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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!
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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!
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| 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. |
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| Always important to have flowers around..... |
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| 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?
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