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How to Make Water Kefir

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Water kefir is a delicious fermented beverage that is packed with probiotics and essential nutrients. It is an excellent alternative to sugary sodas and a healthy way to keep your gut happy.

water-kefir-in-a-bottle-and-jar

In this recipe blog post, we will guide you through the process of making your own water kefir using easy-to-find ingredients.

History of water kefir

Water kefir originated in Mexico and is also known as tibicos, Japanese water crystals, and California bees. It is believed to have been introduced to North America by German immigrants who brought it with them to their new home. Since then, water kefir has become popular worldwide as a natural and healthy drink.

water-kefir-grains-in-a-bowl

Ingredients you will need

  • Water kefir grains
  • Brown sugar
  • Filtered water
  • Sea salt
  • Dried dates, figs, or raisins
water-kefir-fermenting

Equipment you will need

  • Glass jar with lid
  • Fine strainer
  • Flip-top glass bottles
  • Measuring cups and spoons
water-kefir-grains-in-a-jar

Nutritional content of water kefir

Water kefir is a low-calorie and low-sugar beverage that is rich in probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. It is an excellent source of gut-friendly bacteria that can help boost your immune system, aid digestion, and promote overall health.

The nutritional content may vary depending on the ingredients used to infuse the drink, but in general, a 100ml serving of water kefir contains:

  • 20 calories
  • 0.5 grams of protein
  • 5 grams of carbohydrates
  • 0 grams of fat
  • 2% of the daily recommended intake of calcium
  • 5% of the daily recommended intake of iron
water-kefir-soda-brewing

What are the health benefits of drinking water kefir?

Here are some of the benefits associated with drinking water kefir:

  1. Improved gut health: Water kefir is packed with beneficial bacteria and yeast, which can help to restore the balance of bacteria in your gut. This can help to improve digestion, boost immune function, and even reduce inflammation.
  2. Increased nutrient absorption: Probiotics can help to break down food in your gut, making it easier for your body to absorb important nutrients.
  3. Reduced inflammation: Probiotics and antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lower the risk of chronic diseases.
  4. Boosted immune function: The beneficial bacteria can help to boost your immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies and other immune cells.
  5. Improved mental health: Some studies have suggested that probiotics can have a positive impact on mental health, by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
strawberry-water-kefir-in-a-glass

Flavor variations

Water kefir is a versatile drink that can be flavored in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for flavor variations:

  1. Citrus: Add a slice of lemon, lime, or orange for a refreshing, citrusy flavor.
  2. Berry: Add fresh or frozen berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity taste.
  3. Herbal: Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as mint, basil, or rosemary for a refreshing herbal flavor.
  4. Ginger: Add fresh ginger for a spicy kick and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  5. Spiced: Add warming spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a cozy, autumnal flavor.
  6. Tropical: Add pineapple, mango, or coconut for a taste of the tropics.
  7. Floral: Add edible flowers, such as lavender or rose petals for a delicate, floral flavor.

Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite. Just remember to remove any flavorings before bottling and leaving the water kefir to ferment for a second time.

More probiotic recipes

📋 Recipe

water-kefir-in-a-bottle-and-jar
Jamie Raftery

Water Kefir

5 from 1 vote
Homemade pro-biotic soda
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Fermenting time 4 days
Total Time 4 days 10 minutes
Servings: 10 100ml portions
Course: Drinks, Fermentation
Cuisine: International
Calories: 6
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

  • 100 g Water kefir grains
  • 80 g Brown sugar palmyra
  • 1000 ml Water - filtered
  • 1 pinch Pink salt
  • 2 each Dates

Equipment

  • 1 Weighing scales
  • 1 Kilner jar
  • 1 Muslin
  • 1 Strainer
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Funnel
  • 2 Glass bottles

Method
 

  1. Assemble all ingredients and equipment.
1st Fermentation
  1. Dissolve brown sugar in a kilner or glass jar with 200ml of the water. (boil water 1st)
  2. Allow to cool and add the remaining water.
  3. Add the kefir grains to the jar, along with the 2 dates and a very small pinch of pink salt or sea salt.
  4. Mix the contents of the jar, and cover with an airtight lid.
  5. Leave at room temperature for 2-3 days in a dark place (out of direct sunlight). There will be carbonation producing bubbles at the surface.
  6. Filter the water kefir grains by straining the contents of the jar through a fine strainer. Rinse the water kefir grains in filtered water and store them for making your next batch.
Infusion Stage
  1. Now you can add whatever flavors you would like to infuse. (See notes below for suggestions) Mix well, put the lid back on and allow to infuse for 24 hours.
  2. Strain the liquid again - discard the flavorings.
2nd Bottle Fermentation
  1. Pour the strained water kefir into secure flip-top glass bottles and seal tightly.
  2. Leave at room temperature for 24-48 hours to build up extra carbonation. (Check carbonation by opening the bottles carefully - be csareful they may fizz over!)
  3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours before opening and serving.
To serve
  1. Serve chilled over ice with a slice of citrus.

Nutrition

Serving: 100mlCalories: 6kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 3mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin B3: 1mgVitamin B5: 1mgVitamin B6: 1mgVitamin C: 1mgVitamin K: 1µgCalcium: 4mgCopper: 1mgFolate: 1µgIron: 1mgManganese: 1mgMagnesium: 1mgPhosphorus: 1mgSelenium: 1µgZinc: 1mg

Notes

Recipe Variations:
There really are limitless opportunities for adding various flavor combinations. Here are a few...
  • Passion fruit 
  • Mint 
  • Lime & ginger 
  • Apple & ginger 
  • Lemongrass & turmeric
  • Chai masala spice
  • Infuse with different teas
  • Cold-brew coffee 
  • Hibiscus
  • Butterfly pea flower
  • Pineapple
Other Points:
  • Use filtered or bottled water
  • Adding the salt helps add minerals to the water
  • Each type of sugar will give a different grin growth and flavor
  • Coconut water can also be used - it only takes a 1-day ferment. 
  • Adjust the sugar ratios accordingly.
  • Although the recipe starts off with 8% sugar, the kefir culture consumes most of the sugar, leaving 2-3% remaining in the finished product. 
 

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