Water kefir grains (also known as tibicos, Japanese water crystals, and kéfir de acque), a water-based fermented drink that is lightly effervescent, sweet with a bite, and particularly refreshing on a hot day! Tibicos or water kefir originates from Central and South America, though the recipe varies from region to region.
Water Kefir is a healthy replacement to commercial soda. All kefir's consists of lactic acid bacteria and different yeast, many of them wild yeast, existing in a symbiotic relationship. Water kefir crystals or Kefir d' Acqua are similar to milk or dairy kefir, but are cultured in a mixture of cane sugar, whole organic figs or other dried fruit, and organic lemons. These water crystal grains are very close to the culturing of tibicos, except that the type of sugar that is used and the addition of dried fruit.
These are true Japanese Water Kefir Grains, which differ from the milk kefir grains in form and size. Both the dairy kefir and water kefir have very close pro-biotic make-up with the dairy kefir traditionally containing a few more strains of yeast and bacteria over the water kefir grains.
This cultured food product makes a very nice pro-biotic for vegans or others who do not wish to have dairy in their diets! This is a great pro-biotic drink for kids, as it tastes just like lemon-aid, but with fuzziness, just like soda. We call it natural carbonation!
This makes a great alternative to sweet soda drinks for kids and adults alike!
Very easy to make! These grains need no refrigeration and are cultured at room temperature..
When a batch is finished, just remove the old fruit (You can eat this fizzy fruit, too, but it doesn’t taste the best), pouring off the amount you wish to drink, leaving the grains and some liquid for the next batch. To start the process again, add fresh fruit and sugar to non-chlorinated water and drop in the kefir grains. You can add any dried fruit you like, the best are bananas, figs, and dates.
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That's it! The next batch will be ready in about 24 to 48 hours. Your finished beverage will contain carbonation that is all natural!
Fresh real water kefir grains are a great alternative kefir beverage for vegans or those that prefer not to use milk in their diets. Obtain a kefir starter for this culture and start making your own fresh natural soda drinks!
- Organic Cultures - 
