All About Water Kefir

What is it?

Water Kefir is a bubbly,light and slightly yeasty tasting probiotic drink.

How is it Made?

It is made by sweetening water with sugar and dried fruits and then adding a culture called Water Kefir Grains (not an actual type of grain but they look like tiny grainy white blobs). Just like Kombucha, you can Second Ferment Water Kefir using fruits and spices to give it a delicious new flavour every time.

Water Kefir Grains: Just a couple of Tablespoons of these will give you a litre of Water Kefir!

How Does it Taste?

Water Kefir tastes much lighter than Kombucha and it is much less ‘vinegary.’ Using dried fruits to ferment it such as sultanas, figs and dates gives it a light caramel-like flavour. I love second fermenting Water Kefir as the mild flavour means it easily takes on any fruits and spices you add.

How Long Does it Take to Make?

Fermentation can be as short as 8 hours when its really hot, all the way up to 48 hours in the winter. 24 hrs is most normal though. It will smell a bit sour and yeasty when it is ready.

Can I re-use the Grains?

Yes you can! Once you’ve strained the grains out of your fermented brew, simply set them aside while you make up the sweet water solution again before adding them in. Your grains will also multiply over time.

I thought Kefir was a kind of Yoghurt Drink?

There is another type of Kefir called Milk Kefir. This uses a different culture (creatively called Milk Kefir Grains) which are simply added to fresh milk and left for about 48 hours. The result ranges from a thick yoghurt right through to a cream cheese consistancy depending on fermentation time. WellCrate doesn’t currently sell Milk Kefir Grains but hopes to in the near future!

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