Water kefir is a fermented, carbonated beverage that is produced using water kefir grains. Unlike regular kefir, which is made from cow, sheep, or goat milk, water kefir is made by combining sugar water with water kefir grains — a type of grain-like culture of bacteria and yeast. The mixture is then typically fermented for 24–48 hours, producing a probiotic beverage rich in beneficial bacteria. Water kefir is not only delicious and easy to enjoy but also packed with health benefits and can be an excellent addition to a well-rounded, nutritious diet.

If you like fermented drinks but consider kombucha too tangy or acidic, water kefir will suit you perfectly. It is easier and faster to make than your standard kombucha, but the health benefits are endless. All the equipment needed you can easily find in your own kitchen, and the list of ingredients is quite simple. With water, kefir is easier to make in smaller batches, so you can make different flavors each time. For another delicious food, check How to Make Your Own Cheese.

Equipment & ingredients

There is no need for any special equipment to produce your very first water kefir. The only thing you have to make sure of is that each piece of equipment you use is properly cleaned and sanitized to avoid any contamination. The basic list of equipment needed is

• Half a gallon or a whole gallon glass jar, depending on the size of your batch
• Mesh strainer or a cheese cloth
• Cloth with a rubber band or a fermentation cap
• Spoon, measuring cup, and funnel
• Bottles or jars for finished kefir with lids or caps

For just the basic recipe the list of ingredients is very simple. Have in mind that you will need to obtain water kefir grains. You can try to buy them in your local health food store or just order them online from a reputable seller. Also, you have a large selection of available sugars you can use in producing water kefir. Using a sugar with higher mineral content such as piloncillo will help the grains reproduce. You can also use molasses but avoid raw honey. The list of ingredients is super simple.

• 2 Tablespoons of hydrated Water Kefir Grains
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 quart (0.95 liters) of dechlorinated water

Easy process

It is really surprisingly easy to make your first batch. Take your clean and sanitized glass jar and add your sugar. After that, add your chlorine-free water and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Here is important to note that the temperature of the water should be room temperature. Not too cold or hot. Ideally, the temperature should be during the fermentation period between 68-78 degrees F (20-26 degrees C)

Once the sugar is dissolved you can add your water kefir grains. Proceed to cover the jar with a cloth and rubber band or if you have a fermentation cap. Let the mixture sit for 24 -48 hours. But not longer than 72 hours because your grains will start to disintegrate.

After your set amount of time, you can strain the kefir using a mesh strainer or a cheesecloth into your smaller bottles or jars. You will get a slightly fizzy drink with a mild tangy taste. You can add some flavor once the kefir is in the bottles. Mint leaves, a couple of drops of lemon juice, or any other flavor you like. Adding a little sugar together with the flavoring will start the second fermentation in the bottle. Just note that second fermentation will cause a more tangy and stronger taste in your water kefir.

Main health benefits

One of the most significant benefits of water kefir is its probiotic content. Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in your gut that play an integral role in almost every aspect of health, from cancer prevention to immune function and beyond.

Test-tube studies show that kefir extract may help decrease the growth of certain types of cancer. Its probiotic content may also enhance immune function to potentially aid cancer prevention. If you want to add more probiotics to your diet producing and consuming water kefirs is a great way to start. Just have in mind that if this is your first time drinking a fermented beverage it is common to experience some digestive issues. If your gut is not used to such high levels of probiotics just take it slow and don’t consume too much in the beginning. But soon you will start to feel some changes in your body.

The number one reason why homemade fermented food is the number one choice for a healthy diet is all the health benefits. But also once you make it yourself you can make sure to know that all the ingredients are safe because you have selected them personally. I would strongly suggest substituting all your fizzy drinks and sodas you have been buying with water kefirs. They are more healthy, have less sugar, and much more nutrition.