White films floating in first ferment

[gloriaf59]

I've been making kefir water for about two weeks. This last batch had white films floating in. Almost like thin wisps of cotton floating around. Is this mold or something else bad for my grains? I rinsed the grains with spring water and put them in a fresh jar with 2 T white sugar and 2 T sucanat sugar. Are my grains ruined? Does anyone know what the white fluff is? I've not had too much luck with getting bubbles in a second ferment. Have been using first ferment with a lemonade/mango drink half and half. Very good and refreshing.

[newkefirgirl]

I am also new to this and am having the exact same problem. It doesn't look like mold, but am concerned it is not safe to drink. They are white flecks that float at the top and around the edges of the bottle only. Also, the second ferment has not been getting fizzy. I am using our well water, which we had tested and analyzed. It is mineral rich. I used half white sugar and half turbinado sugar and added a few raisins.

[Robinstar]

It sounds like yeast which is harmless. I've seen it more with fruits or dried fruits. Mold is usually very apparent - colorful and fuzzy so its probably not that. I think if still tastes and smells good, then its okay. Try adding some fresh sugar or juice for a 2nd ferment and bottle it. It should pick up some good fizz. Also, try adding some more mineral rich sugars for the first ferment. Rapadura is a good one. Or just a little bit of molasses. It can help get that yeast going right.

[gloriaf59]

Thanks Robinstar! Will try your suggestions.

[gloriaf59]

Good luck newkefirgirl!