What is water kefir?
Water kefir is a fermented beverage made from water kefir “grains.” The grains are clear, gelatinous crystal looking structures that look and feel like small crystals of unflavored gelatin. Kefir grains contain many strains of healthful bacteria which when introduced to a sugar solution multiply to create a bubbly fermented drink.
Water kefir is high in minerals and vitamins, and some studies have shown that kefir can establish healthy gut bacteria, digest unhealthy yeast in the gut, and have far more beneficial bacteria than yogurt or probiotic supplement.
How do you prepare water kefir?
Water kefir is very simple to prepare. Here is what you will need.
- 1/3 cup water kefir grains (available for purchase if you email me)
- mineral water, or chlorine-free filtered water
- organic sugar
- organic molasses
- 1/2 gallon glass jar
- glass jars with stopper for fermenting
- Plastic strainer
- Funnel
- Boil 1 cup of mineral or chlorine-free filtered tap water. Add 1/3 cup of sugar. I use organic, but any will work. Take of heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add 1 tbsp molasses to sugar water. Kefir bacteria love the minerals of molasses and proliferate when you use it.
- Add 3 cups of cool water to pot to cool down the sugar water.
- Place 1/3 cup grains in 1/2 gallon mason jar. Once water is room temperature, pour over grains. Add another 2 cups or so of water, so that water reaches almost to the curve of the jar.
- Cover with a coffee filter and rubber band, and allow to ferment on a counter top away from direct sunlight for 48 hours. If it is summertime or your home is very warm, it may take less time.
- After 48 hours, using your PLASTIC strainer, strain grains out of liquid. Pour liquid into your 1 liter glass jars with stopper. I usually use one stopper jar, and then old kombucha bottles for the rest.
- Fill until there is about an inch of space, and cap tightly. Sit on counter for another 24 hours. This is where carbonation occurs.
Tips for successful water kefir making:- Do not use metal spoons or strainers. It can kill the grains.
- Grains can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make a sugar mixture of 1 1 tbsp sugar to 1/2 cup water and add grains. Store in airtight container. It is best to refresh the sugar water every few days to ensure the grains do not die.
- Try not to use chlorinated water, as this can kill the grains.
***If you are interested in kefir grains, please send me an email at livingcrunchy @ gmail. com and I can ship some to you. *****
Shared with: Sunday School, Mix it Up Monday, Natural Living Monday, Real Food Forager, Allergy Free Wednesday, Wonderful Food Wednesday, Frugally Sustainable, Thursday Favorite Things, Simple Lives Thursday, Gluten Free Friday, Tasty Creations.
Article Sources: http://EzineArticles.com/3701564
http://momsaware.org/food-probiotics/70-health-benefits-of-kefir.html
Thanks! This is very interesting and sounds easier than kombucha. I found you on Frugal Days Linky Party.
I have had much better luck with water kefir than kombucha, but I love them both!
This sounds like an interesting way to get some nice bacteria since I’m cutting out dairy!
xo P.S. thank you for sharing at the hop
Got this tweeted and pinned!!
Thanks for linking up at Gluten Free Fridays 
I love this post. I don’t really understand how to do it or what it tastes like, but I will look forward to seeing yours and learning more! I have heard of this from different people and wondered what it all was about. Thanks!
I buy that same brand of organic sugar and I love it! It’s great for hot drinks and baking too! Thank you for this great recipe