How to make Water Kefir

Fermented foods are all the rage these days as more and more people are realising the need to add more good bacteria into their (often damaged) guts. Plus they taste amazing and are a great way to preserve many foods.

Fermenting is easier than you may think and it's highly unlikely that you'll poison yourself (if that's what you're worried about)!

Kefir is a refreshing, slightly fizzy, probiotic drink made from water kefir grains (they're not actually grains but are a symbiotic colony of beneficial bacteria). The grains create probiotics and enzymes as they break down natural sugar.

You will need raw sugar for this recipe (organic is best), but never fear sugar-phobs - the cultures 'eat' the sugar so after the process of fermentation you can rest assured you are not actually consuming a sugar-laden drink.

Here's what you'll need:

• a handful of water kefir grains
• raw sugar
• filtered water
• a large glass jar with airtight lid - around 3 litres is best if you want a regular supply
• a few 1 litre flip top glass bottles

Here's how you do it:

1. Mix 3/4 cup of sugar with some warm water to dissolve it. Add to the 3 litre jar and fill the rest with cool (or room temp) filtered water.
2. Add your grains (which should be kept hydrated).
3. Cover with a cloth and rubber band to keep out insects but allow some air flow.
4. Leave on your kitchen bench for 1-2 days. You will know when it's ready as the water won't taste like sugar anymore and will usually be slightly fizzy.
5. Strain out the grains and pour the liquid into your flip top bottles.
6. Add some flavour! Raspberries, strawberries, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, apple, lemon/lime juice, vanilla - whatever you like.
7. Allow to ferment on the bench for another 1-2 days. The warmer it is, the quicker it will ferment.

Don't throw away your grains! Restart the process again and again with the same grains - they last ages.

Where do you get grains?

Ask in health-conscious Facebook groups (like our Farmacy Family group) - most people will give them away for free. Or buy some from our friends at Buchi Kombucha or from Pink Farm. 

Don't have the time/energy to make your own?

Get some locally made, top-quality, organic kombucha and kefir from our wonderful friends at Buchi Kombucha right here.