Fermenting your own beverages is fun and healthy.
Make your own soda replacement that is feeding your gut with good bacteria.
Water kefir is unique in the world of cultured beverages: rather than developing a tart or tangy flavor like most fermented foods, it stays sweet!
After culturing, this sweet probiotic drink can be bottled to develop soda-like carbonation and effervescence.
What are Water Kefir Grains?
Kefir grains are a mix between yeast and bacteria. By activating them and feeding them with sugar water, they can be used to make delicious probiotic-rich drinks.
You can use fruit juice or coconut water, and even infuse them with fresh and dried fruits.
Once activated, Water Kefir Grains can be re-used over and over.
The term "kefir grains" describes the look of the culture only. Water kefir grains contain no actual "grains" such as wheat, rye, etc.
Making water kefir is very simple:
- Activate the kefir grains with sugar water
- Culture the grains for 3 to 4 days
- Strain the grains out
- Repeat step 1 and 2
- Culture for up to 48 hours
- Strain the grains and if wished infuse your kefir water
How to Flavor Water Kefir?
Fresh or dried fruit
Add any dried fruit, such as dried pineapple or dried peaches, to finished water kefir and ferment for 2-3 days.
When using fresh fruit, leave in the water kefir no longer than 24 hours. For a stronger fruit flavor, strain out the fruit after 24 hours and add fresh fruit; continue to ferment another 24 hours.
Fruit Juice
Adding fruit juice is the quickest way to enjoy a flavored water kefir. For most juices such as grape of pomegranate, add 1/2 cup juice per quart water kefir.
When using a stronger concentrated juice, such a lemon juice, reduce the amount to 1/4 -1/3 cup.
Other Water Kefir Flavor Additions
- Fresh or crystallized ginger
- Herbs
- Spices
- Vanilla extract
Here is a link for 10 Ways To Flavor Your Kefir Water
Learn more about Water Kefir here: Cultures for Health