Resuscitating Kefir-Oops, I think I killed it this time.

[ORChick]

I would continue as you are, it sounds as though you are on the right track. It's possible, if you are using the same amount of milk as you were used to before, that the grains aren't quite up to culturing that much again yet. Still, the *good beasties* are in there, thick or thin.

 

[CrownofThorns]

When you stir it, is there tiny little clumps of white on what you stirred it with?

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Even when I did 1/2 qt it was still runny. But I'll keep going. I'd rather it be thicker, so I can make smoothies. I don't particularly care for the taste of it, so I like to hide it in other stuff.

But yes, there are clumps of white in it. I don't stir it, but I do flip the jar over. When I strained it (through my fingers) to get the grains out, there were definitely "clots" of white stuff.

 

[ORChick]

Even when I did 1/2 qt it was still runny. But I'll keep going. I'd rather it be thicker, so I can make smoothies. I don't particularly care for the taste of it, so I like to hide it in other stuff.

But yes, there are clumps of white in it. I don't stir it, but I do flip the jar over. When I strained it (through my fingers) to get the grains out, there were definitely "clots" of white stuff.

Just add another banana to the smoothie

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Even when I did 1/2 qt it was still runny. But I'll keep going. I'd rather it be thicker, so I can make smoothies. I don't particularly care for the taste of it, so I like to hide it in other stuff.

But yes, there are clumps of white in it. I don't stir it, but I do flip the jar over. When I strained it (through my fingers) to get the grains out, there were definitely "clots" of white stuff.

Just add another banana to the smoothie

Too much banana!

 

[CrownofThorns]

So long as there is tiny white clumps it's done "enough" Sometimes I never get thick kefir although I never changed a thing. It's just one of those things. :/

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Oh crap. Did I kill my kefir? I am terrible at remembering to change the milk and put the kefir in the fridge. I checked my kefir this morning...it had been out for at least a week. There was nasty stuff on top and it smelled funky. I washed the grains (with warm water) and put them in another quart of milk. Should I just toss these and get new grains? I don't want to risk some nasty bug being in them and contaminating anything.

 

[TanksHill]

I think I would be more worried about the washing then the grains sitting for a week.

I have left my grains like that before. Usually it just gets really chunky and sometimes even separates. If you give the jar a good shake and then drain you should still have good grains. I would strain, dispose of the stinky kefir.(that's what my kids call kefir that's to strong). Maybe even feed it to one of your animals. Then just start the grains in new milk.

What exactly did the nasty on top look like?

g

 

[freemotion]

If you are nervous about it, give the resulting kefir over the next couple of changes to the critters. Kefir has an incredible way of balancing itself again. You'll know soon enough. You can always go back to a cup or two of milk during this time to save on milk.

I can't keep kefir alive unless I have the daily routine of milking to remind me to change the kefir milk. I finally gave up on kefir during the does' dry periods. I can't wait to start up again, though. I keep some grains in the freezer for when I do kill them or lose them.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

I don't mean it just smelled strongly...it was moldy or something. It was gray on top and smelled like mold.

And by washing I just mean I rinsed them well with warm water, to get all the 'funk' from the moldy kefir off.

How long is it safe to have kefir at room temperature?