Storing (Water) Kefir

Sometimes you just want to take a break. Or maybe you have a surplus that you don't know what to do with. Either way, it's important to know the best way of storing your Water Kefir and your Water Kefir crystals.

Storing Water Kefir
Water Kefir should be bottled after brewing and allowed to sit at room temperature for another day or two. This will enhance the carbonation and flavor, creating a drink very similar to a soda pop. After a day or two, put it in your fridge until ready to drink ... otherwise, it may build up enough carbonation to shatter the bottle.

The Water Kefir will continue to brew, even when stored in the fridge. If you don't drink it within about a week, it's best to dump it and refill the bottle with your next batch.

Storing Water Kefir Crystals
Prepare your jar like you were going to brew a new batch, but put it in the fridge instead. This will slow the brewing process greatly, allowing you to go away for the weekend without your crystals dying. When you return, put the jar on top of your fridge and brew as usual. The next couple of batches may taste a little "off" compared to normal, but is still good to drink.

For longer term storage, you'll need to dehydrate your crystals. If you own a food dehydrator, set it at the lowest temperature setting and let them dry for a day. If not, put them on a paper plate and cover with a paper towel. Stir up the crystals several times a day for the next few days (to prevent them from sticking to each other or the plate) until they are hard and dry.

Put the dehydrated crystals into an air-tight container and store them out of direct sunlight for up to a year.

To rehydrate your crystals, put them in some sugar water (1/8 cup sugar per liter of water) for a day. Strain the crystals and start up a batch to brew.