Lacto Bacilli: process and discussion

[h.h.]

Sensitive nose.No reason for it too smell.

 

[Drewsif]

My first time was not a success. The rice wash literally smelled like shit. And since I already had the milk ready I continued, in two days the milk is 50+% solid like cottage cheese. Still the shit smell so I threw it away. Started a other rice wash

Get some water Kefir grains, forget all that dairy nonsense.

 

[imiubu]

.

 

[antheis]

when i made/make lab serum i dont add any sugar.
after the fat and whey separate i save the whey serum - which is the lactic acid bacteria - in the fridge.
it is a little stinky but it works.

good to see you around, take care.

 

[imiubu]

.

 

[h.h.]

Thanks for the reply. After noodling the nets a bit more, I too discovered the serum as is can be used. Not sure how good it will taste haha, as I have been drinking the activated LAB for about a week now and it's not really great tasting.



I found a vid that explains making LABs without whey. Going to give it a try next round.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYyOBSMDA6o&list=PLA3S39FC0exTK2CzpboZlzi5Vi9fXD4dj&index=2&t=0s


The website mentioned in his vid, explains the process step by step without all the talking



Happy New Year folks!

Ferment some banana in it. Sweeten it up and give it some flavor.

 

[I wood]

Hello all

New member, first post.
Thanks to all who respond.


My original purpose for making lactobacillus was to eliminate the urine smell left from my ailing old dog. Once the process is successful, the garden gals will also benefit.


Having completed the first 2 steps, the serum is now stored in the fridge.


After reading this entire thread, I'm still confused about the 3rd. step... activation. Unsulphured molasses was added at proper ratios yet it doesn't appear to have done much since. There is a slight sediment on the bottom of the jar. The liquid is still quite dark, smells mostly of molasses with very slight sour undertones. It tastes a bit like molasses but is not sticky to the touch. I have not diluted this solution 20/1 as of yet.


Have I mucked up the process and should I begin anew?

Ambitious project, good luck.
If you don't have success this product works better than any other i have found. It is similar to what you are trying to make ready togo.

 

[Sundog]

LACTO BUMP!!

LACTO BUMP!!

My first run. One gallon jug, half gallon Milk and 6 Oz rice water. This is Day 3. Is it finished?

I know the color can't be made out do to the LEDs but the main liquid has a cloudy white look. Top looks chunky and smells kind of like Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Very little on the bottom.

 

[Rory Borealis]

When you start getting cheese or sour cream smells, you are on the right track. Let it go a full a 7 days in the dark. By then you can use it, by cutting each tablespoon of that mix in your jug with 1 gallon of water. Add a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses every 10 days to keep the bacterial communities flourishing.

 

[Sundog]

Thanks Rory Borealis, I can use a tsp of serum per gallon of water and ferment that for a week or two. then use that at a rate of tsp per gallon To water the girls correct?
Making my serum really stretch?

 

[Rory Borealis]

Thanks Rory Borealis, I can use a tsp of serum per gallon of water and ferment that for a week or two. then use that at a rate of tsp per gallon To water the girls correct?
Making my serum really stretch?

Correct. You are diluting the serum via 1 tablespoon per gallon of water to prevent the mixture from being too concentrated.

 

[Hookahhead]

I like to make what I think of as “Lacto plus”. I mix a full cup of molasses into 6L of water. Add the molasses to the water, not water to the molasses for easier mixing. When it’s all mixed I as 1/4 cup LAB serum and let it sit. Depending on your LAB species, it may or may not generate CO2, so pay attention. After 4-6 days the LAB should have converted a good bit of the sugar to lactic acid, lowering the pH. Then I add 3 TBS of powdered eggshells to the mix. The calcium carbonate will neutralize the lactic acid, releasing CO2 gas and dissolving Calcium into the solution. Filter before use, you end up with a pH adjusted LAB inoculant with a healthy dose of calcium.

 

[Ponderosa]

I've been using rye berries soaked in water to get a lacto culture started. It works great.

 

[Hookahhead]

I've been using rye berries soaked in water to get a lacto culture started. It works great.

I know the originally recipe calls for rice wash water. However, you’re actually cultivating the microbes living on the grains, not the native ones from your own environment. Instead, I prefer to use the starchy water left over from cooking potatoes or pasta. The cooking process sterilizes the water. I also heavily salt my cooking water, which can inhibit certain microorganisms but LABs seem to handle it just fine.

 

[Sundog]

So I tested the Ph of my lab serum after 7 days. Came up with 5.3 is it not done or is this acceptable? Isn't it suppose to be 3.0 - 3.8? I strained the curds already so if it's not done what's my options? Thanks guys.

 

[Hookahhead]

I would probably let it go longer, straining the curds doesn’t really matter. You want the low pH to ensure that the LABs have outcompeted other microorganisms. That being said, I think it would be safe to use on plants but I wouldn’t consume it or feed it to pets until the pH drops. Remember, this is a temperature dependent process, so if you’re in a colder climate it will probably be a little slower this time of year.

 

[Sundog]

My serum and strained off curds.

Water, serum and molasses in a gallon jug with air lock to make activated LAB for use.

 

[Sundog]

Thanks for the quick reply Hookahhead. i think I understand now. Is it necessary to add molasses to the serum to keep them multiplying or is it ok to just let it do its thing? I'm very excited to use it on my moms and dads. Want to see if it will take out the remaining thrips in my root zone.

 

[Hookahhead]

I believe the original recipe has you add molasses for storage, I honestly don’t remember?

My serum always looks identical to what yours does, yellow liquid. I store the serum without sugar in the refrigerator, and add it to water/molasses 24-48 hours before I want to use it. Earlier in t thread I think they said the activity starts to fall off after 3-6 months, but it’s still viable. It’s easy enough to make a few times a year.

 

[Sundog]

Thanks again hookahhead. I'm going to let the serum keep brewing till the Ph drops more. Think I may ingest some. Also going to put some in my fish tank. I tasted the curds, they had no flavor at all. "LAB on everything! This stuff is a miracle cure all!!" ( Billy Mays voice)