Frozen Kefir Grains Seem Dead...Any Suggestions?
My kefir grains were frozen by accident when the temp in my fridge was turned way down. I turned the temp back up, and after a couple of days took my grains out to culture a fresh batch of milk. After two days, however, I still have milk with kefir grains at the bottom. They don't seem to be doing their job anymore. Should I throw them out or wash them off and try again with new milk?
I don't have any more grains, so I'd hate to lose this batch! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Best Answer
During the freezing process, ice crystals can cause cell damage to microorganisms. This means that a lot of the bacteria in your kefir may have died in the freezing process, leaving your culture significantly weakened. It may take a few batches to get it back up to full strength.
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Quick Answer about "Frozen Kefir Grains Seem Dead...Any Suggestions?"
This means that a lot of the bacteria in your kefir may have died in the freezing process, leaving your culture significantly weakened. It may take a few batches to get it back up to full strength. Show activity on this post. My kefir has been frozen approx 18 months and I just made a new batch and it looks great.How do you revive frozen kefir grains?
If your grains were frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge, and then strain, giving them a very small amount of fresh milk and let ferment at room temperature for 24 hours. Watch to see if it kefirs the milk in that time period.What happens if kefir grains freeze?
Step 4: Place jar or bag of grains in freezer for up to about 9 months to 1 year safely. It will easily survive longer than a year, but it may not grow after that or it may change the consistency or flavor. To reactivate grains: Put bag or jar of grains in fridge for around 1 day to thaw and then use as usual.How can I tell if my kefir grains are dead?
To find out if your water kefir grains have died, you can test them by making them ferment a new batch. If the grains are dead, the water will remain very sweet and there will be no sign of fermentation. Another sign is the appearance of mould on the surface.How do you revive dehydrated kefir grains?
Empty entire packet of dehydrated water kefir grains into cooled sugar water. Cover with a coffee filter or cloth, secured by a rubber band. Place in a warm spot, 68\xb0-85\xb0F, for 3-4 days. After 4 days grains should be plump and translucent.How To Safely Freeze \u0026 Defrost Kefir Grains
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Answer 2
My kefir has been frozen approx 18 months and I just made a new batch and it looks great.
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