Brewing (Water) Kefir

The flavor of Water Kefir can vary greatly by changing the ingredients. People develop their own favorite recipes, and any instructions you may find should only be seen as a guideline to get you started. Experiment and have fun.

Brewing
The short version: Put 1/3 cup of Water Kefir crystals into a glass container. Add 3 liters of spring water, 1/2 cup sugar, and any flavoring ingredients you desire. Allow to soak for 1, 2 or 3 days depending on your flavor preference.

Spring water is important. Most tap water contains chlorine which will kill your crystals, and filtered or distilled water doesn't contain the minerals needed for your crystals to grow. Many people successfully use tap water after boiling it for 10 minutes, and then letting it cool ... but your results will vary.

The "flavoring ingredients" are important for proper nutrition of your crystals, as well as flavor for you. Typically, you would add a portion of citrus (1/2 a lemon, 1/4 an orange, 1/2 a lime, etc) and a portion of dried fruit (1 fig, 12 raisins, 20 currants, etc.). Just like you, Water Kefir crystals do best with a variety, so experiment and have fun. You may want to put these flavoring ingredients into a cloth bag to keep them separate from your crystals.

Water Kefir does not do well in direct sunlight, but prefers warmth. On top of your fridge is an idea place to brew your probiotics.

Straining
It's necessary to strain Water Kefir after brewing to recover the crystals. After pouring the contents of your jar through the strainer, put the recovered crystals in a bowl and add some spring water. Let your crystals sit, rinsing off any residue from the previous batch, while you prepare the next batch.

Basic Recipe

  • 2 quarts of Water
  • ½ a Lemon
  • 1 dried Fig
  • ½ cup Sugar
  • ⅓ cup Water Kefir Crystals

Fill a glass jug or pitcher around ¾ full with water. Add sugar and stir/swirl until disolved. Add Water Kefir crystals, Citrus and dried fruit. Cover and set in a warm spot away from direct sunlight (on top of fridge). Allow to sit for 1-3 days, depending on your flavor preference: beverage becomes more sour (less sweet) the longer it brews.

When done, pour contents through a strainer into another container. Remove and discard fruit. Use crystals to start another brew.

If you want a carbonated drink, you'll need to do a secondary fermentation. This is a simple process … bottle your Water Kefir and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, and then refrigerate it. EZ-Cap bottles are ideal for this and can be purchased at your local beer and wine making supply store for about $2 each.

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