Kefir: A Fermented Beverage

kefir grains

I have always been intimidated by the fermentation process. For one, I am a very visual person & need to see these processes first hand. I also want a taste to see if it's something I want to invest my time in.

1/4 cup sugar

sugar & filtered water

The other day a friend was offering up some kefir grains to a group I meet with & everyone else was so excited. I'm thinking in the back of my head - I must be missing out on something because I'm not even sure what that is! Still hesitant, I decided to bring some home.

separated grains

My first experience with kefir water was surprisingly delightful. I added half a squeezed lemon & it tasted like lemon italian soda water. It is slightly bubbly, with a balance of sweet and tart.

add juice to fermented water

Kefir water can be flavored using fruit juice, herbs or dried fruits. You can simply add fresh juice from a lemon or a juice concentrate like cherry or grape. You can get really creative and make vanilla creme soda or even root beer.

one for today, another for tomorrow

Cultured foods and beverages are an easy, inexpensive way to get probiotics into your belly. Kefir grains consist of several strands of bacteria and yeast existing in a symbiotic relationship. These probiotics live off the sugar water and will grow and multiply giving you an endless supply. The term Kefir grain describes the look of the culture only, they do not actually contain grains.






I started from grains already in water, so here is what I do to keep them growing:

1. separate grains from water by pouring liquid through a sieve
2. add juice to this liquid. it can be consumed immediately or seal it and wait another 24 hours for less sweetness and more bubbles
3. in another jar dissolve 1/4 organic sugar with filtered water
4. add 3 tablespoons of grains and cover with cheesecloth
5. leave on the counter for up to 48 hours and repeat

NOTE:If you are going out of town or need to slow down the process put the grains in a sealed jar with sugar water and put in the refrigerator until you get back.