Water Kefir
Water Kefir contains several strains of bacteria and yeast that can help re-populate and balance the microbiome in your gut.
I believe Water Kefir is a great culture to start to introduce you to the world of fermented foods.
Water Kefir is a mildly zesty fermented water based beverage. It can be likened to a natural, light and refreshing soda - perfect for a healthy drink alternative - it's cold, it hydrates and it feels like a special treat at the end of the day.
Once you have mastered the art and science of making it, you can flavour your kefir with anything you like, the options are endless. I have grapefruit or peach kefir in the mornings, hibiscus in the summer, ginger in the winter, and a zesty lime and lemongrass in the evening.
My method for making water kefir involves making a feed syrup and ginger water which you will have stored in your fridge. I feel this method meands there is an even spread of flavour and the grains love it. Its also so quick and easy. No need to faff around with bits of ginger, or weighing out sugar when you are in a hurry.
I have been brewing kefir for a few years now, my kefir is called Kevin, and we have travelled all over the world, and still very much alive and kicking. If you have any questions about your kefir, want to know where to buy equipment, want to upscale production or just want to hear some ridiculous stories about explosions then send me an email and I would be delighted to send you an information pack and tell you all that I know.
OVERVIEW
Serves: 1litre
Time: 2-3days
INGREDIENTS
1 litre filtered water
1/2 cup feed syrup (see below)
3 tbs ginger water (see below)
1 slice of organic lemon
2 unsulphurated figs
4-6 tbs water kefir grains
EQUIPMENT
1 litre Fermentation Jar
2x 1litre Bottles
1x Nylon Sieve
All Equipment can be found in the Gutsy Shop
METHOD
Day 1 - Brewing
Put all ingredients, apart from grains into a clip top jar and stir well.
Add Kefir Grains and stir gently
Close the lid (air-tight)
Leave out on a bench for 48hrs in a place away from direct sunlight.
Day 2 - Bottling
Sieve the grains from the water into a pourable jug (discard figs and lemon)
Transfer the water to air-tight bottle and leave kefir water in air-tight bottle for a further 24hrs, or until it reaches preferred carbonation.
There is also the option to flavour the water kefir at this stage.
Rinse out Jar with hot water and make a new brew.
* You are advised to start by drinking 100ml per day.
FEED SYRUP
2cup (500ml) filtered water
1cup (170g) organic cane sugar
Boil for 2 mins
Spoon off any foam that forms on the surface
Allow to cool and store in fridge.
GINGER WATER
500ml filtered water
60g organic ginger, chopped into chunks (not need to peel if organic)
Blend for 30seconds on high
Sieve into jug, and pour into bottle through funnel
Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Can be used in morning tea or have shots with lime and maple syrup
