Little House Simple Living

You may have heard about “Juice Kefir” or “Water Kefir”? If not, grab a cup of hot herbal tea and let me share with you an amazing drink for your body.

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What is Kefir?

It is a fermented drink that gives your body a good dose of probiotics. First though, you need to start with a grain starter. I highly recommend using Cultures for Health starters as they are non-gmo and made with organic sugar. Kefir grains have good bacteria and yeast in them. Water Kefir grains can be used indefinitely to make Water/Juice Kefir. Just store them in a jar with fresh sugar water, juice or coconut water.

Juice Kefir is fun and easy to make. It’s also very refreshing and a great alternative to water if you are looking for a healthy drink. It actually has a little “fizz” to it, so it kinda makes you feel like you are drinking a soda without all the bad chemicals.

You can use fresh or dried fruit. Once your grains are removed from the initial round of fermentation, you can then add dried peaches, grapes, strawberries, etc.  and let them ferment for a few more days.

The quickest way to get Juice Kefir is by purchasing a bottle of juice from the store. Just make sure it has at least 25 grams of sugar in it. I don’t buy the “white stuff” anymore, so I usually will buy a bottle of juice from Whole Foods or a local health food store.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy. You can improve your gut’s digestive and immune health just by consuming fermented foods and taking probiotic supplements.

How to Make Water/Juice Kefir

Activating the grains:

1. Prepare your sugar water. Heat ½ cup of water and pour into a
   glass mason jar.
2. Dissolve ¼ cup of organic raw cane sugar into the water.
3. Add 2 ½- 3 cup of water at room temperature. Make sure the
   temperature reads 65°-85°.
4. Empty the entire packet of grains into your sugar water.
5. Cover the jar with a coffee filter or cloth and secure with a
   rubber band. Keep in a warm spot for 3-4 days.
6. On day 4, the grains should be plump and translucent. Strain
   them out and discard the sugar.

Making the Kefir:

1. Prepare the sugar water just like above but only let sit for 24-48 hours. When culture is complete, prepare a new batch of sugar water. Repeat the process every 24-48 hours and you will be able to use your grains indefinitely.
   *See package for complete directions.

Flavoring the Kefir:

I love drinking Juice Kefir as it gives you a little “fizz” like soda does. Flavoring your Water Kefir with fruit or a juice blend is called the second fermentation. This allows the sugars to feed the bacteria producing a wonderful probiotic drink.

If you’re using Fruit Juice, add ½ cup to a bottle or jar, leaving about 1-inch head space. Let set on the counter for 24-72 hours or until the kefir carbonates. If using dried fruit, add and let the kefir ferment for 2-3 days or up to a week. For fresh fruit, add and ferment for no longer than 24 hours. Once each variety is fermented, refrigerate.

I’d love hear if you make your own Kefir?? If so, what is your favorite flavoring?

**NOTE: Please use caution when opening your bottles. The contents are under pressure. Twist the lid carefully and slowly or use a towel and open them in a sink.