DIY Water Kefir: Boost Gut Health
A simple guide to brewing refreshing, probiotic-rich water kefir at home using live kefir grains. Perfect for boosting gut health and enjoying a natural soda alternative.
Ingredients
- 4 cup filtered water warm
- 1/4 cup organic cane sugar
- 1/4 cup active water kefir grains
- 1 tbsp molasses optional (for minerals)
- 1 slice lemon optional
- 2 dried fig fig optional (for minerals)
Instructions
- 1. In a large glass jar, dissolve the organic cane sugar in warm filtered water. Stir until fully dissolved, then let the water cool to room temperature (around 68-75°F / 20-24°C). 2. Gently add the active water kefir grains to the sugar water. If desired, add molasses, lemon slice, and dried figs for additional minerals and flavor. 3. Cover the jar with a breathable cloth (like a coffee filter or cheesecloth) and secure it with a rubber band. This allows air circulation while keeping contaminants out. 4. Place the jar in a warm spot, out of direct sunlight, for 24-48 hours to ferment. The fermentation time can vary based on temperature and your desired level of sweetness and tang. 5. After 24-48 hours, the water kefir should be less sweet, slightly tangy, and may show a slight fizz. You might also notice that your grains have multiplied slightly. 6. Strain the water kefir into a clean bottle or pitcher, separating the water kefir grains. The grains are now ready for your next batch! 7. You can enjoy your freshly made water kefir immediately, or cap the bottle and refrigerate it. For more flavor and fizz, you can proceed with a secondary fermentation.
Notes
For added minerals and grain health, occasionally add a small amount of organic molasses or a few dried figs to your fermenting jar. For a secondary fermentation, strain the grains, add fresh fruit slices or juice to the water kefir, seal tightly, and let sit for another 12-24 hours for extra fizz and flavor. Burp bottles to release pressure.