water keifer grains dehydrated for years

[JenniferT]

I have water keifer grains that have been dehydrated for about 3 years. I know they are not supposed to last that long, but I decided to give them a try anyways. The are making bubbles and some are floating. I remember that they would do this before. It's been a long time, so I don't clearly remember what it was like. I have exchanged their sugar water about 4 times and I tasted this latest batch and I think it kind of tasted like it did before, but maybe a little sweeter than I remember. Has anyone else had luck re-hydrating water keifer grains after years of storage? Are the bubbles and floating a good sign?

Thanks
Jennifer

[AlexP]

Interesting! I never knew dried grains could last that long. I thought several months, probably a year. But to come back after 3 years is impressive. Bubbles and any floating grains are a good sign and it sounds like they may just make a full recovery. The best sign is growth. Any growth yet?

Alex

[JenniferT]

I'm not sure yet. I just bottled a batch in a grolsch bottle and I have about 4 TBSP of Kefir grains. I just realized that I spelled Kefir wrong
There is definitely some bubbling going on. I'll let you know. Water kefir is sooo much cheaper than those expensive probiotic supplements and tasty, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Jennifer