What is Bokashi bran made of?

Bokashi bran is made from wheat or rice bran infused with EM-1 microbes, molasses, and water, then dried and stored for use. Kai Kai Farm's organic Bokashi bran contains organic wheat bran, plantation-grown pine sawdust, organic molasses, EMRO EM-1 effective microorganisms, and rainwater. It is the active ingredient that drives the fermentation process inside the bin.

What are EM-1 microbes?

EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms) is a stable blend of three groups of beneficial microbes developed in Japan in the 1980s: Lactic Acid Bacteria, which suppress harmful pathogens and break down organic matter; Yeasts, which produce vitamins and amino acids that support other beneficial microbes; and Phototrophic Bacteria, which convert organic waste into useful substances that support soil biodiversity. Kai Kai Farm uses EMRO EM-1 — the original, gold-standard formulation from the world's leading authority on EM technology.

How do I use a Bokashi bin?

Add food scraps to the bin in layers, sprinkling a generous tablespoon of Bokashi bran over each layer. Press the contents down firmly to remove air pockets, then seal the lid tightly after every addition — anaerobic (air-free) conditions are essential for fermentation to work. Drain any liquid from the tap every few days. When the bin is full, seal it completely and leave to ferment for 2 weeks. After fermentation, bury the pre-compost in the garden or add it to a compost pile.

What can I put in a Bokashi bin?

Bokashi can handle most food waste including meat, fish, dairy, cooked food, citrus, oily leftovers, bread, coffee grounds, and tea leaves. This is one of Bokashi's key advantages over traditional composting, which cannot safely process meat or dairy. Avoid adding large bones, excessive liquids, or visibly mouldy food in large quantities.

Do I need one Bokashi bin or two?

Most households find that two bins work best. While one bin is fermenting (sealed for 2 weeks after it is full), the second bin is being filled with fresh food scraps. This ensures you always have an active bin available and the system runs continuously without interruption.

Why does my Bokashi bin smell bad?

A sour, vinegary or pickle-like smell is completely normal and indicates healthy fermentation. A rotten, putrid smell means fermentation is not working correctly — usually caused by insufficient bran, too much air in the bin, or excess moisture. To fix it: add more Bokashi bran over the surface, press contents down firmly to eliminate air pockets, and ensure the lid is fully sealed. Kai Kai Farm's Bokashi Compost Spray can also help kickstart slow or troubled fermentation.

What is the liquid that collects in the Bokashi bin?

The liquid (commonly called bokashi juice or bokashi tea) is a byproduct of fermentation that is rich in beneficial microbes. Dilute it 1:100 with water and use it as a liquid fertiliser on plants, or pour it undiluted down drains and toilets to help break down waste in pipes and septic systems. Drain it from the bin tap every few days to prevent it from backing up into the bin contents.

The contents of my Bokashi bin look the same after two weeks — is it working?

Yes, this is normal. Bokashi is a fermentation process, not decomposition — the material is pre-composted rather than visually broken down. The pre-compost should smell sour and pickled and have a slightly softened texture. You may also notice white mycelium (fluffy white growth) which is a sign of healthy fermentation. Once buried in soil, it breaks down rapidly — usually within 2–4 weeks underground.

How do I store Bokashi bran?

Store Bokashi bran in a cool, dark place with the bag sealed between uses. Use within 3 months of purchase for best microbial activity. White spots or fluffy growth on the bran are a healthy sign — that is active mycelium indicating the bran is alive and effective, not mould.

Can I use Bokashi composting in winter?

Yes. Bokashi fermentation slows slightly in cold weather but continues to work effectively through winter. Keep the bin somewhere reasonably sheltered — a garage, laundry, or under the kitchen sink — and avoid exposing it to freezing temperatures. Allow a little extra fermentation time in colder conditions: up to 3 weeks instead of 2.

Is Bokashi composting safe for kids and pets?

Yes. When managed correctly — with the lid sealed between uses and the bin positioned appropriately — Bokashi is safe around children and pets. The bran contains food-grade ingredients and natural microbes. The fermented pre-compost should be buried in the garden rather than left on the surface where pets might investigate it.

What if I don't have a garden to bury the Bokashi pre-compost?

Several options work well without a garden: mix the pre-compost into potting soil for indoor or balcony plants (dilute well and leave for 2 weeks before planting into it); give it to a neighbour with a garden; offer it through community gardens or Freecycle; or add it to a council green waste bin (check your local council's guidelines). The pre-compost is acidic and should be diluted or mixed well before direct contact with plant roots.

Kai Kai Farm's Bokashi Composting Collection

Bokashi Bran & Bin FAQ

Whether you’re just starting or fine-tuning your composting routine, this guide will help you master the Bokashi method. Bokashi is a fast, odour-free way to compost all kinds of food scraps — even meat, dairy, and cooked leftovers — using beneficial microbes and airtight bins. Let’s dive into the most commonly asked questions to get you composting like a pro.

Welcome to the Bokashi Bran FAQ!

Whether you’re just starting or fine-tuning your composting routine, this guide will help you master the Bokashi method. Bokashi is a fast, odour-free way to compost all kinds of food scraps — even meat, dairy, and cooked leftovers — using beneficial microbes and airtight bins.

Let’s dive into the most commonly asked questions to get you composting like a pro.

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Wondering what Bokashi and EM-1 are?

What is Bokashi composting?
Bokashi composting uses a mix of beneficial microbes (Effective Microorganisms or EM-1) to ferment food waste in an airtight container. It’s a fast, low-odour method that prepares food scraps for full breakdown in soil or compost. Bokashi is an anaerobic process so removing as much air as possible and ensuring your using an airtight container is critical to the process.
What is Bokashi bran made of?
Bokashi bran is made from wheat or rice bran infused with EM microbes, molasses, and water, then dried and stored. It’s the “fuel” that drives the fermentation process.
Our organic Bokashi bran is made from
- organic wheat bran
- plantation grown pine
- organic molasses
- EM-1
- rain water
What are EM-1 Microbes?
Developed in Japan in the 1980s, EM-1 is a specific, stable blend of three primary groups of beneficial microbes that are found in nature:
1. Lactic Acid Bacteria: (Like those found in yogurt). These are the "cleaners." They produce lactic acid which suppresses harmful pathogens and helps break down tough organic matter like food scraps and plant cellulose.
2. Yeasts: (Like those used in bread and beer). These act as "bio-factories," producing vitamins and amino acids that feed other beneficial microbes and stimulate plant root growth.
3. Phototrophic Bacteria: The "powerhouses" of the group. They use sunlight and soil heat to turn organic waste into useful substances like sugars, which further support the soil’s biodiversity.

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🗑️ Using the Bokashi Bin

How do I use a Bokashi bin?
Follow the steps below for composting the Bokashi way:
1. Add food scraps to the bin
2. Sprinkle a handful of bokashi bran over the top, lightly covering the food scraps.
3. Press down to compress and remove air
4. Close the lid tightly after every use
5. Drain off the liquid every few days, this depends on how moist or dry your food scraps are
6. Once bin is full, let it ferment for two weeks (longer in winter)
7. Bury the fermented leftovers in soil, add to the compost bin or worm farm
Download Our Bokashi In 4 Simple Steps Guide
What can I put in a Bokashi bin?
Accepted:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Cooked leftovers
- Meat, fish, small bones
- Dairy products
- Bread & grains
- Coffee grounds, tea bags
Avoid:
- Rotten or mouldy food
- Excess liquid
- Large bones
- Non organic materials
One Or Two Bins?
You can do Bokashi composting with just one bin however once the bin is full it has to sit and ferment for two weeks meaning your throwing away compost gold during that time.
This is why most people will have two bins and then cycle between the bins so that compost gold is always available and no food waste is going to the regular bin service.

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⚠️ Troubleshooting

Why does my Bokashi bin smell bad?
A sour, fermented smell is normal.
If it smells rotten:
- Add more Bokashi bran
- Ensure liquid is drained off
- Press contents down firmly
- Ensure lid is fully sealed
What is the liquid that collects in the bin?
That’s Bokashi tea. Drain it every few days. Dilute (1:100) to use as plant fertiliser or pour down drains as a natural cleaner.
The contents look the same after two weeks?
Bokashi composting is different to regular composting, the food waste is not broken down at this stage but fermented. Its completely normal for the food to look almost the same as when it went in. You should notice white fluffy mould growing over the top if the process is working well.
How do I store the bran?
Keep the bran in the resealable bag and store in a dry dark place ideally less than 25C. Squeeze out any excess air anytime the bag is opened. Use within three months of the batch date. Signs of white mould is healthy. Green/Blue/Black mould is not heathy and affected areas should be removed as soon as possible, discard into the garden.

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🌱 Additional Information

Can I compost during winter?
Yes! Either let the bin ferment for longer than two weeks- perhaps three to four weeks. Otherwise keep the bin indoors at room temperature. Microbial activity slows in the cold below 20C.
Is Bokashi safe for kids and pets?
Yes, but keep Bokashi tea and the bran stored safely. Always wash hands after handling.
I don't have a bin?
You can buy pre made bins (hint, we sell them!) or have a go at making your own.
Make Your Own Bokashi Bin
DIY Bokashi Bran Kit Instructions
Looking for the instructions for the Do It Yourself Bokashi Bran Kit?
Instructions Here
Need More Help?
Get in contact with us if you have any other questions, we are more than happy to answer questions and guide through the process.