How To Make Probiotic Water Kefir
Water kefir is a delicious and probiotic-rich beverage that can be easily made at home using just a few simple ingredients. Water Kefir is a dairy free alternative to milk kefir. It is a fermented, carbonated beverage made by using water kefir grains.
You can also add natural flavors like fruits or juices for added taste and nutrition. It tastes like natural soda, it’s super refreshing. Here’s a basic recipe for making water kefir using traditional methods.
How To Make Probiotic Water Kefir
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp (15 g) water kefir grains (can be purchased from health food stores or online)
- 4 cups (946 ml) filtered water
- 1/2 cup (100 g) or less organic cane sugar, you can also use organic coconut sugar or another sweetener, if desired
- 1 cup of unsweetened 100% fruit juice (optional)
The water kefir grains metabolize the sugar, which means they basically “eat” the sugar, (this is what feeds them) taking it out of the water. Once it’s done doing its thing, the water is only very mildly sweet.
Instructions:
1. Rinse the water kefir grains thoroughly with warm water to remove any impurities or leftover sugars from previous batches. Place the rinsed grains in a clean, glass jar.
2. Dissolve 1/2 cup (100 g) organic cane sugar in 4 cups (946 ml) filtered water over low heat until fully dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool down to room temperature.
3. Once the sugar syrup has cooled, carefully pour it into the jar with the water kefir grains. Ensure that the grains are completely submerged in the liquid.
4. Cover the jar loosely with a breathable cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature (around 72-78°F/22-26°C) for approximately 24 hours, or until the beverage has developed a slight carbonation and tastes slightly sweet yet tart.
5. After the initial fermentation period, carefully strain out the water kefir grains using a plastic fine mesh strainer and discard any sugar crystals that may have formed. Transfer the strained water kefir to a new glass bottle with a tight-sealing lid for secondary fermentation.
6. Optional, add fresh fruit juice to the jar, depending on your desire taste and sweetness level (usually around 1 cup of unsweetened fruit juice).
SECOND FERMENTATION
7. Reintroduce the strained grains back into the jar with the added fruit juice. Cover it with the cloth or coffee filter once again.
8. Allow the bottled water kefir to sit at room temperature for an additional 24 hours or until it reaches desired carbonation level. During this time the grains will consume the sugars present in the fruit juice and produce more probiotics.
9, After the second fermentation, strain out the water kefir using a fine-mesh strainer to remove the grains. If needed you can dilute the beverage with additional water or add more fruit juice to adjust the taste.
10. Store the water kefir in the refrigerator and consume within 48 hours of preparation to maintain its carbonation and probiotic content. It can stay in the refrigerator for 3-5 days maximum, but it will be less potent.
Note: Water kefir grains require regular maintenance, so be sure to clean them with warm water and occasionally feed them fresh sugar water or organic fruit juice to keep them thriving.
Milk Kefir And Water Kefir Differences
The information here is provided for informational purposes only. It is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or treating any disease or condition. It is in no way intended to substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. No responsibility is assumed by the author for the use of this information and no guarantees of any kind are made for the performance or effectiveness of the recommendations provide. By using this site you agree to these terms. (Read more)