Some consider it a real elixir of long life and others a prodigious refreshing drink. Here is what you need to know if you want to make your own water kefir.
Kefir: What is it?
Water kefir is a fermented beverage that contains strains of yeast and beneficial bacteria. Sparkling and slightly alcoholic, it is also very refreshing and can be flavoured with essences, such as cinnamon and vanilla. There are two types of kefir:
- milk kefir
- water kefir.
The two types differ not only in the production process, but also in the amount of ferments: in the milk kefir there are about 30 different species of live ferments, while the water kefir contains only 10-15 species. Water kefir is also less caloric than milk kefir: it contains 20 calories per 100 grams.
How to prepare homemade water kefir
To prepare your kefir you will need the following ingredients and tools:
- 1 glass jar (with a capacity of more than 1 litre);
- 1 litre of natural water;
- 3 tablespoons of water kefir granules;
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar;
- 2 dried figs (2 plums or some raisins are also good);
- half an organic lemon;
- a strainer.
If you like, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or other natural flavors. The choice of ingredients will change the flavor and aroma of the drink.
Fill the glass jar with water and add the kefir granules, sugar, lemon and fruit. Mix well to melt the sugar, and close with a cork or with a cloth blocked with a rubber band. Two fingers of air will have to remain above the edge of the water, because the fermentation produces carbon dioxide.
Leave your solution on a shelf at room temperature for two days stirring the ingredients after the first 24 hours. Once the fermentation process is completed, filter the liquid with a strainer and keep it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume the kefir always fresh.
