Kefir Madness

Delicious Kefir Lemonade

Hi, It's been awhile since I've written.... I strive to post interesting subjects, not junk, so sometimes there may be awhile between posts. Please excuse....

Spring is just around the corner, and it's time for making Kefir Lemonade! I just recently discovered this wonderful and refreshing drink, which is full of healthy probiotics which are good for our digestion. Upon reading the directions, Water Kefir might seem time consuming to make, but once you get the hang of thing, is very easy. As you decant the first batch for the second fermentation, just start the second (and subsequent) batch(es) which will ferment while you are enjoying the previous batch. I am posting the original recipe I used from the "Loving Our Guts" blog, found here: http://www.lovingourguts.com/water-kefir-primary-and-secondary-ferments/ .

I obtained my original water kefir grains from a fellow Weston A. Price Foundation member. The WAPF is an international health organization, http://www.westonaprice.org/ which anyone can join. I find their website to be particularly informative.  The PicklIt Jar featured here, can be found online at: http://www.pickl-it.com/.   

My first attempts at making Water Kefir were not very successful; the fermented liquid made my chin itch (What??!)  When I just covered my fermenting grains with cheesecloth, I guess 'other bacteria' were fermenting with my kefir grains. So back to the internet for more research, which convinced me that it was worth spending the money on the PicklIt jar. Here is the recipe I used:

Water Kefir Recipe Primary Ferment

 from Patty at LovingOurGuts.com

    1.5L Pickl-it jar

    1/2 cup water kefir grains *

    1/4 cup Organic Sugar

    1 tbsp Organic Molasses

    Shell from half an egg that has been well washed or a calcium tablet.

     Filtered water

    A tea towel or other way to protect the pickl-it jar from light.

In a clean 1.5L pickl-it jar put water kefir grains, sugar, molasses, and egg shell or calcium tablet.  Then use filtered water to fill it to the shoulder.  Close the jar and insert the air lock and fill it with water to the fill line.  Wrap the Pickl-it in a towel to protect it from the light and set it aside for the next 1-4 days.

I let it ferment for a week or so, until it is no longer sweet. The liquid has kind of a vinegary, yeasty smell, and is not too interesting at this point. So, I strain out the kefir grains, (discarding the egg shell) and pour the liquid into a bowl, to which I add the juice of 2 lemons, and some honey and stevia. Then I decant this liquid into flip top bottles, which I let ferment in the refrigerator for another week or so. When I think it is ready, I pop open a bottle, and enjoy!

Closeup shot of the Water Kefir Grains which resemble little spongy, cauliflowers. These will multiply over time, in which case, you either throw the excess away, or give them to your friends so that they can make their own Water Kefir Lemonade! 

The grains (with molasses or other sweetener) are left to ferment in the PicklIt Jar on the left. That funny contraption on the top is an escape valve for the gases to escape. After a week or so, depending on how warm your kitchen is, the liquid is decanted into the fliptop bottle on the right for a second fermentation, which helps form the natural carbonation. Add  lemon juice and honey (and stevia) for a refreshing and sparkling beverage.

Always important to have flowers around.....

And violà! There you have it - Water Kefir Lemonade ! A delicious and sparkling beverage that is actually GOOD for you!

In case you are interested in learning more about fermented drinks and the importance of healthy bacteria in the gut, here are more websites:

http://nourishedkitchen.com/water-kefir/ 

http://www.culturesforhealth.com/water-kefir-frequently-asked-questions-faq

http://earthfriendlygoodies.com/27/my-water-kefir-recipe-a-fermentation-experiment

 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owzu_ngYOZw

Probiotics even help with oral health! 
Prehistoric Man Had Much Healthier Teeth and Gums than Modern Humans
http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2013/02/the-real-source-of-cavities-and-gum-disease.html

Here is a Ted Talk about the importance of healthy bacteria in our bodies:

TED Talk video:  Bonnie Bassler: How bacteria "talk" 

http://www.ted.com/talks/bonnie_bassler_on_how_bacteria_communicate.html

If you have any questions, please, just ask, I'd love to hear from you. And, tell me, what are your experiences with making fermented drinks?