Water Kefir

Water Kefir

8
Similar to milk kefir, water kefir is a probiotic drink made with fermented kefir grains, but it's entirely dairy-free. It's flavored with fruit and can even be carbonated (like kombucha) during a second fermentation. Be sure to use water kefir grains and not milk kefir grains.

Ingredients

  • 8 cups hard water

    divided, tap water

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup active water kefir grains

    divided

  • ½ lemon

    cut into 2 wedges, divided

  • ¼ cup unsulfured dried fruit

    such as dried figs, dried apricots, prunes, raisins and/or dates, cut into pieces, divided

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat 1 cup water in a small saucepan until hot. Pour into a glass or plastic bowl. Add sugar and stir to dissolve.

  2. 2

    Divide the sugar water between 2 half-gallon jars. Add 3 1/2 cups of room-temperature tap water (65-70 degrees F) to each jar. Add 1/4 cup kefir grains to each jar and stir.

  3. 3

    Place 1 lemon wedge and 2 tablespoons dried fruit in each jar. Place cheesecloth over each jar and secure with a rubber band.

  4. 4

    Let the water rest at room temperature out of direct sunlight (65-80 degrees F) until bubbly, 48 to 72 hours. The warmer the temperature, the quicker the water will ferment.

  5. 5

    Using a nonmetal strainer, strain out the kefir grains and save for making another batch of kefir. Use the water kefir as is or continue onto a second fermentation to add carbonation.

  6. 6

    To make carbonated water: Divide the water kefir among bottles that have sealable, nonmetal lids. Leave 1 inch of air space at the top of each bottle. Seal the bottles and let rest for another 12 to 24 hours, then transfer to your refrigerator for another 2 to 3 days. You may want to "burp" the water each day to release the pressure, as sometimes the pressure gets to be too great and the water may explode.

Water Kefir

Water Kefir

2880 min8

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About this Recipe

Craving a refreshing, probiotic boost without the dairy? Discover the delicious world of homemade water kefir, a naturally effervescent drink that’s easier to make than you think.

Unlike its dairy cousin, water kefir offers a completely plant-based path to gut-healthy refreshment, using specialized water kefir grains to ferment a simple sugar water solution. This recipe provides a fantastic base, allowing you to infuse vibrant flavors from your favorite dried fruits and fresh lemon for a truly customizable experience.

Imagine a light, subtly sweet, and slightly tangy beverage, often with a gentle fizz that brightens your palate. Water kefir offers a unique tangy complexity from its fermentation, complemented by the natural sweetness and subtle notes of dried fruits like figs or apricots, balanced by a hint of fresh lemon. It's a delightful, dairy-free alternative to sugary sodas or kombucha, promising a refreshing and healthy sip with every glass.

The beauty of water kefir lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different unsulfured dried fruits such as prunes, raisins, or dates to discover your favorite flavor combinations. The addition of fresh lemon not only aids in the fermentation process but also brightens the overall taste; you can vary the amount or even try other citrus wedges.

Enjoy this vibrant probiotic drink chilled, as a daily wellness beverage, or as a sophisticated, non-alcoholic option for gatherings. It's a fantastic way to introduce beneficial probiotics into your diet, offering a delicious and refreshing experience for up to 8 servings.

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