How to Activate Milk Kefir Grains

 

 

 

Step by Step Instructions For Activating Milk Kefir Grains

  • Empty the entire packet of dehydrated milk kefir grains into 1 cup fresh, cold pasteurized milk (don’t use raw milk for activation) and stir. Cover with a coffee filter or cloth, secured by a rubber band and place in a warm spot, 20°-30°F, to culture.
  • Between hours 8-24, check the milk hourly. Ask yourself...
  • Ask: Is the milk thickening or changing texture slightly in less than 24 hours?
  • If "YES"...As soon as you notice a change in the milk’s texture, strain out the grains and put them in fresh milk, increasing the amount of milk by 1/2 cup. Cover and culture as before.
  • If "NO"...At the end of 24 hours, strain out the grains and put them into the same amount of fresh milk (never decrease the amount of milk). Cover and culture as before.
  • Activation usually takes 3-7 days. By following the steps above, the size of your batch will increase in 1/2 cup increments up to a total batch size of 4 cups.
  • If the milk thickens in less than 24 hours, remove some grains or add milk to keep your grains fed and happy. Your grains are activated!

How Do I Know If My Grains Are Activated? 

Your grains are activated when they are reliably thickening milk in about 24 hours. This process usually takes 3 to 7 days and can vary based on the culturing conditions.