Water Kefir

Water Kefir Grains are a form of a SCOBY, which stands for Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast. Pronounced Kuh-feer, water kefir grains make an excellent probiotic drink full of enzymes and minerals.

Always use non reactive vessels and utensils around any culture. Metals can kill your grains, and plastics may leach nasty by products into your healthy drink. (Stainless steel is okay for utensils and strainers.)

When capping fermented beverages, be aware that off gassing from fermentation can cause dangerous bottle bombs. Plastic pop bottles are designed for carbonated drinks and can withstand high amounts of pressure, which is why I recommend them. If you use glass, slowly open lid every couple of days to release pressure. Bottles can be stored in a lidded tote or box to prevent injury and mess in case of bottle bombs.

Any product made by a yeast consuming sugar produces alcohol. A typical water kefir drink may contain somewhere around 0.05% ABV (alcohol by volume), no more than a typical store bought ginger beer.

Kefir consumes the sucrose and will leave behind fructose and glucose. In other words, the sugar is for the kefir, not for you.:)

Kefir is an acidic beverage, but contrary to linear thought, that doesn’t mean it acidifies your bodys’ ph. It has an alkalising effect.

Once cultured, it can be enjoyed as is or flavored in about a zillion ways, with or without natural carbonation.

If you haven’t tried it yet, you would be amazed how much it can be made to taste like Cream Soda! Which makes it an easy substitute for an unhealthy soda habit.

For cream soda kefir: after straining grains from 1 quart of kefir water, add 1 tsp. vanilla extract to your kefir water. Bottle in a sterile plastic pop bottle, capping tightly. Leave on counter for 24 – 48 hours before refrigerating (to carbonate). Refrigerate until chilled and enjoy!

Another favorite at our house is kefir lemonade. Simply add 1/4 cup of lemon juice to water kefir (after straining out grains). Chill and drink (or let carbonate before chilling). Lime would be nice too! Ooo, with raspberries…hmm. I’ll have to try that!

Once strained, a second ferment can be done using any number of flavorings. Try ginger, fruits and berries. Or, why not try a fruit and vegetable mix? Don’t be afraid to add a little spice either! I often add peppercorns, fennel, fresh ginger, dried chilli pepper seeds, cloves or cinnamon sticks.

Let ferment on counter for 2 – 5 days (to taste). I love mango and fennel seed kefir fermented 3 days, then strained and chilled. So good!. What are some of your favorites?

Cultures are available for purchase here: Water Kefir Grains, or Milk Kefir Grains.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup white sugar (can use any fermentable sugar)
• 1 quart dechlorinated water (cool or room temperature)
• 3-4 tbsps. water kefir grains

Method