REASONS FOR IDLY AND DOSAI MAAVU NOT GETTING PROPERLY FERMENTED

1. Both batters need Bio activity. So if there is not enough bacteria/Fungus/Yeast present in the batter, the maavu will not  ferment or will not ferment properly.

2. If you are using chlorinated, Iodised water or bacteria free water or Ozonized water in your house, you will not be able to get proper fermentation in batter as all these chemicals have residual disinfections property. except Ozone) .

3. If the atmospheric temperature is less than 20 degrees, the maavu will not ferment properly and if it ferments, it will take very long time and the quality of Bioactivity will be bad.

4. If you keep maavu for fermentation in cold place like verandah during nights, the fermentation will be poor.

5. If you are a stickler for Hygiene, you are sure to have a poor fermentation.

6. If you wash rice and Dhall too much before wet grinding and if you are using safe water, you will have fermentation problem.

7. I have seen some people using curds or buttermilk to induce fermentation. This is absolutely bad. Lacto Bacillus is a bacteria which does not allow other bacteria's to flourish and makes a moonoculture. Hence the fermentation is very different and not proper.

8. If the water is acidic , the fermentation will be poor.
   
   SURE-FIRE WAYS TO INDUCE FERMENTATION IN IDLY AND DOSAI MAAVU

1. Use Saved idly batter as starting culture. This is the basic rule if you live in cold countries)

2. Use only common non treated water. Don't worry, all the Bacteria's will die when you steam cook)

3. After wet grinding, keep the batter in open air near plants or in  Balcony for at least 30 minutes.

4. Ensure that you keep the batter at an ambient temp. of 25 to 30 degrees. If you live in cold places, use the following trick." Fill up the batter in a shopping bag thick plastic of white colour only). Tie up the bag loosely and keep it in a bucket full of warm water  (30 degrees) when you go to sleep. When you get up in the morning, the fermentation would be complete."

5. Keep the batter in the preheated oven (and put off) for the night.

6. Add about an ounce of Lager or a Good Beer to the batter.

7. Add a quarter slice of old /stale bread .

8. Add little grated cheese.

9. If you have Chillies with blackened stalk in your fridge, they would induce fine fermentation.

10. This is the most unfailing method.
    
    Keep a slice of sugared wetted bread in open near a window for one hour .Crumble it and keep it in warm room or sun for some time. During the evening, add a quarter spoon of crumbled bread to the batter.
    
    IF ALL THE ABOVE METHODS FAIL, ........PLEASE PRAY GOD.!!!!!!!!