What’s the Difference Between Dehydrated and Live Grains?
Dehydrated Kefir Grains are grains that have become dormant after being dried. Dried grains can take several batches before becoming fully active and able to grow (The kefir that is produced is considered drinkable after a couple of brews). Dried grains can travel further distances with less risk. If you are ordering to an international destinations then please order these grains. You can also store these grains if you aren't ready to use them right away.
Dehydrated grains are perfect as a back up to your normal brewing grains. Dehydrated grains that are stored in a cool dry place will generally still be viable for around 1 year.
Other than that the grains are exactly the same. Your Kefir grains will be dehydrated for your order, we do not dehydrate and store grains so you know that your grains are freshly dehydrated. You will receive full instructions on how to re-hydrate your grains as well as the normal brewing instructions.
You will receive enough grains to brew around 500ml of kefir straight away and given optimal growing conditions your grains will grow enabling you to brew more and more (generally takes around 10 days or more for the grains to start reproducing) If you care for your grains you should have grains for life. You will receive one measured teaspoon of grains before dehydration.
The only difference in the dehydrated kits are the grains are dehydrated NOT live. This makes the kit perfect for gifts as there is no time pressure to get started! You will receive one measured teaspoon of grains that have been dehydrated. This is generally 1/2 teaspoon of grains after dehydration.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL GRAINS ARE DEHYDRATED TO ORDER SO THERE WILL BE A DELAY IN SENDING OUT YOUR ORDER WHILE WE DEHYDRATE IT FOR YOU (Usually 3-5 working days).