FAQ

WHAT PRODUCTS DOES CRAFTY CULTURES OFFER?

Crafty Cultures specializes in helping you to make cheese, yoghurt, kombucha, kefir, and fermented vegetable at home. We have a wide range of DIY kits, cultures and all other consumables needed for you to ferment and culture at home!

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?

ARE YOUR CULTURES AND STARTERS ORGANIC?

Yes, we prioritize quality and conduct business in an ethical and sustainable manner. Our scobies are sustainably and locally produced and our cultures are sourced from reputable suppliers.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE CHEESE/YOGHURT/KOMBUCHA/KEFIR USING YOUR KITS?

The time varies depending on the product and the specific recipe you choose. Generally, cheese-making can take anywhere from half an hour to a few days, depending on the type of cheese you are making. Yoghurt making takes less than half an hour, but then the setting time is between 8 and 12 hours. For Kefir and Kombucha, if you have a dehydrated Scoby, you have a once of period where you need to ‘activate’ them before you can start culturing. Activation takes anywhere between 2 to 14 days but once your once you have an activated/hydrated Scoby your culturing can take anything between 12 and 36 hours. For Kombucha a decent culturing time is 2 weeks. You can consume it earlier – depending on how you prefer the taste! The detailed instructions on each product will clearly guide you and if in doubt we are always here for support

DO YOU OFFER SUPPORT IF I ENCOUNTER ANY ISSUES DURING THE FERMENTATION PROCESS?

Absolutely! We're here to help you every step of the way. If you encounter any challenges or have questions, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable support team for assistance. You can contact us at sales@craftycultures.co.za or info@craftycultures.co.za.

DO YOU SHIP NATIONWIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA?

Yes, we ship our products nationwide within South Africa. Shipping costs and delivery times may vary depending on your location.

DO YOU OFFER INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING?

Yes we do, please reach out to our customer service team to inquire about international shipping options and associated costs. You can contact us at sales@craftycultures.co.za.

DO YOU OFFER WORKSHOPS OR CLASSES FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT FERMENTATION?

Yes, we host workshops and classes to educate and inspire fermentation enthusiasts. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates on upcoming events.

CAN I REUSE THE CULTURES OR STARTERS FOR MULTIPLE BATCHES?

Yes, many of our cultures and starters can be reused for multiple batches, allowing you to continue enjoying homemade creations without needing to purchase new supplies each time. Proper care and maintenance of your cultures are essential for their longevity. Detailed methods on how to ‘stretch’ your cultures are included in the instructions where applicable.

HOW SHOULD I STORE THE CULTURES AND STARTERS WHEN NOT IN USE?

We recommend storing cultures and starters according to the specific instructions provided with each product. Yoghurt and cheese cultures should be stored in the freezer for optimal life expectancy. The refrigerator is also a good place if a freezer is not available. Dehydrated kombucha and kefir scobies can be stored in a cool dark place, in a cupboard or in the refrigerator. Hydrated kombucha and kefir scobies can be stored in the refrigerator, but should ideally be fed within a week to keep alive and well. Proper storage helps maintain the viability and effectiveness of the cultures over time.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS SAFE TO USE?

Yes, our products are safe when used according to the provided instructions. We prioritize quality and adhere to strict standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of our cultures and kits. Our staff is trained in food safety and hygiene practices and we are certified with the necessary food safety governing bodies to ensure our products are of the highest quality. Our Certificate of Acceptability is available upon request. However, it's essential to follow proper hygiene practices during the fermentation process to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.

DO YOU OFFER WHOLESALE OR BULK PURCHASING OPTIONS?

Yes, we offer wholesale and bulk purchasing options for businesses, organizations, and individuals looking to buy larger quantities of our products. Please contact our sales team at sales@craftycultures.co.za for more information and to discuss your specific needs.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RESOURCES OR GUIDES AVAILABLE FOR BEGINNERS?

Absolutely! In addition to our product instructions, we provide a wealth of resources, including articles, videos, and recipe ideas, to support beginners on their fermentation journey. Explore our website and blog for valuable tips and insights to enhance your crafting experience.

WHAT IS YOUR RETURN OR EXCHANGE POLICY?

We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you're not happy with your order for any reason, please contact us at sales@craftycultures.co.za within a reasonable timeframe to discuss options for returns, exchanges, or refunds. Our customer service team is here to ensure your experience with Crafty Cultures is a positive one.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN MAKING?

Yes, involving children in the process of making cheese, yogurt, kombucha, and kefir can be a fun and educational experience. However, adult supervision is recommended, especially when handling equipment and working with heat or potentially hazardous materials.

DO YOU GIFT CARDS FOR YOUR PRODUCTS?

Yes, we offer gift cards for those looking to share the joy of homemade fermentation with friends and loved ones.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE?

We strive to minimize our environmental footprint by using eco-friendly packaging materials whenever possible and sourcing our ingredients and supplies from sustainable sources. Additionally, homemade fermentation is inherently more sustainable than purchasing store-bought equivalents, as it reduces packaging waste and transportation emissions.

CAN I USE YOUR CULTURES TO MAKE VEGAN ALTERNATIVES?

Our cheese and yoghurt cultures for dairy products are based on a dairy substrate. But yes you can use these cultures to make dairy-free products. Alternatively we have vegan yoghurt cultures that is based on dairy-free/vegan substrates. While many of our products are based on dairy fermentation, there are also vegan alternatives available for certain cultures and starters, such as water kefir grains and vegan yogurt cultures. Please check our product listings or contact our customer service team at sales@craftycultures.co.za for assistance in finding vegan-friendly options.

DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS OR PROMOTIONS FOR LOYAL CUSTOMERS?

Yes, we appreciate our loyal customers and occasionally offer discounts, promotions, and exclusive deals as a token of our gratitude. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay informed about upcoming sales and special offers. You can sign up here https://shopify.com/56185258141/account.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LACTOSE INTOLERANCE?

Some of our products, such as yogurt and kefir, undergo fermentation processes that can reduce the lactose content, making them more tolerable for individuals with mild lactose intolerance. However, the suitability may vary depending on the individual's sensitivity. We recommend consulting with a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns.

CAN I CANCEL OR MODIFY MY ORDER AFTER IT HAS BEEN PLACED?

We understand that circumstances may change, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request. If you need to cancel or modify your order, please contact us as soon as possible. However, please note that orders may be processed quickly, and we cannot guarantee changes or cancellations once the order has been dispatched.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR COMMERCIAL USE, SUCH AS RESTAURANTS OR CAFES?

Yes, many of our products are suitable for commercial use, and we offer bulk purchasing options for businesses looking to incorporate homemade fermentation into their menu offerings. Please contact our sales team at sales@craftycultures.co.za to discuss your specific needs and to receive customized recommendations.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON FEMRNETATION ISSUES?

Yes, we provide troubleshooting tips and guidance to help you navigate common fermentation challenges. You can find it at https://craftycultures.co.za/pages/troubleshooting-1. Our customer service team at sales@craftycultures.co.za is also available to assist you if you encounter any issues during the fermentation process. Additionally, our online community forums are a great resource for sharing experiences and learning from others.