get thick and creamy; it will be a matter of either letting it sit for longer or waiting for the grains to grow. If this is your first time with kefir grains, you may be amazed at how they grow over a few weeks!
2067663
Make sure you have the appropriate amount of water per type of food you are cooking. If that doesn't help cal them:) They have great customer service I would call them and they will probably send a replacement!
2093028
Foam or bubbles? Bubbles are super normal as you ferment. Kefir is slightly fizzy when it's done.
1880802
I recently purchased this product too and had the same problem initially. The bubble would just build up or bunch up until they got so big they would spill out the side of the ladder. It eventually started working more reliably. I think there is a coating from manufacturing that initially prevents the bubble from moving up the ladder. You can try using a soft sponge and dish detergent to wash the ladder or just let the bubbles action start working on its own the longer the ladder is in the water and the residue is removed on its own. The only other problem with this simple system is that the yeast fermentation mixture only lasts about two weeks for me and does not produce CO2 for 28 days mentioned in the instructions.
1278578
Trying to figure this out myself. I shook it every time I used it and still have thick sediment. What I'm doing now is adding a little water, stirring it with a skewer and storing it upside down. I still love the stuff but it is a hassle. I've read other product reviews and the complaint was it was watered down? So???
2172897
I am sorry to hear you are having problems. I finally bought a new BBCCX20 and am thrilled with the improvements they made since my old one. I started with the basic white recipe out of the recipe book and now make whole wheat with more nuts, fruit and cereal than a clif bar and it still handles it all. Some loaves are tall and some are squat but that just depends on what is in them. Is your machine in a draft? I moved mine away from the draft from the back door because one side of the loaf was higher sometimes. The meatloaf is terrific and I make quite a bit of sugar free jam and desserts in it as well. I am sorry to hear you are having problems. I finally bought a new BBCCX20 and am thrilled with the improvements they made since my old one. I started with the basic white recipe out of the recipe book and now make whole wheat with more nuts, fruit and cereal than a clif bar and it still handles it all. Some loaves are tall and some are squat but that just depends on what is in them. Is your machine in a draft? I moved mine away from the draft from the back door because one side of the loaf was higher sometimes. The meatloaf is terrific and I make quite a bit of sugar free jam and desserts... » Read More I am sorry to hear you are having problems. I finally bought a new BBCCX20 and am thrilled with the improvements they made since my old one. I started with the basic white recipe out of the recipe book and now make whole wheat with more nuts, fruit and cereal than a clif bar and it still handles it all. Some loaves are tall and some are squat but that just depends on what is in them. Is your machine in a draft? I moved mine away from the draft from the back door because one side of the loaf was higher sometimes. The meatloaf is terrific and I make quite a bit of sugar free jam and desserts in it as well. « Show Less
432717
I would ask the farm/company you got it from. If it is the same with the one I got it from you still have a few days. I just travelled with some grains from home to italy. (washed well and placed in a ziplock bag and threw it in my luggage). I am already drinking kefir, about 2 cups daily.Your kefir will travel quite well but since the quantity is super small expect about 3 weeks to grow it! Be patient and you will grow it so fast after the initial 3 that you will look for people/friends to give it to.Are you familiar with "DOM'S KEFIR"? Google and you will get an Australian site. Informative and fun to read. Once you need to thin your kefir have those people/friends read it, too I would ask the farm/company you got it from. If it is the same with the one I got it from you still have a few days. I just travelled with some grains from home to italy. (washed well and placed in a ziplock bag and threw it in my luggage). I am already drinking kefir, about 2 cups daily.Your kefir will travel quite well but since the quantity is super small expect about 3 weeks to grow it! Be patient and you will grow it so fast after the initial 3 that you will look for people/friends to give it to.Are you familiar with "DOM'S KEFIR"? Google and you will get an... » Read More I would ask the farm/company you got it from. If it is the same with the one I got it from you still have a few days. I just travelled with some grains from home to italy. (washed well and placed in a ziplock bag and threw it in my luggage). I am already drinking kefir, about 2 cups daily.Your kefir will travel quite well but since the quantity is super small expect about 3 weeks to grow it! Be patient and you will grow it so fast after the initial 3 that you will look for people/friends to give it to.Are you familiar with "DOM'S KEFIR"? Google and you will get an Australian site. Informative and fun to read. Once you need to thin your kefir have those people/friends read it, too « Show Less
1827292
Try cutting back liquid. Mine has turned out different when I use broth or stock instead of water.