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How To Make Water Kefir
Water kefir grains, or we call them kefir crystals, are unlike milk kefir grains as they thrive on sugars and not lactose. The special probiotic yeasts and beneficial bacteria in the water kefir crystals consume the sugar in the sugar water. They produce probiotics, new enzymes, organic acids, and antioxidants which may have many beneficial impacts on health as they help repopulate your gut flora.[1,2]
They are dairy-free and gluten-free despite being called "grains." They look slightly different from milk kefir grains and are translucent, while milk kefir grains are white.
Water kefir contains far less sugar than commercial soft drinks. The good microbes and good yeasts in the grains transform the sugar water into a fizzy, tangy drink. In about two days it is fermented and 66% to 80% of the sugar is consumed by yeast and bacteria.[3]
Recently Bifidobacteria psychraerophilum/crudilactis and Zymomonas were discovered in water kefir grains as a large percentage of the total bacteria.[4] Drinking water kefir has demonstrated the potential to promote an increase in bifidobacteria in the colon and help control the glycemic response while reducing the blood cholesterol and balancing the intestinal microbiota. It was also helpful in reducing constipation and diarrhea, improving intestinal permeability, and stimulating and balancing the immune system. [5]
Water kefir is different from the Kefir Soda recipes on my site. Kefir soda is made with a powdered packet of a kefir starter which is Dairy Free. You can also use kefir whey which is from milk kefir and is not dairy free. This recipe is made with water kefir crystals that can last indefinitely and is fun to make and dairy free!
These live active cultures contain over 23 different types of yeast and bacteria existing in what some people call a symbiotic relationship, but that is not exactly true. Bacteria and yeast fight for dominance and each of them keeps the other in balance. The yeasts (which are probiotics too) are fast growers but run out of room to grow due to the larger amount of good bacteria. They are then forced to ferment and the by-product is a lovely naturally occurring carbonation present in water kefir. Bacteria and yeasts work in our bodies much the same way. You need both to have a healthy gut microbiome. You need more beneficial bacteria than yeasts and when you have this harmony — then all is well.
I ❤️ love all that bacteria can do, and water kefir can help you replace drinks that don't have health benefits such as sodas and energy drinks. For thousands of years, probiotic cultures have helped keep our foods and drinks safe through the process of fermentation. When a food or beverage is fermented, it is loaded with beneficial bacteria and yeasts that keep out harmful bacteria. Fermentation increases the minerals and vitamins and helps you digest the foods you eat when you have a glass with your meal.
Here is a look at the probiotic bacteria and yeasts in water kefir crystals that help create delicious probiotic water kefir.
Bacteria And Yeasts In Water Kefir Crystals
Bacteria
- Acetobacter fabarum
- Acetobacter orientali
- Bifidobacterium aquikefir
- Bifidobacterium crudilactis
- Bifidobacterium psychraerophilum
- Lactobacillus nagelii
- Lactobacillus hordei
- Lactobacillus hilgardii
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus aquaticus,
- Lactobacillus uvarum
- Lactobacillus capillatus cacaonum,
- Lactobacillus mali
- Leuconostoc mesenteroides
- Leuconostoc citreum
- Zymomonas mobilis
Yeasts
- Dekkera Anomala
- Dekkera Bruxellensis
- Hanseniaspora valbyensis
- Lachancea Fermantati
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Zygosachharomyces s Lentus
- Zygotorulaspora florentina
Tips for Making Water Kefir
Consume Within a Week
I recommend consuming water kefir within a week. It will ferment rapidly even in the fridge - much faster than kombucha - and can end up with too much pressure and not as pleasant of a taste. Water kefir may also become more alcoholic if fruit juices are used and fermented for longer periods of time. This is another reason to drink it more quickly.
Second Ferment Your Water Kefir
Water kefir does not have much flavor on its own. With this method, I recommend doing a second ferment with juices and flavorings to give your water kefir extra flavor. It will give you a fizzier and more consistent brew each time. We have lots of recipes to second ferment your water kefir. Water Kefir Recipes!
Second Ferment Your Water Kefir
Water kefir does not have much flavor on its own. With this method, I recommend doing a second ferment with juices and flavorings to give your water kefir extra flavor. It will give you a fizzier and more consistent brew each time. We have lots of recipes to second ferment your water kefir. Water Kefir Recipes!
Use Water with Minerals
Some recommend not using filtered water as water kefir grains thrive on minerals (as do most cultures). Filtered water is okay if the filter doesn't remove the minerals. I do not recommend using distilled or reverse osmosis or any waters that remove ALL minerals from the water. Regular filtered water or spring water is fine, and I've never had any problems with it. I hope you enjoy this probiotic drink as an add-on to your already happy diet!
FAQs about Water Kefir
Water kefir can be ever-changing and has a mind of its own. You most likely will have questions if you make it regularly.
Check out my FAQs if you have questions and concerns about your water kefir crystals. Remember - feeding them regularly is really important and caring for any live culture is just like having a pet!
Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle
Check Out How To Make Water Kefir
Basic Water Kefir
Ingredients
- 2-4 tablespoons Water Kefir Crystals
- 4 cups Water spring or filtered with minerals
- 4 tablespoons Cane Sugar
Every ingredient with a link was selected by me to make it easier for you. I may receive a small affiliate commission if you buy something through my links. Thank you! ❤️
Instructions
- To a glass jar, add 4 cups of room temperature filtered or spring water.
- Add 4 tablespoons of cane sugar to your jar.
- Stir sugar to dissolve. You can use brown sugar, white sugar, Sucanat, or raw sugar. (See note for different types of sugar you can use.) If you use Sucanat or raw, you need to heat the water to dissolve the sugar and then allow it to cool before placing your grains in your jar. Certain types of sugars don’t dissolve in water very well and will stay stuck on your grains unless heated.
- Add your water kefir crystals to your jar.
- Let sit on your counter for 2 days with a cover made from a cloth napkin secured by a rubber band, or use a mason jar ring placed securely on the lid of your jar. (It might take 3 days the first time you brew with your grains.)
- Mixture will become slightly cloudy and slightly bubbly with a mildly sweet taste but not as sweet as the sugar water.
- Strain your water kefir crystals with a strainer. Water kefir crystals can change in color depending on the sugar and minerals you add.
- You can drink the water kefir right away with a squeeze of lemon or you can second ferment for more flavor and fizz! Place what you're not drinking in the refrigerator with a secure lid.
- With the remaining kefir crystals, repeat the recipe above for your next batch.
Notes
References:
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