I finally ordered organic Kefir grains to start making my own Kefir soda. It contains good bacteria to help optimize your gut health and the absorption of nutrients from food.
I have been on a quest to support my immune system and heal my leaky gut from years of taking prescription drugs. My search for healthy alternatives to heal my body has led me down the fermenting path to wellness.
I ordered the grains from this company Fermentaholics and they were very alive upon delivery and ready to work. I would definitely highly recommend them.
Water Kefir
1 quart filtered or distilled water
1/4 cup raw can sugar
2 tablespoons of kefir grains
1/4 teaspoon of molasses (optional)
I placed the Kefir grains into a clean jar and added the water and sugar. After stirring well to dissolve the sugar I covered the top of the jar with a cloth and rubber band.
I put it on the pantry shelf to ferment for three days. I noticed the grains getting larger every day and knew they were fermenting perfectly.
I used molasses for the first ferment which caused the caramel color. After three days, I tasted the Kefir water and it definitely had a zing to it.
Before moving to the next step, I drained the liquid and grains through a sieve and put the grains into a clean jar. I then added the ingredients from the recipe to start the second batch. This time I omitted the molasses.
Second Ferment
Even though the water tasted fine I wanted to add some fresh fruit for additional flavor. This is called the "2nd ferment". I put the strained liquid into a large jar and added a few pieces of watermelon and cantaloupe that I had on hand. During this stage, you need a tight-fitting cap to keep the fermenting gas inside the jars.
After 2 days during the second ferment, the water is ready to drink. At this time it will have a fruity-fizzy zip, somewhat like soda or Kombucha.
Before bottling the Kefir water I always strain the fruit out of the liquid. Then I keep it in the refrigerator until I am ready to drink the Kefir soda water.
Kefir Water vs Kombucha
Both drinks are very healthy yet support the body differently. While #kombucha is rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals, kefir water contains over 30 different strains of beneficial bacteria and yeast; these #probiotics survive gastrointestinal conditions and improve gut health.
If you are looking for another way to add more nutrients to your diet, Kefir water also contains healthy minerals like B vitamins, Vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium.
Source
Once you get your first batch of Kefir grains active you will have many to share with friends and family. They literally seem to double in size during each ferment. Before you know it you will have plenty to make gallon-sized batches for your entire family.
Perhaps Kefir water will be something that you will try for yourself, I know it is certainly going to be a staple for my family. I already have my daughter-in-law making her own. Healthy family traditions in the making.
Previous Fermenting Posts:
Kombucha
Sauerkraut
Why Kimchi?
Kimchi >
Nasturtuims
Mexican Tepache
Until next time, this is Sunscape
Sun. Scape. Ing Your Day
![3- sun smile.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmWLJ9ABVVszAPVrNYrVw9
Wow! No wonder you have so much knowledge on fermentation of fruits and vegetables. Very nice and useful information to maintain good health.
I do my best to find ways to improve my health and the fermenting seems to be working very well for us.
♥
I also ferment kefir water! I do water kefir, milk kefir, tepache, kombucha, ginger beer, and occasionally sauerkraut. I even have a little "fermenting" shelf in my kitchen where they all live. My kids love water kefir when we mix in peach juice. I usually let it ferment way too long and it tastes a lot like apple cider vinegar - that and my kombucha. I typically add both of them to my afternoon ice tea and sometimes I make a super sour face when I'm drinking it. Ha! I need to be better at making and drinking it quickly instead of letting it ferment for so long. I hadn't heard of adding molasses to it, but I typically add raspadura which is unrefined sugar from the cane with molasses still in it. That or "brown" sugar they sell here in Panama, so maybe I don't need the molasses. Mine is always a caramel color. Great post! I love reading how others ferment drinks!
I am so impressed @apanamamama I have been doing 2nd ferments with Kombucha but just started with the water Kefir. I like it so far but am trying to find the right combination of flavors. I have let some go too long and believe me they can get pretty sour. I mix mine in water all day long when it is too strong. I only added the molasses to give it an extra boost to start. Now, I just use them with cane sugar. Have you found that you feel better since starting with all of them? Have fun fermenting!
I haven't noticed any difference really, but I do like my tea better when I have a lot of different stuff in it...for the most part! 😜 I do a lot of fasting and have tested and it doesn't appear that my black tea with kombucha and kefir in it takes me out of a fasted state, so it's a nice little treat in the middle of the afternoon on fasting days. It gives me something to look forward to!
That is good to know about fasting. I do long intermittent fasting but drink the kombucha and now the kefir. Thanks for letting me know.
Absolutely! Fasting is so good for you! Have a great weekend!
Kombucha and kefir are indeed great additions for any home. You make it very simple dear!
Thanks, Edith I try to make the recipes simple and easy to follow. Be well and have a great weekend.