There are many ways in which media can be prepared. If you have a good method already you should continue to use it.
- Heat a litre of distilled water to boiling in a very clean container (we use an electric kitchen kettle)
- Immediately add about 250-400mL of the boiled water to a blender and immediately empty the contents of a 1-5 x 1L sachet of medium into the blender
- Replace the blender lid firmly. Swirl the contents manually to heat the air above the fluid then pulse the blender quickly 2-3 times to start mixing the contents & heat the air above the water without blowing the lid off. Be very carefully to avoid scalding yourself
- Now run the blender for 20 to 60 seconds for a thorough mix
- Pour the mixture into your measuring vessel and rinse all the thick mixture from the blender into the measuring vessel with some more boiled water.
- If banana pulp is required, weigh the banana and microwave it on ‘high’ until the banana boils then add it to the blender with some hot distilled water and blend to a fine pulp then add it to the measuring vessel
- If using coconut water add that now
- If necessary, add the remaining hot water to make up about half the required volume. Make up the remaining volume with cold distilled water
- Mix thoroughly before pouring the mix into your flasks. Pour 1-2 flasks then mix thoroughly again and pour next 1-2 and so on until all poured
Note: When pouring, avoid spilling any medium on to the upper neck or outer threaded area. This will prevent bacteria or fungi from having a path to grow into your flasks. If spill occurs, wipe it away
Make sure the flasks/vessels and their lids can withstand the heat of pressure cooking or autoclaving to sterilise them and their contents.