Loved this video, and I'd love more videos on water kefir/fermented drinks. There is a serious lack of content and resources in regard to this lovely magic beverage IMO.
Id love to see a video of showing the different ways that you flavor the kefir for 2nd fermentation. Showing how you make that syrup and other recipes that have become your favorite
Great video!! For a good source of minerals, try throwing in 5-10 raisins (remove them after 3 days) or 1 date (remove or change after 5 days). I get amazing carbonation when I use either (I heard figs work really well).
I had a period of making this several years ago and went off the boil as it over-took my kitchen. I'm about to embark on it again and appreciate the straight forward explanation of how to use it as I had forgotten. I would love to hear more about the Korean Chung 🙂🙏
Good video! Water kefir really helped my gut health once I started making it myself. I filter about a half gallon of tap water that sits for the three days between batches and presumably declorinates in that time. The grains are very healthy and growing. The recommendation that came with the grains was to add 1/8 tsp baking soda to every second or third batch, but the grains didn't do well and diminished over time. I now use about 1/2 a tsp with every batch and get more grains every time. Probably varies with the local water quality, so if you're not getting more grains every time, try varying the amount of sodium bicarbonate used in the batch.
In a quart jar 1/4 cup kefir grains, 1/4 cup water kefir, separately mix 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 tablespoon molasses, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, enough water to dissolve the sugar and molasses - I use a two cup measuring cup with about 1 3/4 cup declorinated water. Once the sugar and molasses are dissolved pour into quart jar and fill up with water. Let it sit in the dark at room temperature for about three days. If you go shorter the kefir is sweeter, longer and it becomes drier and a little sour.
What exactly is the purpose of using baking soda? I have been making water kefir for about a month and trying different flavorings every time. I notice that some are more carbonated than others. I was only doing the first ferment for 24 hrs and 2nd for 24 hrs. My new batch 1st ferment has been sitting for almost 48hrs and I will do 2nd for 48 hrs as well…I’m hoping to get more fizz and less sweet. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I use 3 tbsp white cane sugar and 3 tbsp dark turbinado cane sugar and spring water for the first ferment. Thanks!
@@cindyrobinson2618 The literature that I got from Florida Sun Kefir when I purchased the original grains, was that the baking soda 'feeds' the grains. BTW Great company to provide both the means and knowledge to make water kefir: Florida Sun Kefir.
what I plan to do is allow the first firmentation a shorter amount of time (let it go 1.5 to 2 days). Then, allow for a longer second ferm. This way, I can skew towards a higher carbonation. I think that is a tweak I am going to do. There are two things I find important: 1. Very very low alcohol content (I am very sensitive to alchol); 2. High carbonation.
Campden tab can get the chlorine out of the water without harming the natural yeast and bacteria. You can get them from online or brewing supplies stores. Which is inexpensive compared to using mineral or bottled
Its great to see fitness coaches talking about probiotics. I have been brewing my own Kombucha and Kefir for years. Have you ever or do you make rejuvelac?
@@harrythorncoaching Rejuvelac is made from sprouted grains, most commonly wheat berries. It contains a diverse probiotic profile and is extremely healthy. I make Kefir, Kombucha, and Rejuvelac and drink them daily to have the most varied and well rounded probiotics. I also use them when fermenting vegetables and other things to speed up the process and add their benefits. I recommend Rejuvelac to people very highly :-)
@@wanderlust4215 you can increase your total quantities to simply make more kefir. You can also store them in the fridge (just make a standard ratio of sugar water and kefir grains and put them in the fridge). Or you can simply dispose of them!
@@harrythorncoaching Oh, I'm sorry if I sounded unkind, I really didn't mean to. Adding dried fruit and lemon slices is the German method. Maybe European, I don't even know. Even our wikipedias contain different recipes. If you try it, just make sure that the fruit is unsulphured and contains no other ingredients. You can add fresh fruit, too. In Germany, we only put the kefir grains in sugar and water without fruit if we want to pause the fermentation. We usually don't do a second fermentation because the one with fruit is so powerful.
I have started water kefir in the past. I've made milk kefir for years. My issue is once again looking at my latest bottles of water kefir and opening the top🙄😂 Really. Have you ever used the plastic tops on bottles vs the rubber cork?
I really appreciate that you don’t chop the word kefir’s pronunciation. You pronounce it the way it is. Americans are different, their pronunciation is made up to the “American” way, and they believe they are correct, making believe that the correct pronunciation is wrong.
Excellent video thank you. Does the sugar get broken down completely? Asking from a glucose intolerant or insulin perspective. Basically, is water kefir safe for those folk with insulin resistance or diabetes to drink?
It is very low sugar, particularly if you let it ferment 48hr+ although it would be hard to say for sure that it is entirely free of sugar as it will vary!
I'm new to fermenting. I wonder- what is the difference between water kefir and ginger bug? Also- is there a problem in mixing microbiology" by placing jars of different ferments next to each other? Thanks
The main difference will be in the variety/amount of bacterias, yeasts & enzymes. For the best of both, why not just make drinks using both! And no, it should be fine to store them next to each other
Have you ever experienced mushy/applesauce-y texture in your grains when dehydrating them? Also, I added grape juice into my second fermentation, and it started tasting like alcohol, as if it had over fermented, but it wasn't bubbly yet. Any tips? Thanks for the video!
Yes that can happen, it shouldn't be a problem though! Just make sure not to overfeed them! And yes potentially some weird fermentation might have occured with the grape one, although no bubbles would suggest no fermentation... Maybe just bad flavor? It happens
You can also use 1/4 cup milk kefir whey which has been separated and filtered from milk kefir as your starter culture. Works great.
Didn't know this! Thanks, will definitely give this a go
Thanks do you have any recommendations for brands to buy from?
You mean to use both water and milk kefir at same time in same thing?
@@scribeinfo1824 what do you mean?
@@fergusthorn7218 freshly fermented is good! But they are all quite similar
Loved this video, and I'd love more videos on water kefir/fermented drinks. There is a serious lack of content and resources in regard to this lovely magic beverage IMO.
Fantastic!
Id love to see a video of showing the different ways that you flavor the kefir for 2nd fermentation. Showing how you make that syrup and other recipes that have become your favorite
@@abi3673 I have done a full video with 10 recipes!
@ oh incredible, thank you!!
Great video!! For a good source of minerals, try throwing in 5-10 raisins (remove them after 3 days) or 1 date (remove or change after 5 days). I get amazing carbonation when I use either (I heard figs work really well).
On it!
I also do this. It's great!
would that be for the first fermentation?
i am doing my thesis about water kefir and your information really help me. thank you so much!
@@SitiQodriyatusSolikhah fantastic! I'm so glad to hear it
Thank you!! This is the first video I've found that actually explains what water kefir is, how to make it, and what the health benefits are.
Fantastic, glad u enjoyed
I love making water kefir! The benefits are unreal 🦋
Fantastic! Glad to hear it
Thank you very much, very informative.❤🎉
@@abdullahbinmohammed88 my pleasure
Thank you for giving the fermentation to alcohol-> helal information at 6:40 👍🏻✨
@@Zuhal_C my pleasure!
In romania we use this thing to sour our soups. We call it Bors
Interesting!
Indeed. It's a traditional recipe prob thousands of years old. Never tried it sweetened but will surely try it
I had a period of making this several years ago and went off the boil as it over-took my kitchen. I'm about to embark on it again and appreciate the straight forward explanation of how to use it as I had forgotten. I would love to hear more about the Korean Chung 🙂🙏
Fantastic! Will do
@@harrythorncoaching fabulous!! Thank you! 🙂
Good video! Water kefir really helped my gut health once I started making it myself. I filter about a half gallon of tap water that sits for the three days between batches and presumably declorinates in that time. The grains are very healthy and growing. The recommendation that came with the grains was to add 1/8 tsp baking soda to every second or third batch, but the grains didn't do well and diminished over time. I now use about 1/2 a tsp with every batch and get more grains every time. Probably varies with the local water quality, so if you're not getting more grains every time, try varying the amount of sodium bicarbonate used in the batch.
Cheers! Yes water quality is such a key player, it varies for everyone
Can you please tell me your recipe? And you add baking soda?
In a quart jar 1/4 cup kefir grains, 1/4 cup water kefir, separately mix 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 tablespoon molasses, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, enough water to dissolve the sugar and molasses - I use a two cup measuring cup with about 1 3/4 cup declorinated water. Once the sugar and molasses are dissolved pour into quart jar and fill up with water. Let it sit in the dark at room temperature for about three days. If you go shorter the kefir is sweeter, longer and it becomes drier and a little sour.
What exactly is the purpose of using baking soda? I have been making water kefir for about a month and trying different flavorings every time. I notice that some are more carbonated than others. I was only doing the first ferment for 24 hrs and 2nd for 24 hrs. My new batch 1st ferment has been sitting for almost 48hrs and I will do 2nd for 48 hrs as well…I’m hoping to get more fizz and less sweet. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I use 3 tbsp white cane sugar and 3 tbsp dark turbinado cane sugar and spring water for the first ferment. Thanks!
@@cindyrobinson2618 The literature that I got from Florida Sun Kefir when I purchased the original grains, was that the baking soda 'feeds' the grains. BTW Great company to provide both the means and knowledge to make water kefir: Florida Sun Kefir.
Thanks for this my friend. I hope you make kefir juices. Can I replace honey with sugar?
@@abdellwadoodawawdeh8996 yes of course! Thanks!
what I plan to do is allow the first firmentation a shorter amount of time (let it go 1.5 to 2 days). Then, allow for a longer second ferm. This way, I can skew towards a higher carbonation. I think that is a tweak I am going to do. There are two things I find important: 1. Very very low alcohol content (I am very sensitive to alchol); 2. High carbonation.
Sounds like a great approach
Campden tab can get the chlorine out of the water without harming the natural yeast and bacteria. You can get them from online or brewing supplies stores. Which is inexpensive compared to using mineral or bottled
Cheers!
Campden tablets will kill the yeast/bacteria. They are used for sterilisation before and at the end of brewing
Its great to see fitness coaches talking about probiotics. I have been brewing my own Kombucha and Kefir for years. Have you ever or do you make rejuvelac?
Glad to hear it. No I'm not familiar with that, will look into it!
@@harrythorncoaching Rejuvelac is made from sprouted grains, most commonly wheat berries. It contains a diverse probiotic profile and is extremely healthy. I make Kefir, Kombucha, and Rejuvelac and drink them daily to have the most varied and well rounded probiotics. I also use them when fermenting vegetables and other things to speed up the process and add their benefits. I recommend Rejuvelac to people very highly :-)
@@DanteVelasquez interesting, I will definitely give it a go
@@DanteVelasquez What do you think you gives you the most benefits , Kefir Kombucha or Rejuvelac?
@@nathanpolk2523 They all do because they have different bacteria profiles. I drink Rejuvelac the most but I like the other ones too.
Brilliant video!!!
@@nigelroddy9125 cheers Nigel!
Thank u man, god bless.
Cheers Daniel!
How do you make the syrup to put in please?
@@kats_journey_00 I'm doing a whole video on this!
What do you do with the excess grains as they start to grow?
@@wanderlust4215 you can increase your total quantities to simply make more kefir. You can also store them in the fridge (just make a standard ratio of sugar water and kefir grains and put them in the fridge). Or you can simply dispose of them!
Would fermenting strip away the potassium from the coconut water ?
@@SugaFree2387 I'm honestly not sure
Thank you. Good video
You're welcome!
Could you use clear whey to make this, to add protein insted of juice?
That's a very interesting question. Let me find out for you
@@harrythorncoaching awesome 👌
You have to add dried fruit. The waterkefir needs them as a nitrogen source. It works so much better and the grains grow like crazy.
I've had loads of success without. You certainly don't need to use dried fruit, but it seems to be useful
@@harrythorncoaching Oh, I'm sorry if I sounded unkind, I really didn't mean to.
Adding dried fruit and lemon slices is the German method. Maybe European, I don't even know. Even our wikipedias contain different recipes. If you try it, just make sure that the fruit is unsulphured and contains no other ingredients. You can add fresh fruit, too. In Germany, we only put the kefir grains in sugar and water without fruit if we want to pause the fermentation.
We usually don't do a second fermentation because the one with fruit is so powerful.
@@sengasengana fantastic, will do !
I have started water kefir in the past. I've made milk kefir for years.
My issue is once again looking at my latest bottles of water kefir and opening the top🙄😂
Really.
Have you ever used the plastic tops on bottles vs the rubber cork?
I use swing top pressure safe bottles. Never had an issue
I really appreciate that you don’t chop the word kefir’s pronunciation. You pronounce it the way it is. Americans are different, their pronunciation is made up to the “American” way, and they believe they are correct, making believe that the correct pronunciation is wrong.
@@imkadosh hahah fantastic
Excellent video thank you. Does the sugar get broken down completely? Asking from a glucose intolerant or insulin perspective. Basically, is water kefir safe for those folk with insulin resistance or diabetes to drink?
It is very low sugar, particularly if you let it ferment 48hr+ although it would be hard to say for sure that it is entirely free of sugar as it will vary!
I'm new to fermenting.
I wonder- what is the difference between water kefir and ginger bug?
Also- is there a problem in mixing microbiology" by placing jars of different ferments next to each other?
Thanks
The main difference will be in the variety/amount of bacterias, yeasts & enzymes. For the best of both, why not just make drinks using both! And no, it should be fine to store them next to each other
Can I put some electrolytes as mineral sources ？
@@wendylo9558 there's no harm in trying. Great idea!
@@harrythorncoaching thanks
Could we use milk kefir grains instead of water kefir grains?
No it wouldn't work!
Do you need to have some of the K grains inside the bottle of second ferment? or just its water?
put only water kefir in the second ferment. Use a sieve to stop the grains from going in the bottle. Save the grains for your next batch
Thanks bro.
Welcome!
Have you ever experienced mushy/applesauce-y texture in your grains when dehydrating them?
Also, I added grape juice into my second fermentation, and it started tasting like alcohol, as if it had over fermented, but it wasn't bubbly yet. Any tips?
Thanks for the video!
Yes that can happen, it shouldn't be a problem though! Just make sure not to overfeed them! And yes potentially some weird fermentation might have occured with the grape one, although no bubbles would suggest no fermentation... Maybe just bad flavor? It happens
@@harrythorncoachingOk, Thanks so much!
Can i use Celtic salt?
If you would like!
Can't these water grains made at home.?
You need to buy the grains, but once you have them, they last forever
is that lemon peel??
Yes it can help prevent the build up of bad bacteria
Does it need a lid on top?
I would definitely recommend it
7:31, are you sure that the jar only holds one litre?
@@chonkusdonkus yes!
Does it contains alcohol?
@@ahmedqurashy1904 minute amounts, about the same as orange juice.
Does it have k2? Water kefir
I believe so
Ur skin is glowing. It must be the kefir.
Haha I hope so
Or pregnancy 🤣
@@drac124 🤣🤣
Where do you get the kefir grains from?
I got them from freshlyfermented.com
That jar looks much bigger than a litre!
@@zoewhite7705 maybe im just tiny but it is a litre
Does the sugar breakdown in fermentation?
It does!
❤❤❤❤
my kefir cultures looks like seeds
@@bulldogydog13 how so?
so you have ro keep putting the kafir grains in once youuse them? its not like a scobie? lol probably a stupid question
@@haydenglick2306 you can keep reusing the same grains in the same way you use a Scoby
6:45
Time-stamping for me are you
I used dried fruit in the beginning instead of kefir grains and I like mine boozy.. 😂
🤣
Is it okay with someone who has fungus?😂😂
Ah 😂