Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum — KNF Recipe

A concentrated lactic acid bacteria serum derived from rice wash water and fresh milk. LAB suppresses harmful pathogens, breaks down organic matter, improves soil structure, and enhances nutrient uptake by creating a healthy, probiotic-rich root zone.

A concentrated lactic acid bacteria serum derived from rice wash water and fresh milk. LAB suppresses harmful pathogens, breaks down organic matter, improves soil structure, and enhances nutrient uptake by creating a healthy, probiotic-rich root zone. This KNF preparation is made with rice wash water – first rinse of uncooked white or brown rice and is a staple input in regenerative Korean Natural Farming — feeding soil biology instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers. It is one of 50+ free recipes we use daily at the IC SPICY nursery in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Ingredients

• Rice wash water – first rinse of uncooked white or brown rice
• Fresh whole milk (non-homogenized preferred) – 10 parts per 1 part rice wash
• Optional: brown sugar or molasses for storage

Steps

1. Wash 1 cup of rice in 1 cup of water. Keep the milky wash water and discard (or cook) the rice.
2. Pour rice wash water into a jar, cover with breathable cloth, and let sit at room temperature for 3–5 days until it smells sour (lactic fermentation).
3. Once sour, mix 1 part rice wash LAB with 10 parts fresh milk in a large jar.
4. Cover loosely and allow to separate over 5–7 days. The whey (yellowish liquid) will sink; the cream/curd will float to the top.
5. Skim off the curd on top. The yellowish serum below is your LAB serum.
6. To store long-term, add equal parts brown sugar or molasses as a preservative.
7. Refrigerate or store in a cool dark place. Can last months with sugar added.

Common questions

How long does Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum take to make?

Timing depends on temperature and humidity — follow the step-by-step schedule in the recipe above. Fermented and cultured inputs improve with proper timing, so avoid rushing stages.

When should I apply a KNF input like this?

Match the input to the plant's growth stage, per Master Cho's nutritive cycle theory: vegetative-stage plants favor growth inputs like FPJ and FAA, while flowering and fruiting plants favor WCA and FFJ. Apply early morning or late evening, and never in strong midday sun.

Is this safe for organic or no-spray gardens?

Yes — like all IC SPICY CookBook recipes, this uses only biological and food-grade ingredients with zero synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Always label your jars, use clean tools, and do a small test application before treating every plant.