Water kefir is a lacto-fermented probiotic beverage made with either kefir grains or a powdered kefir starter culture, sugar, and purified water. If you are watching your sugar intake, not to worry. Kefir grains are cultures of various strains of healthy bacteria and yeasts which are held together in a polysaccharide matrix created by the bacteria. The symbiotic relationship of the microbes produces a stable growing culture. The microbes feed on sugar and produce lactic acid, alcohol (ethanol), and carbon dioxide, yielding a fermented carbonated beverage. The alcohol content in kefir varies with the fermentation time, and is usually less than 1%. Since the “grains” feed on the sugar, it leaves an extremely mild sweetness.
Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep you gut healthy. While it is thought to be not as strong it contains a greater number of bacterial strains than are found in kombucha - a fermented tea. These good bacteria help us to digest our food, prevent allergies, boost our immune system, and overall keep our body healthy. Kefir grains or kefir culture can also be added to milk, such as cow milk, goat milk or coconut milk and makes a delicious yogurt. When making Water kefir, you can substitute purified water coconut water. You can drink a cup of Kefir water plain, or add it to smoothies and other beverages.
Kefir Water Recipe
1 gal of Purified Water
2/3 c Coconut Palm Sugar
2/3 c Rapadura Sugar
1 1/2 c Kefir Culture or 2 packets of Kefir Starter
Directions:Place all ingredients in a large jar, stir, cover and place in a dark warm place to allow the kefir to ferment for 24 hours. After 24 hours, strain the kefir (the grains at the bottom) and place in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator to use as a starter when making more kefir water. Keep the kefir water in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
No comments:
Post a Comment