How to make Water Kefir

When it comes to good health, nowadays it’s all about a happy, heathy gut. Studies confirm the vital role our gut bacteria plays in our overall well-being, from weight control to brain health and our immune system.

All in all, the best way to improve our gut health is by what we eat and drink. By boosting our microbiome.

One way to do this is to drink water kefir.  For many years I’ve included milk kefir in my diet however the former is relatively new to me.  A tart, fruity and effervescent drink, perfect for summertime sipping.

What is Water Kefir?

Water Kefir is a probiotic drink made with water kefir grains. They can be used to culture sugared water and ferment it for a second time with fruit, which is when the drink becomes effervescent.

Water kefir grains are clusters of bacteria and yeast existing in a symbiotic relationship and bound together by a polysaccharide produced by Lactobacillus. The bacteria and yeasts in the grains feed off the sugar. The exact bacteria and yeasts found in the grains will differ from culture to culture. Each culture is dynamic, and the microbes native to your environment effect the culture’s full microbial make up, just like a sourdough starter. The grains are soft and gelatinous and come from a cactus plant. Thought to originate from Mexico where it flourished in the sugary water of the Ountia cactus (prickly pear).

Water kefir grains are clusters of bacteria and yeast existing in a symbiotic relationship and bound together by a polysaccharide produced by Lactobacillus. The bacteria and yeasts in the grains feed off the sugar. The exact bacteria and yeasts found in the grains will differ from culture to culture. Each culture is dynamic, and the microbes native to your environment effect the culture’s full microbial make up, just like a sourdough starter. The grains are soft and gelatinous and come from a cactus plant. Thought to originate from Mexico where it flourished in the sugary water of the Ountia cactus (prickly pear).

How to make Water Kefir

All you need is water, demerara or light brown sugar, and kefir grains. The simplest way to obtain the organic grains is to buy online. I recommend finding an online seller that has microbiologically verified (lab-tested) grains; this will ensure quality and safety. The process really couldn’t be simpler from there.

The first couple of batches of water kefir brews may not have a huge amount of activity. This is perfectly normal and due to the trauma of travel. Making water kefir is not an exact science and it’s best to experiment a little to see what works for you.

TIPS:

• Try not to use tap water, it contains chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride. It will harm your grains over time.  Having said that, this is what’s available to most of us, the process will still work. Filtered water works well or run water from the tap and leave it for several hours, then use.
• Don’t use bottled water, it may be too high in minerals.
• Don’t let the grains come into contact with metal, prolonged exposure will harm them. Always use glass, plastic or wood when handling your grains.

You will need:

• Kefir grains
• Mason glass jar with a screw top lid
• Muslin cloth & elastic band or string
• Wooden spoon
• Plastic sieve
• Fresh water
• demerara or light brown sugar
• Several bottles to store your water kefir once brewed

Fruit & Herbs to try:

• 4-5 Strawberries, chopped & 4-5 basil leaves
• 80g watermelon, chopped & 4-5 mint leaves
• 5-6 Raspberries & a few lemon balm leaves or slices of lemon
• 4-5 Elderflower Heads & a few slices of lemon
• Lime juice & basil leaves
• root ginger & lime juice
• Lime juice & a handful of frozen blueberries
• Deseeded Rosehips, boiled in a little water for 25 minutes. add lemon when cool

*Please note, if you’re not used to drinking kefir, it’s best to start with just a small glass, daily.