How to Make Water Kefir

Welcome to the world of water kefir! Crafting this probiotic-rich beverage is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a successful and delicious batch of homemade water kefir:

Step 1: Rinse and Prepare the Grains Rinse your organic live water kefir grains gently with fresh water using a fine mesh sieve or strainer. This helps remove any debris or residue that might affect the fermentation process.

Step 2: Create the Sweet Base In a glass jar, combine 1/4 cup of organic cane sugar with 3 1/2 cups of filtered water. You can also choose to heat the water and dissolve the sugar, ensuring the mixture cools down to room temperature before proceeding.

Step 3: Add the Grains Introduce your rinsed grains to the sugar-water solution in the glass jar. This is where the magic begins, as the grains will interact with the sugars to create a bubbly and tangy kefir.

Step 4: Cover and Protect Cover the jar with a cloth or coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band. This allows airflow while protecting your mixture from contaminants. Proper covering is essential to a successful fermentation process.

Step 5: Fermentation Time Allow your kefir grains to ferment at room temperature (around 19-25°C) for 24-72 hours. Find a spot away from direct sunlight for the jar to rest during this period. The length of fermentation can influence the flavour and probiotic content of your kefir.

Step 6: Assess Fermentation and Taste Check the taste of your kefir after 24 hours. A properly fermented batch will have a mild sweetness and pleasant fizziness. If the liquid is still quite sweet, continue fermenting for up to 72 hours. If no fermentation has occurred after 72 hours, restart the process using fresh grains.

Extra Tip: Proper Storage of Grains When not in use, store your grains in a sugar-water solution in the fridge. This helps keep the grains healthy and ready for your next batch. Change the sugar-water solution every 1-2 weeks to ensure the grains have the nutrients they need.

Step 7: Optional Second Fermentation For added flavour and carbonation, consider a second fermentation. Transfer your fermented kefir to swing-top glass bottles, leaving some space at the top. Add natural sweeteners like molasses, fruits, herbs, or fruit juices. Seal the bottles and allow them to sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Remember to slightly open the bottles every 8 hours to release excess carbonation.

Congratulations, you’ve crafted your homemade water kefir! Enjoy the refreshing and probiotic benefits of your creation. Experiment with flavours and ingredients to find your perfect blend. Your gut and taste buds will thank you.

Encountering issues after following our instructions?  Click here to find practical tips and get your fermentation back on course!