How To Make Water Kefir ft Cultures for Health (Backyard Bounty Podcast EP 41)

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides natural sweetness with additional nutrients.

water kefir grains

💰Cheaper: sugar

Sugar is a common substitute for those unable to find grains.

dried fruit

🥗Healthier: fresh fruit

💰Cheaper: canned fruit

Canned fruit can be less expensive and still add flavor.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: vanilla bean

💰Cheaper: imitation vanilla

Imitation vanilla is a cost-effective flavoring.

Dissolve sugar in water in a clean glass jar.

Add water kefir grains to the sugar water.

Squeeze in the juice of a lemon and add lemon slices.

Add dried fruit and ginger for flavor.

Cover the jar with a cloth and secure it with a rubber band.

Let the mixture ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours.

Check for carbonation and taste for sweetness.

Once fermented, strain out the grains and solids.

Transfer the liquid to bottles, leaving some headspace.

Seal the bottles and let them ferment for another 24 hours for carbonation.

Refrigerate the bottles to stop fermentation.

Serve chilled, optionally adding fresh fruit juice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary