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Kefir
Kefir is a probiotic drink made using water kefir grains or milk kefir grains. The kefir grains are not really grains they are gelatin like as shown in the above picture and are made up of a variety of beneficial bacteria and yeast. They can be clear in color or depending on the sugar used they can be brown. Milk kefir grains will be white in color because of the milk.
What is needed to make water kefir?
Water kefir is made with chlorine-free water, preferably spring water or purified water and sugar with high mineral content. I make mine using Turbinado cane sugar, you can also use rapadura, piloncillo. Molasses is okay to use but avoid raw honey. You will need 1 quart or larger glass container, 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of water kefir grains, and a cloth cover or plastic lid.
How to mix ingredients.
I always stir in the sugar in the water and mix it till it dissolves then I add it to the kefir grains and I prefer to use a coffee filter to cover my water kefir and secure it with a rubber band and let it sit in a dark spot away from moisture for one to two days. The kefir grains will feed on the sugar and ferment the water. After that, I strain the water and it is ready to be bottled. You can add fresh fruit or dried strawberries which are my favorite.
I usually let the water kefir sit with fruit for one to two days. The longer you live it in an airtight bottle the more natural carbonation it will have. I recommend opening the bottle and letting it breathe. There have been times when I have forgotten to open a bottle only to have the cap burst open when I first opened it. If you leave the kefir to long in the bottle without letting it breathe the bottle can explode so be careful and keep an eye on your bottles of fermented water kefir.
What are the health benefits of water kefir?
Some of the benefits of water kefir are improved digestion. Increase in good bacteria in the digestive tract. And a healthy immune system. I enjoy making and drinking water kefir. Water kefir can replace soft drinks.
Fermentation
Fermentation occurs when the kefir grains consume all the sugar in the water. If you want less sugar in the kefir allow the grains to consume the sugar in the water for no more than two days. You can continue fermenting the water with the fruit you will be adding once you bottle your kefir. If you leave your kefir grains without sugar for longer they may starve. If you keep your kefir grains healthy you can make continuous batches of water kefir. I have been using the same kefir grains for over two years.
