Guest guest Posted October 25, 2010 Report Share Posted October 25, 2010 Hi, Katheryn! I, too, am in Texas. First off, there are many different mediums to use for making water kefir. You can use sugar water, fruit juices, or coconut milk or water. I'm sure there are others as well, but those are the first ones that come to mind. I do believe that milk kefir, which is totally different than water kefir, has more yeasts and bacteria per ounce therefore would be the better of the two. We make the amount of kefir that we will consume daily and with our extra grains we either sale them, give them away, or eat them. ;-) It's really not as difficult as it may seem. If you just hang around and learn from the various posts, you'll learn that everyone has a little different way, yet many of us produce great kefir. Texas On Oct 25, 2010, at 10:47 AM, o2btravelingnow wrote: > Hello All, > I am delighted to be added to this board and am very excited to learn to make kefir for my family. I have not actually bought any kefir grains yet as I have been a little intimidated and wanted to research it a little more. > > Perhaps one of you might could speak to me on the topic of how to maintain the grains. I have a family of four and I am afraid that the kefir grains will multiply faster than I can use the kefir. Coconut water gets quite expensive and if I must supply the kefir several cups a day (Do I have that right?) then I might not could afford to do the kefir. I have read that the kefir water has trillions of bacteria per ounce serving and so that would mean that four of us might use four ounces per day. Cups upon cups of kefir per day would be too much for my little household. > > How do the rest of you keep up with the all of the kefir you produce and how do you keep your grains healthy if you cannot take in all of the kefir you produce? > > Also, with the water grains, can you use just regular filtered water as well? > > Many thanks for your time and feedback! > Katheryn in Texas > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 Dear Kefir Khorus, Do any of you folks have trouble with your water kefir grains (SKG) dying on you? Dom says that they are less robust than milk kefir grains. and Katrina Bird's Incredibly Lucky Daddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 , Not at all. I beg to differ with Dom. The water kefir grains are even more robust than my milk kefir grains. They double about every two or three brewings where the milk kefir grains take about twice the time to double. They are profuse in spite of the fact that I use less sugar than what is suggested. (I like a less sweet kefir.) I figure that the rest of what I brew them in keeps them happy. I would offer you some but I have my extras promised out for the next month. I have turned all of my docs and some of my farmers on to kefir and they are waiting in line. LOL! Carol Onefreespirit > > > Dear Kefir Khorus, > > Do any of you folks have trouble with your water kefir grains (SKG) dying on you? Dom says that they are less robust than milk kefir grains. > > > > > and Katrina Bird's Incredibly Lucky Daddy > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 , Mine are quite robust! If you let them ferment for 2 day each batch, they'll almost double each time. I found that when I only did a 24 hour ferment, they seemed a little mushy. Perhaps because they were still digesting all the sugar. I got my grains exactly 2 weeks ago and I've gone from about 3Tbs to 4 cups of these little guys! Also, I add eggshell from one egg in my batch and a pinch of baking soda because I use filtered water and not mineral water. I crush up the eggshell and put it in a little 'sac' and use it for 2 batches. I've read that they do thrive in a mineral rich environment. Healthy well water would probably be great. So far I'm not having any problems at all! Shari > Dear Kefir Khorus, > Do any of you folks have trouble with your water kefir grains (SKG) dying on you? Dom says that they are less robust than milk kefir grains. > > and Katrina Bird's Incredibly Lucky Daddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2011 Report Share Posted May 31, 2011 Mine seem to be dying. The 1/2 cup I have take 5-7 days and I get little to no carbonation anymore & no 'happy, floating grains' ... I think it's our water here. Hettick CBE, Doula www.SwankyBabyGear.com Slings, Accessories, Baby Care, & Gifts! From: thetweetsmeow <thetweetsmeow@...> Subject: Re: water kefir question Date: Monday, May 30, 2011, 9:51 AM  , Mine are quite robust! If you let them ferment for 2 day each batch, they'll almost double each time. I found that when I only did a 24 hour ferment, they seemed a little mushy. Perhaps because they were still digesting all the sugar. I got my grains exactly 2 weeks ago and I've gone from about 3Tbs to 4 cups of these little guys! Also, I add eggshell from one egg in my batch and a pinch of baking soda because I use filtered water and not mineral water. I crush up the eggshell and put it in a little 'sac' and use it for 2 batches. I've read that they do thrive in a mineral rich environment. Healthy well water would probably be great. So far I'm not having any problems at all! Shari > Dear Kefir Khorus, > Do any of you folks have trouble with your water kefir grains (SKG) dying on you? Dom says that they are less robust than milk kefir grains. > > and Katrina Bird's Incredibly Lucky Daddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2011 Report Share Posted June 1, 2011 Hello Shari: I am trying to figure out the best way to get started again with Kefir. My daughter is autistic and can not handle the casein in milk. I used to give her Kefir made from milk and let it sit in the frig an extra day so that the casein would be digested by the Kefir.  She recently had a stomach problem and had surgery and a lot of antibiotics. I believe that Kefir would be the way to get her back on track. It makes sense to use the water type you mentioned but am at a loss on how to proceed.  Can you advise on the best place to get these and how I can get instructions. It sounds like you are doing pretty well with yours. Thanks Forrest From: thetweetsmeow <thetweetsmeow@...> Subject: Re: water kefir question Date: Monday, May 30, 2011, 9:51 AM  , Mine are quite robust! If you let them ferment for 2 day each batch, they'll almost double each time. I found that when I only did a 24 hour ferment, they seemed a little mushy. Perhaps because they were still digesting all the sugar. I got my grains exactly 2 weeks ago and I've gone from about 3Tbs to 4 cups of these little guys! Also, I add eggshell from one egg in my batch and a pinch of baking soda because I use filtered water and not mineral water. I crush up the eggshell and put it in a little 'sac' and use it for 2 batches. I've read that they do thrive in a mineral rich environment. Healthy well water would probably be great. So far I'm not having any problems at all! Shari > Dear Kefir Khorus, > Do any of you folks have trouble with your water kefir grains (SKG) dying on you? Dom says that they are less robust than milk kefir grains. > > and Katrina Bird's Incredibly Lucky Daddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2011 Report Share Posted June 1, 2011 Hi Forrest, If you haven't found water kefir grains, I can send you some just pay por the shipping, I have enought to share with you and your daughter. > > Hello Shari: > I am trying to figure out the best way to get started again with Kefir. My daughter is autistic and can not handle the casein in milk. I used to give her Kefir made from milk and let it sit in the frig an extra day so that the casein would be digested by the Kefir. >  > She recently had a stomach problem and had surgery and a lot of antibiotics. I believe that Kefir would be the way to get her back on track. It makes sense to use the water type you mentioned but am at a loss on how to proceed. >  > Can you advise on the best place to get these and how I can get instructions. It sounds like you are doing pretty well with yours. > Thanks > Forrest > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 , what's the status of your water? I use regular tap water that has been filtered with a Pur water filter that is attached to my kitchen faucet. It still contains minerals, but I supplement with the eggshells and baking soda (just a pinch of the baking soda). Perhaps you could bring them back to life by purchasing a bottle of mineral water from the store. Make sure it is actually mineral water because most of the bottled water nowadays is NOT actual mineral water. Also, unlike my dairy kefir, I DO rinse my water kefir grains with the filtered water after each batch. Maybe you could experiment with less sugar. Let us know how you're doing. I hate to see these little guys die. It's like losing a houseplant! Lol! Shari From: thetweetsmeow <thetweetsmeow@...> Subject: Re: water kefir question Date: Monday, May 30, 2011, 9:51 AM , Mine are quite robust! If you let them ferment for 2 day each batch, they'll almost double each time. I found that when I only did a 24 hour ferment, they seemed a little mushy. Perhaps because they were still digesting all the sugar....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 Hi Shari, Thank you so much for your reply. We used to have the same PUR water purifier on our kitchen faucet But my daughter leaned on it and it broke and I have not been able to replace it. I have used the regular tap water and also have used the bottled reverse osmosis water we buy from the grocery store's machine. To do you know what brand in particular of mineral water I should look for? Or is true mineral water called just that? 'Mineral Water'? I have tried shorter or longer time. As well as less or more sugar. I have not added anything else in ages because I am watching for some/any activity. I used to add half an egg shell, a date, or lemon or some molasses but that has been a year or so ago when they were healthy and active. I have had these particular grains for about a year and a half. And have had trouble for about the last 4-5 months. There is no growth and little to no movement or carbonation. Now I'm wondering if I should just get new ones and give these poor guys to the dogs. LOL Thanks! - Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless Re: water kefir question Date: Monday, May 30, 2011, 9:51 AM , Mine are quite robust! If you let them ferment for 2 day each batch, they'll almost double each Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 , Regular tap water has chlorine and chlorine will kill the grains. Reverse osmosis water will kill them too if you don't introduce minerals back into the water. Reverse osmosis is great because it eliminates almost everything including floride, but it also strips the water of all minerals too. The bottled water should say mineral water or natural spring water. You have to really read the bottle. Some fool you by using the word " spring " in their name when, in reality, they're just filtered water. I'm thinking you'll probably have to replace them. It's funny, I just introduced my dog to the grains yesterday and he gobbled them up! Good luck darlin'! Shari > Hi Shari, Thank you so much for your reply. We used to have the same PUR water purifier on our kitchen faucet But my daughter leaned on it and it broke and I have not been able to replace it. I have used the regular tap water and also have used the bottled reverse osmosis water we buy from the grocery store's machine. To do you know what brand in particular of mineral water I should look for? Or is true mineral water called just that? 'Mineral Water'? I have tried shorter or longer time. As well as less or more sugar. I have not added anything else in ages because I am watching for some/any activity. I used to add half an egg shell, a date, or lemon or some molasses but that has been a year or so ago when they were healthy and active. I have had these particular grains for about a year and a half. And have had trouble for about the last 4-5 months. There is no growth and little to no movement or carbonation. Now I'm wondering if I should just get new ones and give these poor guys to the dogs. LOL Thanks! - Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless Re: water kefir question , what's the status of your water? I use regular tap water that has been filtered with a Pur water filter that is attached to my kitchen faucet. It still contains minerals, but I supplement with the eggshells and baking soda (just a pinch of the baking soda).Perhaps you could bring them back to life by purchasing a bottle of mineral water from the store. Make sure it is actually mineral water because most of the bottled water nowadays is NOT actual mineral water. Also, unlike my dairy kefir, I DO rinse my water kefir grains with the filtered water after each batch. Maybe you could experiment with less sugar. Let us know how you're doing. I hate to see these little guys die. It's like losing a houseplant! Lol! Shari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2011 Report Share Posted June 4, 2011 > > To re: WKG not growing: I have found that coconut water is a great rejuvenating force for WKG. I also use evaporated coconut palm sugar and the combination seem to make those little darlings literally bounce right back. I am thinking the minerals in both are the helper. Our water can get turbid with the mountain snowmelt, so the city adds a lot more chlorine I suspect. My filter can only do so much. I just started with MKG and WKG this year so I will set a reminder the next time mine start turning to applesauce. Happy culturing! Karin > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2011 Report Share Posted June 4, 2011 On Jun 4, 2011, at 5:48 PM, unarmbears wrote: I have found that coconut water is a great rejuvenating force for WKG. I also use evaporated coconut palm sugar and the combination seem to make those little darlings literally bounce right back. ******* Hi Karin, When you write " coconut water " and " coconut palm sugar " what exactly are you describing. Is this something you buy at the grocery store? Thanks, ^^ felix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Hi Felix! Love the cat ears btw! I purchase both from Amazon. We have only one grocery store here and it's not quite enlightened yet! Here are the links for the products I use: http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Nirvana-Coconut-Water-16-2-Ounce/dp/B004OVWQDA/ref=s\ r_1_2?ie=UTF8 & s=grocery & qid=1307365382 & sr=1-2 http://www.amazon.com/Big-Tree-Farms-SweetTree-16-Ounce/dp/B002UGMH9Y/ref=sr_1_1\ ?s=grocery & ie=UTF8 & qid=1307365460 & sr=1-1 It may seem a bit pricey, but I use half a can of the coconut water at a time and the balance is filtered water. I use about 1/2 cup of the coconut palm sugar so that cuts the cost a little. Happy Culturing! Karin > > > ******* > > Hi Karin, > > When you write " coconut water " and " coconut palm sugar " what exactly are you describing. Is this something you buy at the grocery store? Thanks, > > ^^ > felix > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I find them a the chinese or mexican store for $1.59 > > > > > > ******* > > > > Hi Karin, > > > > When you write " coconut water " and " coconut palm sugar " what exactly are you describing. Is this something you buy at the grocery store? Thanks, > > > > ^^ > > felix > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 On Jun 6, 2011, at 9:06 AM, unarmbears wrote: Hi Felix! Love the cat ears btw! I purchase both from Amazon. We have only one grocery store here and it's not quite enlightened yet! Here are the links for the products I use: http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Nirvana-Coconut-Water-16-2-Ounce/dp/B004OVWQDA/ref=s\ r_1_2?ie=UTF8 & s=grocery & qid=1307365382 & sr=1-2 http://www.amazon.com/Big-Tree-Farms-SweetTree-16-Ounce/dp/B002UGMH9Y/ref=sr_1_1\ ?s=grocery & ie=UTF8 & qid=1307365460 & sr=1-1 It may seem a bit pricey, but I use half a can of the coconut water at a time and the balance is filtered water. I use about 1/2 cup of the coconut palm sugar so that cuts the cost a little. Happy Culturing! Karin ******** Thanks for the info Karin. Amazon seems to be a cost plus distributor. I bought some stainless steel sprouting tops from them that were... hmmm... high! The links you provided at least told me what to look for. '-) ^^ felix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.