Water kefir is a delicious and probiotic-rich beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. It offers a range of health benefits while tantalizing your taste buds with its fizzy, slightly tangy flavour. In this blog post, we'll explore the wonders of water kefir, its health benefits, and guide you through the simple and satisfying process of making it at home.
Water kefir is a fermented beverage made from water, sugar, and kefir grains. These grains are not actual grains but rather a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) that resemble translucent crystals. When combined with sugar water, they undergo fermentation, producing a naturally carbonated beverage teeming with beneficial bacteria. Don’t be concerned about the sugar it contains because when properly brewed only traces of it remain. The fermentation process converts the sugar in to lactic acid and carbon dioxide (which gives it the fizz).
Water kefir is a rich source of probiotics, beneficial microorganisms that promote a healthy gut. These probiotics contribute to improved digestion and support overall gut health. There are more than four hundred bacteria and yeasts found in the kefir grains, a large portion of them being from the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterial genuses, and both known as excellent probiotics.
Water kefir is known by many romantic names. Tibicos, Tibetan mushroom, California bees, snow lotus and Japanese water crystals to name just a few. But by whatever name you know it as, it is a delicious, sparkling drink that makes a healthy alternative to soda.
So what are the health benefits for water kefir? The fermentation process enhances the bioavailability of certain nutrients, making water kefir a source of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that aid in nutrient absorption. The probiotics in water kefir may help strengthen the immune system, providing an extra line of defence against illnesses.
Water Kefir Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 litre of filtered water
1/4 cup of water kefir grains
1/4 cup of sugar
Fruit or fruit juice for extra flavour (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Sugar Water: Dissolve the sugar in filtered water. Ensure it's at room temperature or slightly warm.
Add the Kefir Grains: Place the water kefir grains into a clean glass jar.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the sugar water over the kefir grains.
Fermentation Time: Cover the jar with a cloth with a rubber band. Allow it to ferment at room temperature for 48 to 72 hours. The longer it ferments, the fizzier it will become.
Strain the Grains: After fermentation, strain the liquid into another container, separating the kefir grains.
Bottle and Second Fermentation (Optional): If you prefer a more carbonated beverage, transfer the strained liquid to airtight bottles, add your fruit/fruit juice for flavour and leave them at room temperature for an additional 24 to 48 hours.
Refrigerate and Enjoy: Once the desired level of carbonation is achieved, refrigerate the water kefir. It's now ready to be enjoyed!
Making water kefir at home is not only a fun and rewarding process but also a fantastic way to incorporate a probiotic-rich beverage into your daily routine. Experiment with different fruit combinations and enjoy the health benefits of this effervescent elixir. Cheers to your gut health and a refreshing journey into the world of water kefir!