:: Water Kefir – Healthy Alternative To Soda And Juice ::
It’s absolutely overwhelming to walk down the beverage aisle at the grocery store! We have more options available to us than we could ever need! And don’t get me started on ingredients.
But sometimes it IS nice to have something besides water! (We are a family of water drinkers – rarely do we have anything else on hand.) And we’ve gotten used to that. When we venture out for a meal in a restaurant we all enjoy having other options available and it’s more like a treat.
Let’s start at the beginning just in case you’re reading about water kefir for the first time!
Water kefir is made from culturing a mixture of water and sugar with water kefir grains. The end result is a refreshing, fizzy, fruity beverage; once the first ‘ferment’ is done, typically juice or some type of fruit content is added for the final ferment.
But What Are Water Kefir Grains???
Weird, right? Don’t they look funky? They kind of ARE! It’s just something you don’t see everyday. Water kefir grains are like little colonies of loads of beneficial bacteria and yeast strains all living in harmony! They are called grains only due to their appearance. The bacteria and yeast feed on the dissolved sugar in the water creating a probiotic drink! Same concept with Milk Kefir <click to learn how to culture your own!
Water kefir is light and sparkling and just plain lovely! The probiotic content isn’t as concentrated as milk kefir, but when you taste it, you won’t have any trouble drinking enough to maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria and yeast in your digestive system!
Water Kefir Grains <use this link to buy water kefir grains! And once you start culturing your water, you’ll find over time your grains will multiply! Give some to a friend! – or they can be fed to chickens, goats… I know it sounds strange but it’s a super healthy little snack for them! They love it!
How is the culturing done?
Your starter water kefir grains will amount to over 2 Tbsp. Place 1/4 cup sugar in a clean quart mason jar, add enough very hot water to dissolve the sugar, and once it’s dissolved, add enough cold water to almost fill the jar and bring it to room temperature (very important the water not be warm as this can kill your new kefir friends!). Next add your strained grains, cover with a cloth or coffee filter, and leave at room temperature for 48 hours.
After the 48 hours, the whole process is begun again for a new batch of water. The water that just got done culturing is ready for its second ferment (anywhere from 3-7 days) at room temperature with added fruit juice and the lid to your mason jar. Sealing the jar is what helps also build the ‘fizz’. There are many different recipes out there for different tasting kefir, but I have found we like to add 1/4 cup apple juice and the juice of 1/2 a lemon. It’s very refreshing!
Just a brief disclaimer… There are many people that believe strongly in using organic sugar and filtered water. I use my tap water as I have a well and not municipal water that is treated. Treated water would impede the culture and even kill the bacteria and yeast. And I use regular sugar. *gasp! Yep. More power to ya if you can keep yourself supplied in natural sweeteners and organic products but I cannot and haven’t had any trouble with the culturing.
Any thoughts? Have you tried water kefir? My next attempt will be using fresh ginger… I can’t wait!
I love water kefir! I make 64 oz every two or three days. On my second ferment, I use the 30 oz Grolsch bottles from CFH. I like it with 2 oz grapefruit juice and 3 oz cranberry, with an additional 48 hours. But I think I’ll try your recipe because is sounds yummy too. ~Blessings
Becky Neville recently posted…I’ve Been Grounded
Ohhh… Becky your recipe sounds so good! Is your cranberry juice sweetened? I have two bottles of 100% cranberry juice – straight up hardcore cranberry stuff! Do you think I could use it???
I would certainly give Water Kefir a try as I really love to drink water (oh and diet coke…shhhhh).
SHELLEY R ZUREK recently posted…Vintage Cutouts!
My favorite would have to be Pepsi Shelley. Guilty indulgence there. Must be my northern roots showing themselves. Coke isn’t as popular up there. Thanks for stopping by!
My neighbor has kefir growing in jars all over her kitchen! She’s the only reason I know anything about it. But this is a great post! I am definitely going to try it! 🙂 We are strictly water drinkers too and need something a little extra…
Shelley recently posted…Win Free Internet for a Year Sweepstakes
That’s so funny Shelley. I know her dilemma! Different cultures whether it’s sourdough or kombucha or different kefirs should be kept 6′ from each other to avoid cross contamination. So my kitchen ends up looking like a lab or something! Let us know if you try it!!! 😀
I have never even heard of this. Like your family, we are avid water drinkers so we may have to give this a try. thanks so much for the information!
You’re welcome Shauna! Can’t beat water though…so good for you. Thanks for the feedback!
Interesting! I think many could use a healthier alternative to soda! Thank you for this!
Paula (Frosted Fingers) recently posted…Planes: Fire and Rescue
Thanks so much Paula! It really is a nice treat.
I have never tried water kefir before. It sounds like something I would like though – I drink way too much soda.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…No Fire Needed Frozen Smores
I know you’d love it Robin… I had these thoughts of it being tangy or weird. I was very wrong. It’s so good.
This sounds so cool! I have not tried anything like this, but I know my hubby would LOVE the ginger! I am always looking for something to replace soda- I cut it out years ago and do the seltzer thing, but more options are always in need!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide recently posted…Highlights… better than when we were kids!
Oh Chelley.. you are better than me! I can’t bring myself to drink seltzer… even the flavored… I just – I don’t know. It doesn’t do it for me. But I wish I could. Let me know if you try it! 😀 You’ll love it.
I’ve never heard of water kefir before. But it sounds like a great way to get healthy probiotics into the system!
Amber Edwards recently posted…Limited Time Chevron Listerine helps to Blend your Bathroom Decor!
It definitely doesn’t taste like anything “probiotic” Amber… 🙂 Thanks for dropping by!!!
I haven’t heard of this before, but your post has my interest piqued. I love to find alternatives to higher sugar drinks that end up being empty calories.
LauraOinAK recently posted…Top 5 Energy Boosters To Add Into Your Life
Oh I’m so happy you found it interesting Laura! I would love to hear from you if you decide to try it!
I’ve been wondering what kefir is, thanks for this! Now I can tell my husband, we were talking about it the other day but didn’t have a phone to Google. lol
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Pine Lake Leisure Club Cabins by Parkbridge
That is so funny Tammi!– I can relate to that!- not having a phone to use to google during a conversation! I would so love to know if you decide to try it!
This sounds really good! I can’t wait to hear about your next try with some ginger in it.
I finally bought ginger Daisy!! Now I just need to research if I need to use a juice along with it;)
I had never heard of water kefir before, but I am sharing this post with my daughter. She has to drink lots of fluid and is always looking for interesting new ways to liven up her fluid intake. I bet she would love this.
Thank you for sharing it Pam!! I am so loving it I wish I had found out about it decades ago!;) I hope she enjoys the post!
I have never heard of water kefir. I think it looks super cool though!
Amy Desrosiers recently posted…Get Your FREE Rules for Being a Kid Guidebook by Popsicle
Super cool isn’t a bad deal!– thanks Amy! I always appreciate the feedback!!!
This is interesting, had never heard of this and soo will have to check it out. It sure sounds like a great way to keep you healthy…
CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie recently posted…Dream Works The Hundred Foot Journey and World Market have teamed up and presenting the #GourmetGetaway Sweepstakes
It really is another great option;) Thank you for dropping in! If you check into it and try it please stop back by and let us know!
This sounds really good! I’ve been drinking sparkling water lately because I really need to increase my water intake, but I’ve just been so bored with regular water.
Mindy Grant recently posted…Prepare a Complete Indian Meal at Home in Just 5 Minutes!
Oh Mindy- you would love it! And you can vary your flavors!- I have really enjoyed it!
This is interesting! I have never heard of it but would totally be willing to try it.
Kimberly Grabinski recently posted…As Green As It Gets
I’ve got some ready Kimberly– come on over;)
This is unique! Sounds like it’s very quenching and refreshing!
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…What You Need To Remember When Bringing You Car In For Service Repairs + Tips To Save You A Headache
Yes!!! Really- I wish I’d hear of it years and years ago! So good!
That looks neat! This is my first time hearing of this.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets recently posted…10 ways to save money on clothes
Marina- thanks for dropping a line— and I’m so glad you found it interesting!!:)
Interesting. I’ve never heard of this before but I’m super curious now.
Kenda recently posted…See Your Fine Lines and Wrinkles Vanish in 90 Seconds. Yes, really. #Alurent90SecondBeauty #SHOP50
Kenda– I cannot be responsible for any future obsessions you find yourself in with water kefir! Lol! No seriously- I want to thank you for your encouraging feedback- I really love to hear when a post is interesting;)
I”ve never heard to water keifer, sounds yummy! What a yummy alternative drink!
Meagan recently posted…Creative Children’s Bedroom Decor
It really is! – I wish I could’ve offered a sample taste to each reader 😀
Awesome! We don’t drink soda at our house so this is like a special treat!
Sarah @ Must Have Mom recently posted…Easy Meals For One To Stock Your Freezer With
Thanks for stopping by Sarah! It really is a great treat… very refreshing and thirst quenching!
This looks like something I should be drinking every day. I don’t drink soda, but sometimes drink the flavored waters with artificial sweeteners. I would like to get away from those completely.
Oh Angela… I’d love to hear what you think if you try it! Let us know please! Everyone here really enjoys it!
This looks really interesting! I have never even heard of it before
Krista recently posted…Free Baby Leggings
Thank you for stopping in Krista! – I’m always glad to hear that someone finds a post interesting! 🙂
Never heard of this before. Very interesting. Saving for a time when I have time to try it.
April recently posted…Back to School Kohl’s Exclusives for Disney
would LOVE to hear back from you when you have time April!!! 🙂
This sounds like a good alternative. I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Brett! Always good to hear positive feedback!
I have never heard of anything like this. I’ll have to look into it more and see if it’s right for me.
Kathleen Garber recently posted…Pool Fun With Swimways Spring Float
So easy… and a nice change! I’d love to hear if you try it out Kathleen!
Great info. Lucky me I discovered your site by accident (stumbleupon).
I have bookmarked it for later!
Geraldine recently posted…Geraldine
This is a great tutorial! I tried water kefir once–to make it, that is–and failed miserably. I’m pinning this so I can try it again!
Amy recently posted…Heirloom tomatoes: new favorites this year, fall 2015
Don’t give up Amy. You will get it and be amazed at how easy it is 🙂