Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
weeks, too, in order to keep everything mixed well and intro-
duce some air. Even though fermentation is an anaerobic pro-
cess, allowing some air in for the first two to three weeks seems
to be beneficial.
5. The pH will drop as it ferments. It can be used as soon as the
pH is below 3.9, but preferably it should be below 3.7. It should
also have a sweet smell. It may smell a bit when you initially
take off the cap, but if that persists for more than 10 minutes of
the cap being off, or if the pH is 3.9 or over, it should not be
used. The pH may drop below 3.7 within a few days, but it's
better left to ferment for at least four weeks for highest benefits.
The following measurements are for one quart of water, but you can multiply it and use
bigger containers such as a five gallon size.
Activating EM isn't an exact science. Although it isn't difficult and usually works very
well, the occasional batch may fail to drop in pH to an appropriate level. You can try
adding more EM, or you may decide to throw it into the compost and start again. Some of
the most common reasons for failure are:
• Inappropriate containers (previously containing chemicals, putrefied food, previ-
ous bad batches)
• Poor water quality (distilled, reverse osmosis, polluted, very high in chlorine)
• Filling the container too full during initial fermentation stages (should be only
90% full)
• Not optimal temperature (too hot or too cold)
• Not burping and stirring/shaking daily
• Trying to cheat by using more molasses than EM or too much molasses in relation
to water
EM mother culture stores for 6-24 months, or potentially a few years, whereas activated
EM usually only stores for one to six months. Still, a really good activated EM batch can
potentially store for two or more years. After fermentation is complete, cooler room tem-
peratures between 50 and 70F will keep it longer. Store it out of direct sunlight with the
lid tight. Indirect sunlight is beneficial. When you begin to use a bottle of activated EM,
it's best to use it all within a couple of months, as the air space at the top of the container
will shorten the storage time. If you activated it yourself using a basic recipe without an-
cillary ingredients and without following all of the steps such as keeping it warm for two
weeks, it will be most beneficial to use it all during the first month.
