{"id":10359,"date":"2018-11-18T13:41:32","date_gmt":"2018-11-18T18:41:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veganlovlie.com\/?p=10359"},"modified":"2022-03-23T14:58:25","modified_gmt":"2022-03-23T21:58:25","slug":"water-kefir-soda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veganlovlie.com\/water-kefir-soda\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Kefir – Healthy Home-brewed Soda"},"content":{"rendered":"

Water kefir is a fermented probiotic beverage full of beneficial bacteria and is so simple, easy and fun to prepare at home. It is slightly tangy and has a pleasant taste, quite similar in flavour to a slightly fizzy lemonade. It’s a healthy low-sugar alternative to commercial sodas which can even be enjoyed by small children.
\nIf you’ve ever made kombucha at home, then you’ll find water kefir so much simpler to make. Once you get the hang of it, the simple process becomes a breeze and soon you’ll have an endless supply of healthy tasty probiotic drink to enjoy everyday while cultivating a healthy gut flora.<\/p>\n

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What is Water Kefir?<\/h2>\n

Water kefir is made by first introducing a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts), which in this case are ‘water kefir grains’ into sugar water. Water kefir grains are not actual grains like wheat, rye or rice but they are referred to as such only for their appearance. They in fact look like little clusters of translucent crystal-like gelatinous structures.
\nWhen properly cared for and regularly cultured, water kefir grains will grow and multiply indefinitely and continue to produce great tasting probiotic drinks.<\/p>\n

Water Kefir Benefits<\/h2>\n

The beneficial bacteria and yeasts present in the water kefir grains consumes the sugar and turn it into beneficial acids, B vitamins as well as food enzymes. This process of fermentation reduces the sugar content of the drink while creating carbonation, resulting in a low-sugar fizzy drink that not only tastes great but is loaded with probiotics. The longer you leave the grain to ferment, the less sugar the drink will contain. However, if left for a prolonged period of time without sugar, the water kefir grains will starve and eventually die.<\/p>\n

Alcohol Content in Water Kefir<\/h2>\n

A small amount of alcohol is produced during the fermentation process of the water kefir. The alcohol content is around 0.5% to 0.75% depending on how long the water kefir is fermented. This alcohol content is quite negligible compared to what you would typically find in over-ripe fruit which is at around 1% or slightly less. You may sometimes feel that there is more alcohol in water kefir but what you might be tasting is the yeast which is reminiscent of beer. If you are really concerned about this, you may want to read this post about the alcohol content in water kefir<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Water Kefir Soda Brewing Procedure<\/h2>\n

What You Need to Make Water Kefir<\/h3>\n

Where to Buy Water Kefir Grains?<\/h4>\n

I bought my water kefir grains from GoGo Kefir<\/a> in Canada. I opted for the live water kefir grains, since I was going to use them straightaway and I’ve found their grains to be excellent.<\/p>\n

Disclosure: This is not<\/strong> a sponsored post or affiliate link, we just loved the quality of the product from GoGoKefir and the customer service, hence our recommendation. <\/em><\/p>\n

Only the Amazon links are affiliates where we receive a few cents for each purchase you make at no extra cost to you. This helps to maintain this blog and keep the information free for everyone to access. Thank you. \ud83d\ude42<\/em><\/p>\n

I initially bought just one tablespoon of water kefir grains. If this is what you are getting, you’ll need to halve the recipe below. With time and under the right conditions, the kefir grains will multiply indefinitely.
\nYou can order water kefir online in various stores on Ebay, Amazon US<\/a> and Amazon Canada<\/a>. You can also find them in certain health stores. Just make sure to buy from a reputable source so that you don’t run the risk of getting contaminated grains.<\/p>\n

Once you’ve acquired your water kefir grains, follow the instructions on the package to rejuvenate or re-hydrate the grains depending on whether you bought live grains or dehydrated ones.
\nAfter you’ve rejuvenated\/rehydrated your water kefir grains, you’re ready to start the two-stage fermentation process as described below.<\/p>\n

Water<\/h4>\n

Tap & Well Water<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Fresh and clean water should be used when fermenting water kefir. You may use tap water as long as the chlorine is removed from the water first; chlorine is likely to kill the kefir grains.<\/p>\n

To remove chlorine from water, boil the water in a kettle or pot first to evaporate the chlorine and then let it sit overnight before using. Avoid using a microwave to boil the water.<\/p>\n

You can also use clean, well water if the iron content is not too high.<\/p>\n

Filtered Water and Minerals<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

There are a few things to pay attention to if you are planning to use filtered water. While water Kefir grains do not do well in distilled, reverse osmosis or filtered (Zero, Brita, Pur, etc) water due to the lack of minerals, if you add the minerals back to the water after filtration, this may be okay.<\/p>\n

For distilled, reverse osmosis or filtered water add a couple drops of trace mineral supplement<\/a> (available at natural food stores) or a pinch of Celtic grey sea salt<\/a>. You may use bottled water but choose spring water that has not been ozonized (check the label on the bottle). Try to experiment and see what works best for you.<\/p>\n

I use a Berkey Gravity Water Filtering System with Fluoride Filter attachments (which you can find on Amazon US<\/a> and Canada<\/a>). I keep some alkalizing mineral stones<\/a> (from Amazon US<\/a> or Canada<\/a>) in the bottom compartment where the filtered water sits and this re-introduces the minerals into the water after the chlorine and fluoride have been removed. This works well for me and provides an alkaline mineral-rich water to grow the kefir grains. There is no need to boil the water if you are using a filtration system that replenishes the water with minerals.<\/p>\n

Sugar<\/h4>\n

I use organic blond cane sugar to grow the grains; this produces healthy grains and excellent tasting Water Kefir. I also add a little rapadura<\/a> (I use this one<\/a> in Canada) or Sucanat<\/a> sugar which adds some extra minerals to the water. The grains love the molasses in these sugars.<\/p>\n

Bleached white table sugar or honey are not suitable for growing water kefir grains, nor are they good for the second fermentation stage either. Other sugars that you may use in small quantities are jaggery and coconut sugar. Just don’t add too much as the mineral content will be too high for the grains. Blond sugar should be the main sugar with a little of the other mineral-rich sugars.<\/p>\n

Equipment \/ Utensils<\/h4>\n

To avoid contamination, always use very clean equipment. Plastic and glass is preferred. I also use a wooden spoon for stirring. Avoid metal equipment and utensils although some sources claim that stainless steel might be okay. I have used stainless steel spoons on some occasions without any issues but it is best to steer clear of any metals as many have the property of killing bacteria and may affect the kefir grains.<\/p>\n

You’ll need:<\/p>\n