If you would like to make a delicious and VERY nutritious drink to replace sweet sodas I have just the think for you... Water Kefir! You can purchase your kefir starter grains, called Tabicos, from Yemoos Cultures (Yemoos.com)...
Here is the link to my YouTube Instruction Video:
Written Instructions Follow:
We've been drinking water kefir for many years. It's yummy (we no longer drink soda's of any kind), but better than that, it's GOOD FOR YOU!
Kefir provides dozens of beneficial bacteria and yeast strains that can benefit your body. Your body is inhabited by billions and trillions of bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms. By taking in beneficial bacteria and yeasts, you increase the population of good bacteria in your system; beneficial bacteria in your gut make up a large part of your immune system and help you defend against harmful organisms, bad bacteria and viruses.
To start with you will need water kefir crystals. You can order crystals online. Here are a few sources - but you can shop around by searching for organic water kefir grains or tabicos.
Yemoos Cultures
You must never use chlorinated tap water as it will kill your crystals. Well water, filtered water or bottled spring water is fine. You may use regular white sugar, organic sugar, sucanat or rapadura. I usually use white sugar, but occasionally use raw organic sugar just to perk up the crystals. I make a very simple kefir that has been very consistent for many years, but you can find a gazillion recipes and instructions online if you get an urge to experiment.
Your grains will arrive with instructions. Be sure to follow them to get your grains jumpstarted.
To make 1 quart of water kefir, add to a quart sized glass jar:
- 4 to 5 tbsp sugar (white, sucanat, rapadura or even maple syrup - but do not use honey)
- 1 tbsp water kefir grains
- about 1 quart filtered or spring water, leaving an inch of space at the top
- organic raisins (10-15 raisins)
- a small slice of peeled ginger root (or 1/4 -1/2 tsp powdered ginger root)
- a small slice of organic lemon - optional (or peel and use only the flesh)
As your grains multiply you will probably want to make larger batches.
To make 1 gallon of water kefir, add to a gallon sized glass jar:
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 to 4 tbsp water kefir grains
- about 1 gallon filtered or spring water leaving 1 inch space at the top
- organic raisins (10-15 raisins)
- a small slice of peeled ginger root (or 1/4 -1/2 tsp powdered ginger root)
- a small slice of organic lemon - optional (or peel and use only the flesh)
Stir the sugar and water until dissolved, add your grains, raisins, ginger and lemon. You can add a pinch of baking soda and sea salt every week or so just to give your grains a boost. They should start multiplying after a few batches, so you will need to give some away, eat them, add them to smoothies or your compost pile.
Put on the lid but don't make it too tight. The kefir will build up natural carbonation as it ferments. Taste it after 12 hours. If it's still real sweet let it ferment another 12 hours. I let mine ferment for 36 hours. At that point you need to strain the fermented kefir into another container. Use a plastic strainer to strain the grains. Metal can harm them. You can refrigerate the kefir at this point if you want to, but I do a double ferment so I can flavor it and increase the probiotic activity. I remove the raisins and lemon slice but keep the slice of ginger. It can be reused for another batch or two.
In the second container you now have the strained first ferment kefir water. To this I add several slices of ginger root (we like the ginger taste and it is also very healthy). Our favorite flavor is an organic berry mix of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. I use about 1 cup for the gallon jar. I also do a ginger and grapefruit mix but it isn't as sweet. One quarter to one half peeled grapefruit for a gallon jar. This ferment can be as little as 12 hours, but I do another 36. That way I have two jars always sitting on my counter and get a gallon of finished water kefir every day and a half.
Keep everything clean, but don't use the dishwasher or soaps. You can use your hands and wash the inside of the jars and rinse with lots of hot water.
Here are some links to websites with lots of kefir information. It may sound a little intimidating, but honestly, it's easy! You just need to put a sticky note on your lids so you know when you started the batches, and if you cannot be home to complete the ferment you can store the grains in sugar water in the refrigerator for weeks or even months if you change the water regularly. Your ferments can be as short as 12 hours but will be very sweet and contain less probiotics. Still better than soft drinks tho, so it's just up to you.
Here are a few links with some basic information, and you are welcome to email at landeblew@gmail.com me any time with questions.
Starfire
Wellness Mama
Keysands
No comments:
Post a Comment