Water Kefir Fermenting Guide

Water Kefir Fermenting Introduction

Fermenting with water kefir grains is a great way to make a delicious, probiotic-rich drink that is both refreshing and healthy. Water kefir grains are small, translucent, gelatinous grains that are made up of bacteria and yeast. They feed on sugar and water to produce a mildly sweet, fizzy beverage that can be flavored with various fruits, herbs, and spices.

Method

1. Gather your equipment: You will need a few basic items to get started, including a large glass jar or container, a plastic or wooden spoon, a fine-mesh strainer, and a cloth or coffee filter to cover the jar.

2. Make your sugar water: Combine 15g of unrefined sugar with 500ml of water in your chosen fermentation vessel and mix well to dissolve.

3. Add your water kefir grains: The ratio of grains to sugar water should be approximately 5g of dehydrated grains or 15g wet grains per 500ml of sugar water .

4. Ferment your water kefir: Cover the jar with a cloth or coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band. Place the jar in a warm, dark place for 24-48 hours to allow the fermentation process to occur. The longer you ferment, the less sweet and more tangy your water kefir will become.

5. Strain and bottle your water kefir: After 24-48 hours, use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the liquid from the grains into a clean glass jar or bottle. You can add flavorings at this point if desired, such as sliced fruit, ginger, or herbs. Secure the lid on your jar or bottle and leave it at room temperature for an additional 24-48 hours to allow for secondary fermentation, which will create carbonation.

6. Refrigerate and enjoy: Once your water kefir has reached the desired level of carbonation, transfer it to the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process. Your water kefir is now ready to drink! Enjoy it plain or use it as a base for other drinks like smoothies or cocktails.

Tips

• Make sure to use organic cane sugar, coconut or raspadura sugar as it provides the nutrients your water kefir grains need to thrive.

• Avoid using metal utensils or containers when working with your water kefir grains, as metal can damage them.

• If you're taking a break from fermenting, you can store your water kefir grains in a sugar water solution in the refrigerator for up to a month.

• Experiment with different flavorings to find your favorite combinations. Some popular options include lemon, berries, mint, and vanilla.

In conclusion, fermenting with water kefir grains is a fun and easy way to make a delicious and healthy drink at home. With a few simple steps and a little patience, you can create a refreshing, fizzy beverage that is packed with beneficial probiotics.

Happy fermenting!