What is waterkefir?
Waterkefir is fermented water by kefir grains. Those grains are originally from a cactus in Mexico, and contain a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. The grains eat sugar, which will start the fermentation process. After the fermentation the water contains lots of healthy probiotics and vitamins, and furthermore it tastes deliciously fresh and sparkly. The grains will grow each time you feed them; if treated well they can be used infinitely.
Make your own waterkefir
What you need:
- 100 gram waterkefir grains
- 1 L water
- 80 gram sugar (organic)
- 1 organic citroen
- 1 dried fig
- Fruits/herbs variable
- Weckpot
- Bottle
- Plastic filter or cheesecloth
- Wooden spoon
Step 1: The first fermentation
Add the sugar to cold water and mix in a (clean) weckpot until the sugar is almost completely dissolved. Add the waterkefir grains and the fig. Close the weckpot and keep it preferable in a light place at room temperature. Let it ferment for about 2-3 days.
- You will see the fig starts to float, because the water gets carbonated!
Step 2: The second fermentation
After 2-3 days the kefir grains and fig can be filtered out, and the liquid can be poured into a bottle. It is best to use a plastic filter or a cheesecloth to filter out the grains. Now you can add your own flavours, such as lemon, mint or maybe chili. If you want to speed up the second fermentation, keep the bottle outside the fridge for 1 day. Otherwise, place the bottle in the fridge or drink it right away! You can save it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
-- Be aware! The kefir grains cannot handle metal. They will die.
-- If you want more inspiration for the flavours
Step 3: Start over
The waterkefir grains from the solution have most likely increased in size. Measure their weight and you can start over from the beginning for a new batch of waterkefir! Make sure that you clean the bottles and jars very well before reusing them, its best to clean them with hot water (70 degrees Celsius).
-- Taste checking: Normally waterkefir tastes lightly sparkling, fresh and slightly alcoholic. The kefir should not be sour or too sparkling.
-- Excited to do this yourself? You can buy kefir grains online.
