HOW TO MAKE WATER KEFIR | Fermented Drink Recipes
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- Learn how to make water kefir, a probiotic rich superfood, with this simple tutorial.
WANT TO START YOUR OWN BLOG?
Learn how our family supports ourselves full-time on our homestead with our blog and TH-cam channel in my FREE blogging success masterclass: www.farmhouseo...
Free Ebook with 5 bubbly water kefir soda recipes for summer: farmhouseonboo...
This post contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop the supplies:
Fine mesh strainer- amzn.to/2JO8hlR
Water kefir grains- shop.culturesf...
Grolsch flip top bottles- amzn.to/2jrQ4Q5
Organic brown sugar- amzn.to/2HP7CnS
Our Berkey Water Filter- www.berkeyfilte...
My apron- rstyle.me/n/c3...
Learning how to make water kefir may sound intimidating, but it is actually a very simple process, and the reward is growing healthy bacteria right in your own kitchen.
But what the heck is water kefir and why should you care?
Probiotics have been all the buzz for several years now.
These things may just seem like a trendy fad, but there is actually some serious science backing up the hype.
For the very abridged version of the story:
There are good guys in your gut and there are bad guys. God put the bad guys in there, so they could break down your body at death (not the happiest topic, but it's true). They were meant to be there in small quantities and the good guys were supposed to proliferate and make a healthy body.
Well, in our modern world of stress, sugar and processed foods those bad guys get out of balance and all kinds of bad things begin to happen. "Leaky Gut Syndrome" happens when there are literally holes in the gut lining. Food leaks into the blood stream, where it does not belong, and you experience minor symptoms like bloating and gas, major symptoms like depression and cancer and everything in between.
Probiotic supplements are excellent and everyone should be on a good one (not just any old probiotic you find at Walmart), BUT it isn't the entire answer to the problem. To create a diverse inner ecosystem you'll want to introduce many different strains of good bacteria.
Enter fermented foods.
Sauerkraut. Milk Kefir. Homemade Yogurt. Sourdough. Kombucha.
So, why take the extra effort to make your own fermented foods at home?
Yogurt and kefir from the store just don't cut it. They are fermented for a very short amount of time and by the time you get it from the store it was probably already made weeks ago. The good bacteria are most certainly dying off by this point. Plus, they are almost always filled with sugar and made with non-organic milk.
When you make fermented foods at home they are teeming with good bacteria and can help repopulate your gut with the good guys. You have likely fermented them for days, or even weeks for some ferments, so they are going to help your body significantly more than that store bought yogurt.
One of my most favorite fermented drinks is water kefir.
I love to do a second fermentation with grape juice that makes it bubbly and delicious.
Let's get into the process:
Step 1:
Acquire water kefir grains.
(Oh I forgot to mention they multiply rapidly when you make kefir constantly. The extras can be fed to your chickens, thrown in the compost pile, blended into your smoothies for added probiotics, or sold on the internet ;))
Step 2:
Bring one cup of water to a boil.
Add 1/4 cup organic brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
Step 3:
Add 1/4 cup water kefir grains to a quart size jar.
Fill the jar almost to the top with filtered water.
Step 4:
After the sugar water has dissolved and COOLED completely, add into the jar with the rest of the water and the water kefir grains. If the sugar water is still hot it can kill the "good guys" in the water kefir grains, so make sure it cools off first.
*In case you ar...
Get the rest of the article here: farmhouseonboo...
Now, go forth and fill your gut with good bacteria! ;)
Follow along over on Instagram for more peaks at our daily life in my IG stories: / farmhouseonboone
My video equipment:
Camera- amzn.to/2BebVEO
Lens- amzn.to/2C2cKwY
Lights- amzn.to/2C1H8rt
Microphone- amzn.to/2s9EobG
Tripod- amzn.to/2C1KFpJ
Business inquiries: lisa@farmhouseonboone.com
Music: Morning Mandolin by Chris Haugen
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.6 (1/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/m05kZ2GDKXg/mqdefault.jpg)
In case anyone cares; kefir "grains" are still a 'SCOBY' (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), they're only called _grains_ because of their shape. The disc-shaped culture of bacteria and yeast in kombucha is technically known as a "pellicle." The difference in shapes is because kefir and kombucha SCOBY's differ in the amount of yeast they contain (kombucha has more), and acetic acid bacteria are the dominant bacteria species in kombucha, while kefir 'grains' have lactic acid (Lactobacillus or Lactobacillus / Acetobacter) bacteria dominant.
So this means that you can use the milk grains for the water one right?
@akbananachucker2441 no. She says in the video you can't use milk grains in place of water grains. They have to be specific :)
@MyTube4Utoo thanks for sharing. Very informative indeed.
I knew there was a reason I saved those Trader Joe's Ginger Beer bottles with the stopper and wire closures they have at Christmas time!
Be careful! I had one explode :/
Get grolsch beer bottles.
You can do this in the plastic juice jug, too. I am "accident prone", and have no business attempting glass swing bottles, so I tried it with plastic. Works. Just in case someone wanted to try it, but is too scared of exploding glass containers. Plastic bottles stretch. A lot. Apparently. Haha
That is really good to know, I froze some regular vitimin D milk in mason jars and more than one jar broke in the feeezer.
@@katrinagrammer2014 They don't make mason jars like they used to. If you left enough headspace, that shouldn't happen. I've had them crack just washing them. It's nuts.
@RamonaQ Thank you for sharing this fantastic tip.
@@mangoyacho You are welcome. Have a nice week. I just realized the kind of plastic juice jug she's got sitting on the counter is like the ones I use for this purpose.
We did this last year and my favorite was just adding organic strawberries to the 2nd ferment. So amazingly delicious. After our move I've got to get back into it!
I have been adding a little lemonade and fresh strawberries! I often add a little bit of raw ginger, too! Delicious!
What will u do w/ the first fermentation water,? will u discard or what.cuz all vlogs that i watched , goes directly to 2nd fermentation. Thanks
Do you need the "scoby" or whatever is called for second fermentation or just the already made water kefir?
I liked adding vanilla extract! So yummy!
@@granny686you can drink it, or you can place it in a swing top bottle with fruit or juice for 2 days or so to create carbonation.
Been making all the different kefirs for yrs. Love them all. I use fresh fruit in the second fermentation. Have a gal going all the time. Two qts with ginger one without. I don’t drink pop at all but love carbonated drinks, healthy and fun to drink.
I've been making kombucha, water kefir and yogurt for years. Love it!
Can you use mason jars for 2nd fermentation? I dont have special jars and hope I dont need any.
@@ale347baker yes you can. I always use old mayo jars nothing special
How many ml per date?
Good for you...
@AsiaPersuasia yeah you should do it too or not idc... 😂
I love water kefir! I’ve been doing it a little different though. I did the first fermentation one time only and now just add water and juice to the second ferment every day. I’ve been doing this for a few months and it’s still going strong. My grains are in the freezer for if I ever want to start it over again
I’m new to kefir - your process sounds like what I would want to do, just a cup or so a day - can you explain this in more detail? Have you run out of the first fermentation yet? How many times can you reuse the grains?
@@haleykovach2730 hey I'm so sorry no-one has responded to your question so far. I am not that experienced but I would have thought that the moment the grains aren't producing the same quality of drink - you could probably tell by its taste and lack of fizz - then I would take that as a prompt to restart the whole process. I'm planning on trying out this method. Great question though.
Great video, I love water kefir! I’m so glad you left a disclaimer about exploding bottles. It happened to me once! I would suggest to anyone who wants to make this, to go to a wine supply store and buy amber bottles, it was the best decision I made! When I first started I just bought those decor bottles with the latch lids, and they aren’t heavy duty enough, so mine wouldn’t carbonate at first... and if it did it would explode the cheap bottles! Lol, you live and learn I guess!
Laura Incognito yes! It happened to my sister overnight. Imagine the shock 😳🤣
Are the amber coloured bottles better than clear?
I also have luck just remembering to “burp “the bottles a couple of times just to release some of the gas while they are carbonating.
@1:19 I make my own home made yogurt by simply adding live culture store bought yogurt to milk. After the whey separates, I add that whey to grape juice which results in the same frothy, fizzy results as yours. It even makes its own alcohol so in essence, wine. You get all the probiotics and antioxidants from grapes in a low glycemic drink that tastes pretty yummy with a slight gently buzz to boot :-) Working on the same method for orange juice and pomgranite juice as we speak
To prevent bottle bombs. Just fill a a plastic soda bottle with it once its hard you know the bottles are carbonated.
Yeah but then you are fermenting your kefir in plastic where thylaids and hormone disruptors can be absorbed
@@jaredharrison1446 you make one with plastic and the others in bottles. The plastic is just to give gauge carbonation. You can throw away the kefir in plastic if you don't want it.
Thank you so much for being straight to the point while keeping the most important info in :)
You need to do a video on how to get the fermented grains! This part always confuses me but love your videos and blog!
Buy them from Amazon or poseymom.com
@@youtubegirl173 we can not make at home ? Have to buy?
@@zerrinak317 yes, you have to buy the grains to start, once you have the grains then you follow the directions to make the drink at home. But grains are cheap, less than $10 and can be used a long time. And they reproduce too so you can give them to friends.
Oh thank you!!! Newly dairy free here! Thanks for all your hard work and sharing!
Important Note: Do not ferment Kefir next to Kombucha, the SCOBY will literally take over the Kefir.
😮
We are very happy with the directions you gave for water kefir! It has so many bubbles once we second ferment it with grape juice!
Thank you!
Sounds great! I will try it with passionfruit tea as I use that to mix it with my kombucha and love the flavor.
I am so excited to learn your kifer recipes! Both milk and water! I finally found a local dairy farmer who makes his own kifer a town away referred to us from our local beef farmers at our farmers market! We plan to visit him next weekend!
www.farmhouseonboone.com/bread-machine-sourdough-bread-recipe
A bread machine might be worth storing, more than our Air fryer for sure!
This was helpful! I was making kombucha for my family but it was too time consuming. This is great and a fraction of the time. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Lisa.I made Kombucha and I stopped making it because I have ulcer and I started getting some pain so I stopped drinking it .I will definitely make this Kefir since is a water base. BTW I love your videos. 😊
Adriana Ariza-Jones thank you!
Absolutely brilliant, so well explained . I can’t wait to get started! So glad I found your wonderful channel.👍🏻
Thanks so much for watching!
@@FarmhouseonBoone is kefir still working well till now?
@@FarmhouseonBoone thank you for your great videos! Blessings your way!
Just ordered some grains, rapadura sugar, and glass twist top bottles. I've been drinking my own milk kefir for over a year, but sometimes I'd like a probiotic that I can just "chugg" and really enjoy, since too much milk kefir gives me acid reflux.
Where do you get the grains from
brown off Amazon. Was a bit sceptical at first but they're still going strong. Warning: they multiply like crazy!
I just got my water kefir grains in the mail today and I got a berkey at Christmas. Now I'm all set to get started! This video has been a tremendous help. Thank you!
so glad to hear that!
actually you can use milk kefir grians to make water kefir. I have done it. I used to make kefir with diluted grape juice. I used milk kefir grains to do it. The grains turned permanently purple but they did the job and lasted quite a long time. I suppose water kefir grains are better for this, but in a pinch the milk grains will do.
good video but it would have been nice too show the beginning of fermenting the grains in the water... how much sugar? How much water? Etc
I can tell from the questions that I left a lot of info out! After it has reached the desired level of fermentation put it in the refrigerator. That will stop the process. Also, there is a small Amount of alcohol in water Kefir, but it is negligible. I still drink it during pregnancy and give it to my kids.You can start up a batch immediately after the previous with the grains. You can also store them in the refrigerator in sugar water for a couple weeks to hibernate them, if you are going on vacation or want a kefir break. As the grains multiply, if the jar is getting filled up with grains and its getting sour too quickly you can start passing them off to family and friends. There are more detailed instructions on the blog: farmhouseonboone.com/farmhouse-on-boone/how-to-make-homemade-water-kefir-soda/
How long can it stay in the fridge?
my sponsor told me not to risk it, but as if it counts as a breach of my 8 year sobriety..
will the grains multiply like a kombucha scoby?
@@hag1711 ‘
Awesome possum thank you! Gonna do it right now. Was looking for the measurements!
Thank you for the tutorial. Looks delicious! God bless ✝!
This looks so fun ! I want to get the most out of my proofer I just got ! Thanks !
I cant keep up with my family’s demand. Isssss sooooooo goooodd! Very nice alternative for sodas. Love the frizz, is sometimes frizzier than pop
I had one bottle explote in my hands! Never again I let the bottle chill out on the counter. I let the second ferment happen for 24 hours and to the refrigerator to let the bubbles set
Girl meets yarn I can’t keep up either! When the weather gets hotter I know I can make it way faster!
That's awesome. I enjoy natural food. I think everyone should do this, especially for kids.
I'm going to attempt this soon. You are amazing at presenting and giving institutions that are always clear.
Always so simple and informative! Thank you
Great video! I am just starting to do the fermenting world. Your video's are really helping on what choices I would like to try. Thank you and have a great day!
Just started sauerkraut and milk kefir. Next water kefir. Thanks
Great video , thanks. Although I’ve been baking sourdough bread for a while I’m new to this, my query is: how do I keep / preserve my mother culture of kefir grains in good shape to be reused after I achieve the second fermentation with fruit juice? Thanks 😊
You're not supposed to use it with the fruit juice..just add to a new batch of sugar water
you totally inspired me. I will be trying to make my first water kefir this week. wish me luck. ;)
Awesome!
Thanks a lot, just started my first water Kéfir and will try second fermentation soda. Thanks for this easy video! And by the way, you're beautiful!
Yum! I've never had this before, but it looks so good! Definitely will check out the ebook 💕
Very interesting Lisa! Hope you’re having a good night! 😊
I love water kefir! Thanks for the tips about second fermentation. 🙃
Thank you for everything fermented that I have learned from you. I have been making sourdough regularly for the last couple years and now I have tackled water kefir. My favorite flavor so far is grapefruit. It has been very successful with only one explosion. My question is my kefir grains do not seem to be growing but they look healthy and have been fermenting good. I have been adding a couple of raisins, a tiny pinch of sea salt besides the 1/4 cup of disolved sugar to my grains. What do you think?
I would recommend looking at the Troubleshooting guide on Cultures for Health website...specifically under kefir grains.
Thank you
Did you try to give the excess waterkefir-crystals to your chickens? Our chickens love them! Thank you for your great video!
Would you get probiotic eggs like that?
I’m kind of confused... maybe this is a dumb question but do you have to drink it immediately since the bottle might explode? Is there a way to safely store it to drink later? Thanks for all the great information you share! I love you videos!
00stephie00 so sorry I forgot to cover that! The fermentation process stops in the fridge.
Thanks!
… slows
Good question !!
But you should keep checking if away for long time.
I unfortunately found out the dairy farmer family I found will not sell kefir grains but is only willing to sell their raw milk for me to try to make my own grains which they said people do not usually succeed at doing when they try to make their own kefir from theirs, so it is best to just buy their kefir. The problem is the farmers market they attend is so far away to drive for me each week.. plus I was looking forward to making my own..so I guess I might need to try to find another farmer that sells kefir grains or try to make my own kefir grains from their milk anyway and hope for the best.
culturesforhealth.com/?sca_ref=2625385.lbwB0OHBCE&
Could you please explain how you reached the very first step. I think you started showing the water after 12hpurs but how does it actually begin. I want to try this but it seems very confusing and complicated. Help 😟
You buy the Water Kefir Grains and start them with the sugar and water..
Also add a tbl spoon of molasses helps for the first ferment
Yes me too. I'm confused bcs she show the result of the first fermentation then explain some process. Is that the first fermentation or the next step after filter with the kefir?
Next video can you do a complete start to finish?
Love fermented recipes 👍
I've made two batches already. It's amazing. I made one with cranberry juice and the second with ginger. I love both but the ginger is gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing this video. Hope you and the new baby are doing well. Blessings x
both sound amazing! good job!
@@FarmhouseonBoone it's thanks to you for your inspiration! I'm making the sourdough starter now. I just love your way of living, it's natural and very inspirational. It's really how we should all be living. You and your family are really doing a great job and I'm so grateful you share it with us all x
How did you do your ginger one? I have tried a couple of times but I don’t feel like I’ve gotten it quite right. Grape and also blueberry have been our favorites.
I was making this before I got pregnant and loved it. In my first trimester I lost all desire for fermented foods and didn’t keep my grains. Now I want to start again but would prefer to get my grains from someone I know. 😐
Maybe I'll give this a try. I make and drink a small glass of my own kombucha every day. I think it has a small amount of alchol as I feel sleepy after. Us it possible to take too kuch probiotic I wonder
Thanks for the E-book
You're welcome, hope you enjoy the recipes!
Great video!! Thanks for all the great information!! Holly
Your enthusiasm is contagious. One question can the grains be reused used,? I'm new to all this . If not is there a source for Purchasing pounds at a time? Thank you
Yes, the grains have to be reused or they die. You have to keep feeding them
Okay I’m going to give this a try. Kind of nervous don’t want it to explode in my kitchen.
if you're nervous, try opening it outside! at least then it won't get on your ceiling
I 💜 your ideas!
Have you ever had any issues using the metal strainer? I see a few videos that state it can harm the bacteria.
Have you ever found a glazing on the surface of the the water in the fermenting jar (first fermentation) ? Possibly the sugar crystallizing?
There are several different scenarios that can cause that. It may be best for you to look up a troubleshooting guide for water kefir and see which scenario may apply to your situation. Cultures for Health has one on their website.
Thankyou for you easy explaination
Maybe I missed a step but what is the process to get the first set of grains?
you have to buy them
Awesome!! I have a question...after making the first fermentation, do you rinse the kefir for the next ferment?
Thanks for this video!
My pleasure!
Good day! ☀️ thanks for this video
My water kefir lately is viscous like gooey, and it ferments very slowly, it is 48 hours and it tastes very sweet, that happened the first time when I put baking soda to follow a recipe from someone and since that time it has been three batches like that, there is something I can do?
At sight they look healthy and they bubble not sour
Note: I add Lemon and raisins, I am making a large batch of 8 liters
It smells kind of rotten not sour
I think I like this better than making kombucha. Tired of my kitchen smelling like kombucha and having sooooooo many scobies forming.
Wonderful! Thank you
OK forgive my ignorance but if I’m understanding correctly you’re taking sugar boiling water and then you put it in the jar for two days so it ferments correct? Then when you strain it off that is the grange that you can use to add to the next batch?
My kefir is still very sweet after my first ferment, it smells yeasty, but taste sweet, am I doing something wrong?
Isn't there a risk of producing alcohol when you extend the duration of the primary fermentation process, especially in warmer climates? Some years ago, I was fermenting kefir in a warm tropical climate and kept getting alcohol. Should I have shortened the fermentation period to prevent this?
have you tried indian mustard seeds kanji?
Brilliant. You looked like a movie star.
Thank you so very much for making this video! You should check out the trim Healthy Mama eating plan I think you would love it
I love this! Thank you, I'm buying those bottles. I can't wait to start! Oh, can I use coconut sugar to start off the fermentation? I make my own brown sugars using stevia, coconut, cane sugars and molasses so it's healthier and stays softer longer. Also, can I use fresh berry or pineapple juice for the 2nd fermentation?
CC3 Mathews I don’t know about coconut sugar but I know stevia won’t work. The blend sounds like it may work. Yes you can use fruit to flavor also!
♥️♥️♥️♥️
Looks so yummy Lisa
This looks great. Does the fermentation make it slightly alcoholic?
yes, but very minor
Thank you 🙏🏾
Can you start the initial fermentation with fruit juice instead of doing it with just the brown sugar mix? I’m looking for an alternative to store bought beverage and ideally would like to foregone the sugar altogether for health reasons. I guess it’s a needed component for the grains to feed on, so perhaps organic fruit juice you’ve juiced yourself could work?
I can only speak affirmatively on the outcome the way I have made it. My understanding is if you use fruit it is recommended that you discard the fruit after 24 hrs...you may want to do some research on this
For the 2nd fermentation do I need dark bottle?
its not necessary
I like water Kefir, but I am an Asian senior, I don’t know how to start with Kefir grains. I followed the instructions to do, but it seemed not good (grains come out in light brown color and tiny). Now I don’t know how to do. I need some advices to do next, or I have to make new vegan kefir grains. Please let me know what to do now. Because I am a vegan.
How do you know that the water kefir are alive and healthy?
It's winter here and not warm, the sugary water (organic slight brown sugar) after four days with the grains in it, comes out slightly syrupy! Is this right?
Second fermentation works well, very fizzy.
Thank you for the video, very informative.
if the second ferment works they are healthy
Do we use 100% juice in the second ferment?
I’m new to your Chanel ,and I love it , I have a question where I can get the grains to make the fermented water ? Thank you
culturesforhealth.com/?sca_ref=2625385.lbwB0OHBCE&
I'm confused. Did you combine that new boiled sugar water with your already fermented water? And let them sit out on the counter for two days?
How much do you drink at a time? If you only drink a little bit do you store the rest in the fridge? I'd love to try this. I've had all kinds of stomach issues and would like to get my gut health in order.
The glass shown in this picture is a pretty good indicator of how much I drink...maybe 8 oz or so...then store in the fridge
So thank you for the video. How long will it store? If I make a big batch how long will it stay good?
Love your videos! What can you do to store your kefir grains if you go on vacation, or just want to take a break from making it?
I've read somewhere you can freeze them
How do you know when its done with the second fermentation and its ready to go to the fridge?
Do you out the fermented liquid (whether after the first or second ferments) into the fridge when they’re done? Can they still explode at that point, or should they be regularly burped?
The refrigerator really slows the fermentation down to almost a stop...If you don't drink them quickly you may need to but doubtful
Thank you for the video. What is the ratio of grains to sugar water ?
Hey Lisa, this is great. The link to your 5 water kefir soda recipes is broken though. Appreciate the tips!
2:00 Did you use the plastic lid for the first fermentation? I'm asking because I saw others use cloth or paper. If so, how do I properly use the lid -- do I have to seal it tight or loose?
I used the plastic lid just not very tight...
Can i use my filtered Kangen water 7.0 for water kefir?
this is great! Thank you! going to order some grains and get it started.
Have you started,let me know pls
Morgan I ordered them. They will be here next week. I’m excited to try. I didn’t care for milk kefir so hoping we like this!
@@amysvob3066 im planning to order too,im looking for water kefir, can you pls inform me where did you ordered online.
Morgan I had to get them on amazon. I was able to find organic.
@@amysvob3066 noted,thank you for the info
I've pretty much maxed my yogurt recipe.
_Temperature is _*_pret'near magical!_*
What's a good temp to start that second fermentation? (I used to make beer. I burp my bottles!) I'm guessing 65F to 85F?
TIA
I will link my recipe for how I make homemade yogurt..www.farmhouseonboone.com/how-to-make-yogurt-in-the-instant-pot/
@@FarmhouseonBoone Yes. But my yogurt is fine.
I asked about 2nd fermentation with kefir.
Just got my water kefir and fixing to get started doing this again.. it’s been a few years so I needed a refresher course.. thanks for the info! Also 80 degrees in the house in summer! Do you not use air conditioning?
Mara A 🥵
What is Kefir? Is it a seed? Where can you buy it? Health stores? Supermarket? Thanks from Norway...
Do you put lid on tight for the 48 hrs of fermentation? Or loose? For the first fermentation
You should put a cloth or a coffee filter, something that allows the mix to breath
rather than water and sugar could I just use lemon juice that I squeeze from a bunch of lemons?
thank you good
I clicked on the link and couldn’t find the free ebook. Is it still available? Thanks :)