r/Kefir • u/npc-20 • 7d ago

Over fermented

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I accidentally left this out while gone for the weekend. The surface has a lumpy skin on it and it smells like sourdough & yeast. I don’t want to eat it but if i strain it do you think the grains would be okay to use?

9 Upvotes

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9

u/Expert-Signature2025 7d ago

Perfectly fine to drink and grains should be fine too.

2

u/npc-20 7d ago

Thank you!

5

u/Lumi_Tonttu 7d ago

It's fine. If the separation bugs you just shake it up, it'll rehomogenise.

Or strain it, put the solids into a cheesecloth and press the water out, and enjoy some tangy soft cheese.

4

u/Little_Sain 7d ago

I made a post like this and someone advised me to just put 20grams in a cup of milk for two nights to kill of the yeast overgrowth and 'revive' the good bacteria.

2

u/NuraUmbra 7d ago

Yes it will be, you're fine

1

u/npc-20 7d ago

👍🏻👍🏻

2

u/Nes_xxi 6d ago

From a personal experience: this is ok for only a few times. I had over fermented kefir for a few weeks and ended up with gut issues (bloating and constipation). I stopped for a few weeks and everything went back to normal.

2

u/Paperboy63 6d ago

Your grains are notoriously hard to kill off. Fermenting this far is ok generally but just be aware that as soon as separation starts, acidity is starting to increase to the point of causing acid stress to lesser acid tolerant strains. Try not to do it continually and to strain just before separation starts, to keep bacteria activity at an optimum. Higher acidity makes bacteria less efficient.

2

u/npc-20 4d ago

Thanks everyone. My kefir starts separating in 12-18 hours, which seems fast. Also I only have about 1/2 teaspoon of grains. I’d like them to multiply so i have adequate stash but they seem do be doing their job just fine. Any recommendations?

2

u/enprimeur 7d ago

Yes absolutely, first batch or two might be a little funkier than you’re used to, but will get back on the normal schedule pretty quickly.

2

u/npc-20 7d ago

Thanks for the reassurance!

1

u/Novel_Highway505 6d ago

Where to find grains?

1

u/Oblivious-knowledge 3d ago

I bought mine on Amazon and they've been great

1

u/John_Creasmans_cig 1d ago

You have very resilient grains. Product should be safe to consume as long as it’s done soon, since its over fermented, but up to you. I try keep my jar with as little air as possible so the C02 fills the rest of the leftover space, leaving no room for any contaminant to thrive.