Kefir is cool. It’s even cooler when it’s made without dairy. By simply mixing yeasts and bacteria, you get Water Kefir Grains (WKG), a tasty and versatile “grain-like” ingredient that can be used to make delicious probiotic-rich drinks. Water Kefir Grains create a fizzy lacto-fermented beverage from sugar water, fruit juice or coconut water, making this a great alternative to milk kefir.

Unlike other cultured beverages that taste tart or tangy, water kefir stays sweet. After culturing, this probiotic drink can be bottled to create soda-worthy carbonation and effervescence.

How long will it take?

Total fermentation time: 5 – 7 days

Active, hands-on time: 5 – 10 minutes every 1 – 2 days

What will I need to get started?

• 1 packet dehydrated water kefir grains (in this box)
• Bottled spring water or any water free of chlorine and fluoride
• Stainless steel pot
• Thermometer
• Glass jar or plastic container
• Cane sugar (avoid coconut sugar, maple sugar and the like)
• Coffee filter or tight-weave cloth
• Rubber band
• Mesh strainer

How does this work?

First, prepare sugar water:

1. Heat ½ cup water and pour into a glass jar or plastic container
2. Dissolve ¼ cup sugar in water
3. Add 2-1/2 – 3-1/2 cups room-temperature water (Note: total volume should be 3-4 cups of sweetened water.)
4. Check that the temperature of the water is 68 – 85 degrees F; adjust as needed

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