We ship Water Kefir Grains in a dehydrated state for your safety (reduces the likely hood of spoilage in transit). Prior to making your first batch of water kefir, the kefir grains will need to be rehydrated. This process generally takes 4-5 days.
White sugar (preferably organic) or unprocessed sugars such as Rapadura or Sucanat work best; do not use honey, agave, etc. to rehydrated water kefir grains
Water (non-chlorinated)
Well water or spring water is best due to higher mineral content
We do not recommend using water filtered through a carbon activated filter (e.g. Britta) or reverse osmosis water due to the depleted mineral levels.
If using tap water, remove the chlorine prior to making water kefir by either boiling the water and allowing it to cool or by aerating the water using a blender.
One glass jar: Quart size
One towel or paper coffee filter to use as a covering for the jar
Optional: A fine mesh strainer (plastic or stainless steel) for removing the kefir grains from the finished kefir
Activating Dehydrated Water Kefir Grains:
Dissolve 4 to 6 tablespoons of sugar in 4 cups water (you will likely need to heat the water so the sugar will dissolve). Be sure toallow the water to cool to room temperature before proceeding tothe next step.
Place the dehydrated kefir grains in the water and cover with a towel or coffee filter secured with a rubber band. Allow the mixture to sit for 3-4 days until the grains are plump. Do not allow the mixture to sit for longer than 5 days.
Once the grains are rehydrated, click here to learn how to use the kefir grains to make water kefir.
We do not generally recommend drinking the sugar water used to rehydrate the kefir grains. Since the kefir grains spent their time rehydrating rather than consuming the sugar, the resulting solution will likely contain a large amount of sugar. Also, the sugar water may taste unplesant as part of the rehydration process is the yeast and bacteria which comprise the kefir grains rebalancing.
