Customer Reviews

Water Kefir Grains

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I have a great amount of experience with water kefir; have been producing it at home for many years and enjoying the great health benefits gained from drinking it daily. I wanted to share this experience with a friend and thought to bring DEHYDRATED grains with me on a visit to get her started. I did not want to travel a lond distance with wet grains (I could have shared my own) and thought it would be easier to bring them dried. The product description here states that they are dehydrated grains...NOT true. What I received was a padded manila envelope, a ziploc baggy with about 1 to 2 teaspoons of some very badly crushed, wet grains (looked like they got squished by the postage cancelling machine used by the Post Office), and a photocopy of instructions. Not as described or pictured in this listing. The grains smelled bad and so far, have not been able to produce good quality kefir. Who is the product manufacturer...Real Man of Genius? It is most certainly not Cultures for Health as pictured.

"Each Packet of Water Kefir Starter Culture Contains: 2 teaspoons Live active water kefir culture in a dehydrated state (will rehydrate to 3-4 tablespoons of water kefir grains; sufficient to yield 2-3 quarts of water kefir every 24-48 hours). For additional information on this product, please contact the manufacturer."

I contacted the people at Cultures for Health and asked about real-man-of-genius. I was told that real-man-of-genius is NOT Cultures for Health and that it is not even their product. This is a man in Kentucky who uses their picture on Amazon to promote his kefir grains. He sends about 1/2 the amount that Cultures for Health does, packaged in a ziplock bag.

I didnt realize the return date had just expired otherwise I would be returning these which I dont normally do. I was expecting these grains to make fizzy water and all I am getting is vinegarish water.

I bought this particular water kefir because I had spoken to and watched the video from Cultures for Health. This company is using their logo, but it is NOT from Cultures for Health! It came from another company in a different state. I emailed CFH to tell them about this impostor and they were aware of it. Why is Amazon allowing this? Anyway the grains were not dehydrated and there was not a sufficient amount (in my opinion) to get good kefir. I do not appreciate their false advertising. AMAZON, check this out!

Very happy with my water kefir grains. Soon as I made my first batch they started growing and multiplying.
Obviously healthy grains.

Ordering live grains (or anything else "live") online was a new experience. I only hoped they would grow and produce a fine product; some of the reviews made me wonder. Now that I've been using them for several weeks I am so pleased. Since our milk kefir grew prodigiously I expected the same from the water grains. When they didn't, I contacted the seller who personally answered questions, gave very detailed instructions, wanted feedback, and was very helpful. For instance, the water kefir wants warmth -- a heating pad on the lowest setting works perfectly -- do not let the water get cold and I had done that. The process may take several days, longer than I thought -- using the taste test(often 5-6 days for our liking)works every time! At this point I am able to keep two jars going; patience has been rewarded. Adding fruit, as apricots or strawberries, during or after gives a delicate and delicious flavor. The grains thrive and multiply, giving us a healthy and tasty beverage that also makes great smoothies. Our thanks! Kudos to the seller for excellent service and delivering a fine product.

I was originally unhappy with my order as it appeared dead but after a complain they got back to me and sent a replacement. They gave me no trouble and the culture grew well since for several months and I am well pleased. And in there defense Pennsylvania had a earthquake and very strange weather the first go around.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:

Okay, what I received was not what I bought. The shipper was not Cultures for Health, and despite the clear description of the product on the Amazon page, I received LIVE cultures, not the dehydrated grains that I thought I had purchased. It feels very dishonest to me. I bought this product because someone I trust recommended Cultures for Health dehydrated water kefir grains to me, as they had a good experience with them. I am not pleased with this apparent duplicity!!

I have brewed the water kefir anyway, and will see what results I get from the product. So far, I have nothing to say (positive or negative) about the quality of grains (i.e., how well they brew, and whether they have longevity). When that changes (positive or negative), I will weigh in again.

REVISION:

I have since brewed the water kefir, and it has produced a good product. So, the grains are good.

I purchased my grains from Baine King of Lifetime Kefir just about a month ago and they arrived in excellent condition. I have used the grains a few times now and they have grown enough for me to share them with my son, who wanted to try them too.

I enjoy the water and am trying some fruit recipes to make summer drinks. Fun way to make a healthy drink!

I've had these water kefir grains for several months now and they perform beautifully. I've given up drinking conventional soda/pop because it's so horrible for my health. It's cool to be able to come up with my own flavors ... and even better to know that it's so healthy for me. These grains are great and the seller is always there if you have questions. I'd order more kefir grains from him in a heartbeat!