How to Successfully Start (or Revive) Water Kefir Grains

Whether your grains have just arrived in the mail, or they have been dormant in the fridge, they need a little extra care to get started. Follow this guide to ensure a healthy, active culture.

First, what is the correct balance between grains and liquid? When reviving stressed grains or starting new ones, it is crucial not to overfeed them with too much water initially.

Typically, fermentation begins well with a ratio ranging from 1:10 to 1:16. As your grains gain strength over a few batches, you can increase this to 1:24.

Keep in mind: Kefir grains are living organisms. They grow much less rapidly in the winter than in the summer. In summer heat, grains can grow up to 300% in 48 hours, while a 5% increase is normal in winter.

The grains need easily accessible food to wake up and thrive. The optimal concentration is a 5% to 10% sugar solution.

• Dissolve Completely: Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved in the water before adding the grains.
• Mineral Magic: Please use unrefined sugar (like organic cane sugar), which is darker in color. Refined white sugar lacks the essential minerals vital for a strong revival.

This step is often overlooked but critically important. Never add cold grains to hot sugar water, and don’t let them freeze.

Provide an ideal temperature range of 18ºC to 28ºC (64ºF to 82ºF). Make sure your prepared sugar water is tempered to this room temperature range before introducing the grains.

Good luck brewing!