Water Kefir
Water kefir is an easy to make bubbly probiotic drink that you can flavour any way you like.
Water Kefir
Makes 1L
Gluten free, dairy free, egg free, nut free
Ingredients:
1/4 cup water kefir grains
1/4 cup raw sugar
A few pieces of dried fruit (unsulphured apricots, prunes, dates, figs, raisins)
1 slice of lemon (optional)
Pinch of aluminium free bicarb soda, an eggshell or a dash of molasses (this is for minerals to encourage the grains to grow)
1 litre of filtered water
Instructions:
First fill a mason jar or brewing vessel with the water, bicarb, sugar and dried fruit and swish to dissolve.
Add water kefir grains and place a muslin cloth over the jar and secure with a piece of string.
Leave at room temperature to brew for 24-72 hours depending on the strength you prefer and climate of your home (The warmer it is the faster it will ferment) It will be slightly bubbly with a hint of sweetness. The longer you leave it the more sugar will be consumed and the tangier it will get.
Have a taste, if it's too sweet leave a little longer.
Once taste is to your liking, strain the water kefir into a large bowl, pour it into bottles and drink as is or flavour it with a second ferment.
The second ferment (flavouring):
To flavour your kefir, add in fresh chopped up fruit or fresh cold pressed juice (1/2 – 1cup) eg. raspberry, lemon, lime, apple, ginger etc (Be careful with yeasty fruits like strawberries and raspberries especially in hot weather. They will ferment very fast. Check the bottles regularly and burp them to help release the gases).
Seal the bottles tightly and let sit at room temperature for another 24-48 hours to continue fermentation and produce natural carbonation.
Burp the bottles to ensure you have the right amount of fizz and transfer to fridge.
Repeat the process to start a new batch.
If you don’t wish to start a new batch right away, place your grains in a jar with some water and a piece of dried fruit and store in the fridge for up to a week. After a week you will need to make a fresh batch to keep your grains healthy.
Notes:
If you need some kefir grains to get you started try Marketplace, eBay or ask someone who brews.
