How to troubleshoot common problems when making non-dairy kefir?
Most problems come from five things: the wrong sugar, the wrong water, temperature that is too cold or hot, fermenting too long, or tired grains. Use plain sugar, chlorine- and fluoride-free water, keep the jar at room temperature, taste after 24 hours, and discard any batch that turns pink, red, orange, green or black.
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How do you fix non-dairy kefir problems?
Non-dairy kefir at home is usually water kefir: water kefir grains fermenting sugar water, sometimes with coconut water or juice added. The grains are a living colony of bacteria and yeast, so they react to what you feed them. Use this list of common problems.
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| It does not ferment or fizz | Room too cold, water too hot when grains were added (keep it below about 86 F), chlorinated or fluoridated water, wrong sugar, or inactive grains | Use dechlorinated, fluoride-free water, plain sugar, a warmer spot, and refresh the grains with a new batch |
| Too sour | Fermented too long | Shorten the first ferment; taste daily |
| Too sweet or flat | Too short, or too cold | Allow more time, up to about 48 hours for many batches |
| Slimy | A little is normal; a lot means stressed grains | Rinse the grains, start fresh with proper sugar and water |
| Pink, red, orange, green or black | Contamination | Discard everything and start again |
What sugar and water should I use?
Plain white, cane, turbinado or brown sugar works. Honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, molasses and sugar-free sweeteners are not recommended for the grains. Use chlorine- and fluoride-free water; distilled water lacks the minerals grains need.
How long should it ferment?
A typical first ferment runs about 24 to 48 hours and should not go beyond about 72 hours. Longer fermentation makes the drink more tart and less sweet.
What about coconut milk or other plant milks?
Water kefir grains are made for sugar water, not plant milks, so do not expect the same results. For a creamier drink, stir plant milk into a glass of finished water kefir instead.
When to throw it away
Translucent or yellowish-brown liquid is normal. Throw it out if you see pink, red, orange, green or black color, fuzzy mold, or a smell that is rotten rather than sour. When in doubt, discard.
General guidance only; if you are unwell after drinking kefir, stop and seek medical advice.
People also ask
Why is my non-dairy kefir not bubbling?
Check room temperature, sugar type and water type. Chlorine or fluoride in the water, cold rooms or inactive grains are the usual causes.
Is slimy water kefir safe?
A slight slimy feel can be normal. If it is excessive, rinse the grains and restart with the right sugar and water.
What color means my kefir has gone bad?
Pink, red, orange, green or black means contamination. Discard it and start again with clean equipment.
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