Kefir water
Kefir water is a probiotic beverage made with water kefir grains (cultures). It’s a natural fizzy fermented drink (soda) that provides a large dose of probiotics in a natural form. The grains if cared for properly can last indefinitely and will multiply. When you have more than 2 Tbsp. you can start a second batch or give them to a friend or family member.
Kefir Water
1 quart filtered water
¼ cup organic sugar (regular sugar is fine)
2 tbsp kefir cultures
Dried piece of fruit (date, fig, raisins (8), apricot) unsulfured is best
On second ferment add a piece of fresh or frozen fruit for flavor (can combine fruit, add ginger, lemon) whatever you like. Experiment!
First Ferment
1. Fill a quart mason jar with water, add sugar and dissolve water (stir or shake)
2. Add cultures and dried fruit
3. Screw lid on the jar & store in a dark, dry place (cupboard) for 24-48 hours. This is best but if you think you will forget about it put it on the counter with towel over it.
4. Add a pinch of salt (celtic, sea salt, pink, himalayian)
5. After is sits your fruit will float and a little carbonation should occur
Second Ferment
1. Strain the fruit and cultures from the liquid by pouring it through a plastic strainer into a 2nd mason jar (don’t use a metal strainer)
2. Discard the fruit and set the cultures aside to reuse again
3. Add a few pieces of fresh or frozen fruit to kefir water for flavor
4. Put the lid on, & store in cupboard for another 24-48 hours
5. Drink and can also store in the refrigerate up to 2-3 weeks
6. Start the process again and enjoy
How to Care for Cultures When Your not Using them
If you are going out of town or just want to give the cultures a rest. Fill the jar with the water, sugar and cultures and put in the refrigerator. If you are keeping them in there longer than a week, take them out strain the sugar water (discard) and had fresh water and sugar into the jar with cultures
Recipes
For the second ferment. Experiment see what flavors you like.
Ginger berry
8-10 blueberries
Fresh ginger chopped
Orange Cream Soda- add coconut milk when serving
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp. fresh orange juice
Citrus Mojito
1 tbsp. lime juice
1 tbsp. fresh mint leaves (chopped)
Basic Lemonade or Lime
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
And/or fresh lime juice
Blueberry Lemonade
6-10 fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Cranberry Lemonade
10 fresh cranberries
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Tropical Beach in a Glass- can also stir in coconut milk when serving for a slightly fizzy, creamy treat.
1 tbsp. pineapple juice
1 tbsp. fresh orange juice
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
Citrus Berry Blast
3-4 fresh or frozen blueberries
3-4 fresh or frozen raspberries
3-4 fresh or frozen blackberries
2-3 fresh or frozen strawberries (chopped)
1 tbsp. lemon or lime juice
Strawberry Peach lemonade
4-5 fresh or frozen strawberries
2 tbsp. fresh peach (chopped)
1 tbsp. lemon juice
Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade
4-5 fresh or frozen strawberries
½ kiwi
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Watermelon Strawberry
4-5 pieces of watermelon
4-5 fresh or frozen strawberries
