First, you will need to obtain water kefir grains. Yes, you can convert milk kefir grains into water kefir grains. However, this takes time and is not easy. We promised easy, so obtain water kefir grains by contacting us 24 hours before planning to stop by the store. We will grab fresh grains and bring them to the shop. This keeps you from having to rehydrate grains or wait for it to arrive in the mail.
After you have the grains, you will need to have a clean and sanitized fermenter. Closed fermentation is possible, but this will allow the build up of butyric acid, which may make your kefir smell like vomit. This can be corrected with the addition of baking soda and/or molasses, but it doesn't always cover the smell. If you are using brown sugar, you may omit the molasses.
A note on water. We are often asked if tap water may be used for fermenting. The quick answer is YES! If your water is good enough to drink, it is good enough to use for fermenting. Some folks will purchase spring water when they don't feel comfortable using their own water. This is fine, too! However, do not use distilled water, as it tends to lack naturally occurring minerals (like calcium) that are beneficial to the fermenting process.
Back to the process! Mix equal parts of sugar and kefir grains. The ratio of grains to water should be one tablespoon of grains to one cup of water. If adding molasses, you will need 1/2 teaspoon per batch. If using baking soda, use 1/4 teaspoon per batch. If you use too much of the soda, the batch will taste like salt, and it can kill off some of your grains. Molasses can stain the grains over time, but don't worry, they will still work!
Add everything together and stir well. Do not use hot water, as this will kill your grains and ruin your batch. Use just enough warm water to dissolve the sugar, and top off with cold water. Cover the fermenter and wait one to three days. You can try the drink every day to see where the flavor is and how you prefer it. After the beveragehas the level of tang thatyou like, strain the it into a jug and enjoy!
Many folks add fruit to their batches, I use a handful of raisins per batch. Fruit like figs and lemons can also be used. When I strain my liquid, I add fresh grated ginger to the pitcher to give it an extra boost for gut health. If you want to have the water kefir to be carbonated, pour the drink into a sealed container like a flip-top bottle, and let it sit on the counter for 1-3 days. After that, enjoy it immediately or place it in the fridge. If you leave it out too long the CO2 will build up and explode.
Kefir grains will multiply over time, and will do so quickly during the warmer months. Feel free to give these grains away, throw into a blender for a probiotic smoothie, or throw them into a compost pile.
Drinking kefir water every day can provide your body with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients that may boost your health. Since kefir water's probiotics can have some side effects, consult with your doctor before adding it to your diet.
Add 250ml of non-chlorinated water to your jar per 20g of water kefir grains. Add one tablespoon of sugar (15g) per 20g of water kefir grains and stir, so the sugar begins to dissolve. Place your grains in a jar with and cover it. Leave them for 48 hours at room temperature (ideally around 20c).
Closed fermentation is possible, but this will allow the build up of butyric acid, which may make your kefir smell like vomit. This can be corrected with the addition of baking soda and/or molasses, but it doesn't always cover the smell. If you are using brown sugar, you may omit the molasses.
On average, fermented water kefir contains the same amount of sugar as in one green apple, just 3 grams. If you add fruit juice to your fermentation, the sugar content can go up to 5 grams. Not bad compared to 72 grams of sugar in a root beer.
Kefir contains millions of probiotics, which are bacteria with potential health benefits. It's also low in lactose and packed with vitamins and minerals that are good for your body. Scientists have found a range of possible health benefits of kefir, including improved cholesterol, blood sugar control, and gut health.
White sugar is processed using chemicals in refining, so no nutrients or minerals remain. Organic cane juice sugar or crystals aren't as refined as white, so they have a low mineral content. Both kinds create a sweet water kefir.
To make your water kefir, it's best to use chlorine-free water. Here are the water options available: Tap water: Generally suitable, but may contain chlorine. Let the water stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow some of the chlorine to evaporate.
To know if your water kefir grains are dead, use them to ferment a new batch and repeat this cycle at least 4 times. If the grains are dead, the water will remain sweet, and there wouldn't be a sign of fermentation. Another way to know is the appearance of mold on the surface.
Water kefir: Making up a batch of water kefir with honey is quite a treat. The honey doesn't kill the grains due to antimicrobial action, though it will eventually kill the grains. The real reason is two-fold: Honey is fructose and water kefir grains must have glucose. It's also high in minerals.
Some water kefir you find in store may have high levels of added sugar. Since water kefir is usually made with dairy, it also may not work for people who are lactose intolerant or follow a dairy-free diet.
We do not recommend mixing maple syrup, agave, or honey with your kefir. Maple syrup and agave have a high GI rating, which disrupts your microbiome. Honey is a natural antibiotic, which interferes with the good probiotics in the kefir.
It appears to be generally safe to consume, as long as people make and store it safely. While people who are lactose intolerant may be able to drink some kefir without symptoms, they should be careful to avoid drinking too much. People with milk allergies should avoid kefir unless it contains non-dairy milk.
Kefir, just like any drink, has an expiration date and it's not safe to drink it past this date. It can last quite a while, from 1 to 4 weeks, as long as it's stored properly and how much you use it can affect this too.
Should I drink kefir on an empty stomach? A. Yes, you may drink kefir on an empty stomach. Drinking it on an empty stomach can improve gut health and digestion.
Water kefir can help detox your liver. Your liver can become clogged when your diet is high in sugar and carbs. Water kefir contains a good amount of probiotics, which is one of the reasons it is capable of detoxing the liver. Water kefir is a drink made of basic and unprocessed ingredients.
Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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