Make your own water kefir | Guide and useful information

Sparkling, lively, full of microbial goodness – welcome to the world of water kefir.

Whether known as "Tibicos" or simply as a bubbly favorite soda: Water kefir has quietly become the favorite drink of many ferment fans – and rightly so. It's not only refreshingly delicious but also brings a lot of good bacteria with it. In this article, you'll learn what's behind the hype, how fermentation works, and how to easily make your own water kefir at home.

• Activation time: 4-7 days
• Fermentation time: 1-3 days after activation
• Shelf life: approx. 1-2 weeks (in the refrigerator)

Water kefir is a refreshing, probiotic drink created by fermenting water kefir grains with sugar water. Water kefir grains are small, jelly-like clumps that contain a mixture of yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, and sugar. These microorganisms work together during fermentation, converting the sugar into carbon dioxide, alcohol, and various acids, which gives the drink its characteristic flavor.

• Ingredients
  • approx. 2 L water
  • approx. 200 g sugar
  • 1-2 lemon slices
  • 30 g unsulphured dried fruit (e.g., dates)

• Tools (included in the Kefir Starter Set)
  • 1 g kefir grains (dried)
  • 1 kefir lid
  • 1 Oleni Mason Jar | Wide | 0.75 L

1. Clean the jar and kefir lid thoroughly.
2. Dissolve 30 g of sugar in 300 ml of water. Add the water kefir grains.
3. Screw the kefir lid onto the jar and set the lid to "open" so that air can circulate and fermentation can proceed optimally. Let the mixture ferment for 3–4 days at room temperature.
4. Repeat steps 1–3 a few times, but in the last step, ferment the mixture for only 2 days at room temperature.
5. After a total of 4–7 days, as soon as gases form and the liquid is slightly fizzy, the grains are active.
   
   The grains are now ready for kefir production.

1. Dissolve 60 g of sugar in 600 ml of water. Add the sugar water along with the active water kefir grains to a jar.
2. Add unsulphured dried fruit. They provide nitrogen for the kefir grains and thus promote fermentation.
3. Add 1–2 slices of untreated lemon or freshly squeezed lemon juice to the jar to protect the drink from undesirable germs.
4. Screw the kefir lid onto the jar and set the lid to "open" so that air can circulate and fermentation can proceed optimally.
5. Let the jar stand for 1–3 days at room temperature.
6. Pour the finished water kefir through the integrated sieve in the lid into another jar. Remove the dried fruit and lemon slices. Your water kefir is now ready to drink. If you want to enjoy it later, you can store it airtight in the refrigerator with the regular lid for 1–2 weeks.
7. You can use the kefir grains immediately for a new batch. Re-activation is not necessary.

If you don't want to start a new batch of kefir immediately, you can store your kefir grains in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Store them in sugar water (30 g sugar per 300 ml water). Change the water every 7 days to "feed" the grains. Alternatively, you can dry the grains and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Before using them again, you will need to reactivate them.

There are two main types of kefir: water kefir and milk kefir. While water kefir is made with sugar water, milk kefir is made with milk. Both varieties are rich in probiotic cultures, but water kefir is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free diet.

Would you like to try making milk kefir yourself? Then click here.

What happens during water kefir fermentation?

The fermentation of water kefir is a fascinating process. The microorganisms in the water kefir grains break down the sugar, producing carbon dioxide and alcohol, and creating a slightly sparkling drink with a pleasant taste. This process usually takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the ambient temperature and the ingredients used.

Why is water kefir so healthy?

Water kefir is not only refreshing but also extremely healthy. It is rich in probiotic bacteria, which support gut health. These probiotic cultures can help restore the balance of the gut flora and alleviate digestive problems. In addition, water kefir contains important nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system and promote overall health.

What is the difference between activation and preparation?
Activation is a one-time step to revive dried grains. After that, you can continue to use the water kefir indefinitely & prepare water kefir – without new activation.

Which sugar should I use?

You can use white sugar, brown sugar, or raw cane sugar for making water kefir. The choice of sugar influences the taste of the drink. White sugar often produces a more neutral taste, while brown sugar or raw cane sugar can add subtle flavors. It is important to dissolve the chosen sugar completely in the water before adding it to the water kefir.