Water Kefir and kombucha

[BargainAmy]

My friend sent me a baggy of water kefir grains in what I'm guessing is some of her kefir through the mail. I have no idea what to do with it. Help! Also, she sent me a kombucha scobe as well. I believe that it leaked in the box. It has a really sour smell. Is that normal? I've never had either water kefir or kombucha before. I'm kind of lost... Thanks!

[CMamma]

I've never made the tea, but hear great things. I plan to try it in the future.

I just started doing water keifer. I made a yummy "soda like" drink a couple weeks ago. I just filled a big mason jar with some water, added a lemon sliced up (skin & all), a handful of raisins & a dried fig cut in half. Oh & some sugar for the grains to eat. I set it in a warmish area for about 5 days, but checked it every other day to see if it was done - it's done when you like it, basically. I did remove the fruit/strained it out after 48 hours & would suggest doing the same. It prevents mold. In the end, it tastes like a soda-type drink & has a little fizziness to it. DH & kiddos really liked it

[songbird516]

I think the scoby should be fine; alternatively, if you don't trust it, all you have to do to grow your own is brew some sweet tea and buy a bottle at the store, pour it in the jar, and wait a couple of weeks for a new scoby to form.