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KEFIR RECIPES
KEFIR RECIPES, 2nd Edition
Copyright © 2011 by Cultures for Health. All rights reserved.
Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, reproduction or utilization of
this work in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter
invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, and in any information storage and
retrieval system, is forbidden without written permission of Cultures for Health.
First Publication: November, 2009.
Current Edition: October, 2011.
Publisher: Cultures for Health
13023 NE Highway 99 Suite 7-4
Vancouver, WA 98686
This book is also available through the Amazon Kindle store.
For more information on making Kefir or other cultured and fermented foods, please visit
culturesforhealth.com.
DISCLAIMER
The ideas, concepts, and opinions expressed in this book are intended to be used for educational
purposes only. This book is sold with the understanding that authors and publisher are not
rendering medical advice of any kind, nor is this book intended to replace medical advice, nor to
diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury.
It is imperative to use good judgment when consuming Kefir and to never consume any Kefir that
looks, tastes, or smells unpleasant. Further, before consuming Kefir or any other fermented or
cultured food, you should receive full medical clearance from a licensed physician. Author and
publisher claim no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or
alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the
material in this book. If you do not agree with this disclaimer, you may return the book to the
publisher for a full refund.
CulturesForHealth.com | Disclaimer
2
CONTENTS
BASIC RECIPES
STRAINED (THICKENED) KEFIR ...........................................................................................................................................6
KEFIR CREAM ..............................................................................................................................................................................6
KEFIR WHEY ................................................................................................................................................................................7
KEFIR DAIRY PRODUCTS
KEFIR SOUR CREAM ..................................................................................................................................................................8
KEFIR BUTTER ............................................................................................................................................................................8
KEFIR CHEESE .............................................................................................................................................................................9
HERBED KEFIR CHEESE ...........................................................................................................................................................9
KEFIR LEBAN IN OLIVE OIL ................................................................................................................................................. 10
FLAVORED KEFIR
SWEETENED KEFIR ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
FRUIT KEFIR ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
VANILLA KEFIR ........................................................................................................................................................................ 12
CHOCOLATE KEFIR ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
CREAMSICLE KEFIR ................................................................................................................................................................ 12
CREAMY GRAPE KEFIR .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
CARROT KEFIR......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
CHAI KEFIR................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
SMOOTHIES
APPLE PIE SMOOTHIE ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
BANANA SMOOTHIE .............................................................................................................................................................. 14
BASIC FRUIT SMOOTHIE ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
CRANBERRY ANTIOXIDANT SMOOTHIE ......................................................................................................................... 16
ORANGE SMOOTHIE ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
WATERMELON SMOOTHIE .................................................................................................................................................. 17
PINEAPPLE BANANA SMOOTHIE....................................................................................................................................... 17
BANANA MANGO SMOOTHIE .............................................................................................................................................. 18
DRESSINGS, DIPS AND SPREADS
CREAMY HERB KEFIR DRESSING ....................................................................................................................................... 19
CulturesForHealth.com | Contents
3
CREAMY GARLIC SALAD DRESSING .................................................................................................................................. 20
GREEN GODDESS-STYLE KEFIR DRESSING .................................................................................................................... 21
CREAMY KEFIR BLACK PEPPERCORN DRESSING ........................................................................................................ 21
CREAMY KEFIR HORSERADISH DIP ................................................................................................................................. 22
KEFIR RANCH DIP ................................................................................................................................................................... 22
KEFIR ARTICHOKE DIP ......................................................................................................................................................... 23
SUN-DRIED TOMATO, BASIL, HAZELNUT AND KEFIR DIP ....................................................................................... 23
BLUE CHEESE AND WALNUT KEFIR DIP ......................................................................................................................... 24
TURKISH KEFIR DIP ............................................................................................................................................................... 24
BREADS
KEFIR BISCUITS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 25
KEFIR BANANA BREAD ......................................................................................................................................................... 26
CHOCOLATE KEFIR BREAD ................................................................................................................................................. 27
APPLE SPICE KEFIR BREAD ................................................................................................................................................. 28
CINNAMON KEFIR BREAD .................................................................................................................................................... 29
DILL KEFIR BREAD ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
BLUEBERRY KEFIR MUFFINS .............................................................................................................................................. 30
OATMEAL KEFIR MUFFINS .................................................................................................................................................. 31
WHOLE GRAIN KEFIR PANCAKES ..................................................................................................................................... 32
APPLE CINNAMON KEFIR PANCAKES .............................................................................................................................. 33
DESSERTS
KEFIR ICE CREAM.................................................................................................................................................................... 34
SOFT KEFIR COOKIES ............................................................................................................................................................ 35
KEFIR CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES ................................................................................................................................... 35
KEFIR DESSERT SAUCE ......................................................................................................................................................... 36
NON-DAIRY COCONUT MILK KEFIR
COCONUT MILK KEFIR .......................................................................................................................................................... 37
COCONUT MILK KEFIR ICE CREAM ................................................................................................................................... 38
WATER KEFIR RECIPES
COCONUT WATER KEFIR ..................................................................................................................................................... 39
BLUEBERRY-POMEGRANATE WATER KEFIR ............................................................................................................... 39
GRAPE JUICE KEFIR ................................................................................................................................................................ 40
WATER KEFIR LEMONADE .................................................................................................................................................. 40
WATER KEFIR SMOOTHIE ................................................................................................................................................. 41
CulturesForHealth.com | Contents
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CHERRY WATER KEFIR ......................................................................................................................................................... 41
RASPBERRY JUICE KEFIR ..................................................................................................................................................... 41
ORANGE ZEST WATER KEFIR ............................................................................................................................................. 42
CREAM SODA WATER KEFIR............................................................................................................................................... 42
HERBAL INFUSION WATER KEFIR .................................................................................................................................... 42
FRUIT FLAVORED WATER KEFIR ...................................................................................................................................... 43
APPLE JUICE KEFIR ................................................................................................................................................................ 43
WATER KEFIR “SODA”........................................................................................................................................................... 44
CulturesForHealth.com | Contents
5
BASIC RECIPES
STRAINED (THICKENED) KEFIR
Ingredients:


Milk Kefir
Cheesecloth or Tight Weave Dish Towel
Pour the Milk Kefir into the cheesecloth or tight weave towel. Hang above a bowl or jar and allow
the whey to drain off for 2-4 hours depending on the thickness desired (generally the consistency of
yogurt or sour cream).
KEFIR CREAM
Ingredients:


Milk Kefir Grains (or powdered Kefir Starter Culture)
Cream
Place the kefir grains in the cream and allow the cream to kefir for 12-48 hours. When the desired
consistency and taste is achieved, remove the kefir grains and place the grains in fresh milk. Kefir
Cream can be used to make Kefir Butter.
CulturesForHealth.com | Strained (Thickened) Kefir
6
KEFIR WHEY
Ingredients:


Milk Kefir
Cheese Cloth or Tight Weave Dish Towel
Pour the Milk Kefir into the cheesecloth or tight weave towel. Hang above a bowl or jar and allow
the whey to drain off for 2-24 hours. The longer the draining period the more whey it will produce
and the thicker the kefir will become. Use the resulting kefir in place of yogurt, spreadable cheese
or cream cheese in recipes depending on the finished consistency.
Kefir Whey can be used for soaking grains or when culturing vegetables (e.g. sauerkraut, pickles,
beet kvass, etc.) or making lacto-fermented condiments and salad dressings.
CulturesForHealth.com | Kefir Whey
7
KEFIR DAIRY PRODUCTS
KEFIR SOUR CREAM
Make Kefir Cream with Heavy Whipping Cream. Makes a wonderful probiotic substitute for Crème
Fraiche or conventional Sour Cream.
KEFIR BUTTER
Ingredients:

Kefir Cream
Remove the cream from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature. If using a Kitchen Aid
Mixer, place the bowl in the freezer for a few hours prior to making butter. Place the cream in the
bowl and turn the mixer on as high as you can without splattering the cream. Watch the mixture
carefully. Within a minute or two, the cream will have thickened a bit and you should be able to
increase the mixer speed. Continue to watch the cream carefully as a cold bowl and roomtemperature cream should set to butter quickly. Once this happens, it’s very easy to spray the
remaining liquid (traditional buttermilk) all over the kitchen so be sure to turn the mixer down
when needed. Once chunks of butter form, slow the mixture down to allow the chunks to come
together.
If making butter by hand, simply pour the pint of cream into a quart size jar with a lid. Shake the
cream vigorously (good job for kids) until small balls of butter form. Then slow down the shaking
so the balls of butter can clump together.
Remove the butter to a small bowl (or just your hands). Wash the butter with filtered water,
pressing out any remaining buttermilk with a spoon. When the water runs clear, the butter should
be free of buttermilk. This portion of the process is very important as leaving buttermilk in the
butter will cause the butter to spoil quickly.
Salt the butter if desired (Tip: if you accidentally over-salt the butter, just rinse it under water to
remove the excess salt). You can also add herbs if desired.
Wrap the butter in wax paper and store in the freezer, fridge or on the counter (butter will spoil at
room temp within a few days so use it quickly).
CulturesForHealth.com | Kefir Sour Cream
8
KEFIR CHEESE
Ingredients:


Milk Kefir
Cheese Cloth or Tight Weave Dish Towel
Pour the Milk Kefir into the cheesecloth or tight weave towel. Hang above a bowl or jar and allow
the whey to drain off.
Soft Spreadable Cheese: Drain for 6-12 hours depending on the consistency desired.
Kefir Cream Cheese: Drain for 12+ hours depending on the consistency desired.
Hard Cheese: Drain for 12+ hours then wrap the cheese in the cheese cloth and place in a colander.
Weight the cheese down to press out more whey. Use a plate with canned food as weights. Start
with minimal weight increasing the amount of weight every few hours until the cheese stops
dripping. Hard kefir cheese is generally crumbly and can be grated like mazithra or similar-style
cheese.
HERBED KEFIR CHEESE
Ingredients:


Kefir Cheese (soft spreadable consistency)
Fresh or Dried Herbs (use your favorites; French Herbs or Herbs de Provence work well)
Combine the herbs and cheese. Serve as a soft cheese spread on crackers, bread, etc. Also makes a
wonderful vegetable dip.
CulturesForHealth.com | Kefir Cheese
9
KEFIR LEBAN IN OLIVE OIL
Ingredients:


Kefir Cheese, well salted (cream cheese consistency)
1 – 2 cups Olive Oil
Form the kefir cream cheese into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the kefir leban balls in a
jar. Pour the olive oil in the jar to submerge the kefir leban balls. Be sure to leave an inch or two of
head room. Place a tight lid on the jar. Store at room temperature for up to a few weeks.
CulturesForHealth.com | Kefir Leban in Olive Oil
10
FLAVORED KEFIR RECIPES
SWEETENED KEFIR
Ingredients:


1 cup Kefir
Sweetener of your choice to taste; options include:
o 2 tsp. Sugar (Sucanat or Rapadura work well)
o 1 tsp. Raw Honey or Agave
o 1 tbsp. Maple Syrup
Blend together and serve.
FRUIT KEFIR
Ingredients:




1 cup Kefir
½ cup – 1 cup Fruit (fresh or frozen)
¼ tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)
Sweetener if desired (raw honey, agave, stevia)
Puree fruit in a blender until smooth. Add Kefir, vanilla and sweetener. Blend together and serve
cold.
CulturesForHealth.com | Sweetened Kefir
11
VANILLA KEFIR
Ingredients:



1 cup Kefir
¼ tsp Vanilla Extract
Sweetener if desired (raw honey, agave, stevia)
Blend together and serve.
CHOCOLATE KEFIR
Ingredients:


1 cup Kefir
1 tbsp Chocolate Syrup
Blend together and serve cold.
CREAMSICLE KEFIR
Ingredients:




¼ cup Orange Juice
¾ cup Kefir
Dash of Vanilla Extract
Sweetener if desired (raw honey, agave, stevia)
Blend together and serve over ice.
CulturesForHealth.com | Vanilla Kefir
12
CREAMY GRAPE KEFIR
Ingredients:




1 tablespoon Grape Juice Concentrate or ¼ cup Grape Juice
1 cup Kefir
Dash of Vanilla Extract (optional)
Sweetener if desired (raw honey, agave, stevia)
Blend together and serve cold.
CARROT KEFIR
Ingredients:




¼ cup Fresh Carrot Juice
¾ cup Kefir
Dash of Vanilla Extract
Sweetener if desired (raw honey, agave, stevia)
Blend together and serve.
CHAI KEFIR
Ingredients:



¼ cup Liquid Chai
¾ cup Kefir
Sweetener if desired (raw honey, agave, stevia)
Blend together and serve over ice.
CulturesForHealth.com | Creamy Grape Kefir
13
SMOOTHIE RECIPES
APPLE PIE SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:





¼ cup Unsweetened Applesauce (best if chilled or frozen)
¾ cup Kefir
Dash of Vanilla Extract
Dash of Cinnamon
Dash of Nutmeg
Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Makes one serving.
BANANA SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:




1 cup Kefir
1 Banana
1 tsp Vanilla
Sweetener to taste (1 tbsp raw honey or agave; small amount of stevia)
Add ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Makes one serving.
CulturesForHealth.com | Apple Pie Smoothie
14
BASIC FRUIT SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:




1 cup Kefir
½ cup Frozen Fruit (berries work well)
½ Banana
Ice Cubes (can reduce amount or omit if Banana is frozen)
Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Makes one serving.
BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:




¾ cup Kefir
½ cup Juice (orange and grapefruit work well)
1 cup Blueberries
1 Banana
Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Makes one serving
CulturesForHealth.com | Basic Fruit Smoothie
15
CRANBERRY ANTIOXIDANT SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
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




½ cup Frozen Cranberries
2 tbsp. Frozen Blueberries
1-2 tsp. Lemon Juice (fresh is best)
¼ cup Cranberry Juice
½ cup Kefir
Dash of Vanilla Extract (optional)
Add fruit, juice and vanilla to a blender and process until smooth. Blend in kefir and serve chilled or
at room temperature. Makes one serving.
ORANGE SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:




2-3 tbsp Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
¾ cup Kefir
¼ tsp Vanilla Extract
1 cup Ice Cubes
Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Makes one serving.
CulturesForHealth.com | Cranberry Antioxidant Smoothie
16
PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:




1 cup Kefir
2 tbsp Organic pureed pumpkin
Dash of vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg (to taste)
Add ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Can
be served topped with a dash of cinnamon-sugar. Makes one serving.
WATERMELON SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:



¾ cup Seedless Watermelon Chunks
½ cup Kefir
3 tbsp Orange Juice
Use blender to puree watermelon until smooth. Add juice and kefir, process until blended
completely. Makes one serving.
PINEAPPLE BANANA SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:





1 Frozen Banana
1 cup Fresh Pineapple
2 tbsp Coconut Milk (optional)
¾ cup Kefir
Sweetener (1 T. raw honey, Agave or Sugar; small amount of stevia)
Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Best served chilled. Makes 2 servings.
CulturesForHealth.com | Pumpkin Smoothie
17
BANANA MANGO SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:




¼ cup Banana
¼ cup Mango, Papaya or Guava
½ cup Kefir
Sweetener (1 tbsp raw honey, agave; small amount of stevia)
Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Best served chilled
CulturesForHealth.com | banana mango Smoothie
18
DRESSINGS, DIPS AND SPREADS
CREAMY HERB KEFIR DRESSING
Ingredients:








½ cup Mayonnaise (preferably lacto-fermented mayonnaise)
1 cup Kefir
½ teaspoon Dried Thyme
½ teaspoon Dried Tarragon
1/8 teaspoon Dried Rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
1/8 teaspoon Pepper, freshly ground
Wisk together the mayonnaise and kefir until smooth. Combine with the other ingredients. Cover
and chill for several hours prior to serving.
CulturesForHealth.com |
19
CREAMY GARLIC SALAD DRESSING
Ingredients:











2 cups Mayonnaise (preferably lacto-fermented mayonnaise)
1/3 cup Kefir
1/3 cup Sunflower Oil or Grapeseed Oil
1/4 cup Water or Milk
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar, White Wine Vinegar, or Kombucha (well fermented)
1 1/2 teaspoons Fresh Lemon Juice
1 1/2 teaspoons Raw Honey
3/4 teaspoons Mustard
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper, freshly ground
4-5 Garlic Cloves, minced
Wisk together mayonnaise and kefir until smooth. Combine with the remaining ingredients. Let rest
covered in the refrigerator for 2+ hours prior to serving to allow the flavors to meld properly.
CulturesForHealth.com | Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing
20
GREEN GODDESS-STYLE KEFIR DRESSING
Ingredients:

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



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


1 cup Mayonnaise (preferably lacto-fermented mayonnaise)
½ cup Kefir
½ cup Fresh Parsley, finely minced
¼ cup Fresh Tarragon, finely minced
3 tablespoons Chives, finely minced
3 tablespoons Anchovy Paste
3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar or Kombucha (well fermented)
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 Garlic Clove, finely minced or grated
Salt and Pepper to taste
Wisk together mayonnaise and kefir until smooth. Wisk in other ingredients. Cover and chill for
several hours before serving.
CREAMY KEFIR BLACK PEPPERCORN DRESSING
Ingredients:

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





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1 cup Strained Kefir (consistency of yogurt)
1 cup Cultured Buttermilk
1 cup Mayonnaise (preferably lacto-fermented)
¼ cup Fresh Parsley, minced or 2 tablespoons Dried Parsley
2 tablespoons Chives, minced
1 tablespoon Black Peppercorns, coarsely crushed
2 tablespoons Fresh Basil, minced or 1 tablespoon Dried Basil
2 teaspoons Fresh Tarragon, minced or 1 teaspoon Dried Tarragon
½ teaspoon Fresh Thyme, minced or ¼ teaspoon Dried Thyme
¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
1/8 teaspoon Paprika
Wisk strained kefir, cultured buttermilk, and mayonnaise together until smooth. Combine with
other ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for several hours prior to serving to allow
flavors to meld.
CulturesForHealth.com | Green Goddess-style Kefir Dressing
21
CREAMY KEFIR HORSERADISH DIP
Ingredients:





1 cup Strained Kefir (consistency of sour cream)
8 oz. Cream Cheese, Kefir Cream Cheese, or Lebneh, softened
3 tablespoons Salsa (non-chunky variety)
2 tablespoons Prepared Horseradish
½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
Mix together the strained kefir and cream cheese. Combine with the other ingredients and mix well.
Cover and refrigerate for several hours prior to serving to allow the flavors to meld.
KEFIR RANCH DIP
Ingredients:







½ cup Strained Kefir (consistency of sour cream or slightly thicker)
½ cup Mayonnaise (preferably lacto-fermented mayonnaise)
1 teaspoon Dill
2 teaspoons Parsley
¼ teaspoon Garlic Salt
¼ teaspoon Onion Salt
¼ teaspoon Pepper, freshly ground
Mix together the strained kefir and mayonnaise. Combine with the other ingredients and mix well.
Cover and refrigerate for several hours prior to serving to allow the flavors to meld.
CulturesForHealth.com | Creamy Kefir Horseradish Dip
22
KEFIR ARTICHOKE DIP
Ingredients:

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




½ cup Strained Kefir (consistency of sour cream or slightly thicker)
¼ cup Mayonnaise (preferably lacto-fermented mayonnaise)
½ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
¼ cup Yellow Onion or Shallot, finely chopped
14 ounce can Artichoke Hearts, drained and chopped
Fresh Lemon Juice to taste
Black Pepper, freshly ground to taste
Mix together the strained kefir and mayonnaise. Combine with the other ingredients and mix well.
If serving cold, cover and refrigerate for several hours prior to serving to allow the flavors to meld.
If a warm dip is preferred, place in an oven safe dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
SUN-DRIED TOMATO, BASIL, HAZELNUT AND KEFIR DIP
Ingredients:






1 cup Strained Kefir (consistency of sour cream or slightly thicker)
½ cup Hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped, divided
¼ cup Sun-dried Tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup Lightly Packed Basil Leaves, chopped
¼ cup Green Onions, sliced
2 Garlic Cloves, minced or grated
Combine all ingredients together except 2 tablespoons of the hazelnuts. Mix well. Cover and
refrigerate for several hours prior to serving to allow the flavors to meld. Just prior to serving,
sprinkle with reserved hazelnuts.
CulturesForHealth.com | Kefir Artichoke Dip
23
BLUE CHEESE AND WALNUT KEFIR DIP
Ingredients:




2 cups Strained Kefir (consistency of sour cream or slightly thicker)
4 oz. Blue Cheese, crumpled
½ cup Walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
Combine all the ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for several hours prior to serving to
allow the flavors to meld.
TURKISH KEFIR DIP
Ingredients:







1 cup Strained Kefir (consistency of sour cream or slightly thicker)
2 tablespoons Fresh Dill, chopped or 1 tablespoon Dried Dill
2 Garlic Cloves, mashed*
1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed Red Pepper
Sea Salt to Taste
Olive Oil
Combine all the ingredients except the olive oil and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for several
hours prior to serving to allow the flavors to meld. Just prior to serving, drizzle with olive oil.
*Use a mortar and pestle to mash the garlic with a bit of sea salt for better flavor.
CulturesForHealth.com | Blue Cheese and Walnut Kefir Dip
24
BREAD RECIPES
KEFIR BISCUITS
Ingredients:






2 cups Flour
¼ tsp Baking Soda
1 tbsp Baking Powder
1 tsp salt
6 tbsp Butter (very cold)
¾ cup Kefir (approximate)
12-24 hours prior to making biscuits, mix the flour and kefir together. Cover and allow the flour to
soak. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Cut the butter into chunks then work it into the flour/kefir
mixture along with the baking soda, baking powder and salt. Do not over mix. If the mixture is too
dry, add a bit more kefir. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board. Gently pat the dough to ½
inch thick (this will yield lighter biscuits than using a rolling pin). Use a round cutter to cut out the
biscuits. Place biscuits on a cookie sheet. If you want biscuits with soft edges (and a higher rise),
place the rounds touching each other. If you want biscuits with crusty sides, place the rounds about
1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Makes 10 biscuits.
CulturesForHealth.com | Kefir Biscuits
25
KEFIR BANANA BREAD
Ingredients:


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

2 cups Organic Sugar (Rapadura or Sucanat work well)
2 Eggs
½ cup Butter
2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
3 ½ cups Bananas, mashed
1 ½ cups Kefir
1 ½ tsp. Baking Soda
½ cups Walnuts or Pecans, chopped (optional)
12-24 hours prior to making bread, mix the flour and kefir together. Cover and allow the flour to
soak. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, butter, flower, bananas
and nuts. Add the kefir and flour mixture and mix just until blended. Add the baking soda and mix
just until blended. Pour into a greased bread pan (generally there will be enough batter for 1 large
bread pan, 2 medium bread pans or 3 small bread pans). Bake until an inserted toothpick comes
out clean (exact time will vary depending on size of pan and number of pans baking at once).
CulturesForHealth.com | Kefir Banana Bread
26
CHOCOLATE KEFIR BREAD
Ingredients:










1 cup Organic Sugar (can use Rapadura or Sucanat)
½ cup Butter, softened
2 eggs
1 cup Kefir
1 ¾ cup Flour
½ cup Organic Unsweetened Cocoa
½ tsp Baking Powder
½ tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp Salt
1/3 cup Nuts, chopped (optional)
12-24 hours prior to making bread, mix the flour and kefir together. Cover and allow the flour to
soak. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom only of 8”x4” or 9”x5” loaf pan. In a large bowl,
combine the sugar and butter, blend well. Add the eggs and blend well. Add the flour and kefir
mixture. Add the cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Blend just until the dry ingredients
are moistened. Stir in the nuts. Do not over mix. Pour into the greased pan. Bake for 55-65
minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes before
removing from the pan and setting on a wire rack. Cool the bread completely before serving. The
bread should be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator if it is not eaten immediately. Makes
one loaf.
CulturesForHealth.com | Chocolate Kefir Bread
27
APPLE SPICE KEFIR BREAD
Ingredients:
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4 cups Flour: White Flour, Whole Wheat Pastry Flour or combination
2 cups Oats
1 cup Brown Sugar
2 tablespoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
6 Large Apples, peeled, cored, and diced
3 Eggs, beaten
2 1/4 cups Kefir
1/4 cup Melted Butter, Ghee or Coconut Oil
2 teaspoons Vanilla
1/2 cup Pecans or Walnuts, chopped
12 hours prior to baking, combine the flour, oats, and kefir. Cover the bowl and allow the flour to
soak. When ready to bake muffins, preheat the oven to 375°. Add the other ingredients except the
apples. Do not over mix. Gently fold in the apples and nuts. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Pour the
batter in the pan. Bake one hour or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean.
CulturesForHealth.com | Apple Spice Kefir Bread
28
CINNAMON KEFIR BREAD
Ingredients:
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4 cups Flour
2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
½ cup Melted Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil or Grapeseed Oil
1 ½ cups Organic Sugar (Rapadura or Sucanat work well)
2 cups Kefir
2 Eggs
Topping and Filling:
 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
 1 cup Organic Sugar (Rapadura or Sucanat work well)
 2 tbsp Walnuts, finely chopped
12-24 hours prior to making bread, mix the flour and kefir together. Cover and allow the flour to
soak. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the oil and sugar; add the eggs and
mix well. Add this to the flour and kefir. Mix in the baking soda and salt being careful not to over
mix. Fill two greased 8”x4” loaf pans (or 5 mini loaf pans) about 1/3 full. Combine the cinnamon
and 1 cup sugar. Sprinkle half over the batter then top with the remaining bread batter (layered
effect). Top the bread batter with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Swirl the batter with a
knife and sprinkle with nuts. Bake 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans
for 10 minutes before removing the bread to a wire rack to finish cooling.
CulturesForHealth.com | Cinnamon Kefir Bread
29
DILL KEFIR BREAD
Ingredients:
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3 cups Flour
4 tsp Baking Powder
3 tbsp Organic Sugar (can use Rapadura or Sucanat)
¼ cup Fresh Dill (can substitute 2 tsp. dried dill)
2 tsp Dried Dill
1 ½ tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp Salt
½ tsp Pepper
1 ½ cups Kefir (approximate)
12-24 hours prior to making bread, mix the flour and kefir together. Cover and allow the flour to
soak. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add the baking powder, sugar, dill, baking soda, salt and
pepper to the flour and kefir mixture. Mix just until ingredients are combined and a soft dough
forms. Place dough into a 9”x5” greased pan. Bake for 50 minutes until golden brown. Best if
served warm. If you have leftovers, this bread makes wonderful croutons.
BLUEBERRY KEFIR MUFFINS
Ingredients:
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2 cups Sifted Flour: White Flour, Whole Wheat Pastry Flour or combination
1/2 cup Organic Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
2 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 cup Melted Butter or Coconut Oil
1 Egg, beaten
1 cup Kefir
1 cup Blueberries (frozen or fresh)
12 hours prior to baking, combine the flour and kefir. Cover the bowl and allow the flour to soak.
When ready to bake muffins, preheat the oven to 425°. Add the other ingredients except the
blueberries and stir to combine. Do not over mix. Gently fold in the blueberries. Fill muffin tins 2/3
full. Bake 20-25 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.
CulturesForHealth.com | Dill Kefir Bread
30
OATMEAL KEFIR MUFFINS
Ingredients:
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1 cup Rolled Oats
1 cup White Flour or Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (or combination)
1 cup Kefir
1 egg
1/4 cup Honey
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/3 cup Melted Butter, Ghee or Coconut Oil
12 hours prior to baking, combine the oats, flour, and kefir. Cover the bowl and allow the grains to
soak. When ready to bake muffins, preheat the oven to 425°. Add the other ingredients and stir to
combine. Do not over mix. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake 15-20 minutes until the muffins are set and
lightly browned. Makes 12 muffins.
Variation: Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup chopped pecans.
CulturesForHealth.com | Oatmeal Kefir Muffins
31
WHOLE GRAIN KEFIR PANCAKES
Ingredients:
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2/3 cup Whole Wheat Flour
¼ cup Oat Bran
1 tbsp Cornmeal
1 tbsp Brown Sugar (can substitute raw honey or agave)
1 ½ tsp Baking Powder
¼ tsp Baking Soda
¼ tsp Salt
1 cup Kefir
2 large eggs, separated
2 tbsp Grapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil or melted Coconut Oil
12-24 hours prior to making pancakes, mix the flour and kefir together. Cover and allow the flour
to soak. When you are ready to make the pancakes, mix the egg yolks and oil together. In a
separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Mix the oat bran, cornmeal, sugar, baking
powder and baking soda into the flour and kefir mixture. Stir in the egg yolk and oil mixture. Fold
in the egg whites.
Lightly coat a skillet with butter or coconut oil and set over medium heat. When the skillet is hot,
cook the pancakes using about ¼ cup batter for each. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until
golden brown. Serve with butter, fruit and/or real organic maple syrup. Makes 12 pancakes.
CulturesForHealth.com | Whole Grain Kefir Pancakes
32
APPLE CINNAMON KEFIR PANCAKES
Ingredients:
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1 cup Kefir
1 tbsp Melted Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil or Grapeseed Oil
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
½ cup Oats, ground in blender or food processor (can substitute ½ cup flour)
½ cup Flour
1 Egg
1 tbsp Butter, melted
1 tbsp Raw Honey or Agave
1 tsp Baking Powder
¼ tsp Baking Soda
¼ - ½ tsp Salt (to taste)
¼ - ½ tsp Cinnamon (to taste)
1 small apple, chopped
Chopped Nuts (optional)
12-24 hours prior to making pancakes, mix the flour, oats and kefir together (easier if done in a
blender). Cover and allow the flour to soak. When ready to make the pancakes, mix in the oil and
vanilla. Add the egg, melted butter and honey. Blend until smooth—do not over blend. Add the
baking powder, baking soda, salt cinnamon and apple. Blend just until mixed. Drop ¼ cup for each
pancake on a hot griddle greased lightly with coconut oil or butter. Top the baking pancake batter
with a few chopped nuts if desired. Makes 12 pancakes.
CulturesForHealth.com | Apple Cinnamon Kefir Pancakes
33
DESSERT RECIPES
KEFIR ICE CREAM
Ingredients:
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2 cups Kefir (can substitute yogurt, buttermilk or whole milk)
1 cup Kefir Cream made with Heavy Cream (can substitute non-kefired Heavy Cream)
2 eggs
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
¾ cup Organic Sugar (can use raw honey or agave but reduce the amount by approximately
40%)
Beat eggs together well then beat in sugar (start with a conservative amount of sweetener and add
in small increments to taste; keep in mind that the finished ice cream will be slightly less sweet than
the kefir mixture before it’s frozen). Blend in the kefir cream and vanilla. Transfer to the ice cream
maker and follow the instructions that came with the machine.
Variations:
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Chocolate: Add 2/3 cup Organic Cocoa Powder. Increase the amount of sweetener
to taste.
Strawberry: Add ½ to 1 cup crushed strawberries.
Mint: Decrease the amount of vanilla extract and add 1-3 tsp. Mint Extract. If
desired, add organic dark chocolate chips or a 3 oz. organic dark chocolate bar,
chopped.
Turtle: Add toasted organic unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted organic pecans
and organic dark chocolate chips or a 3 oz. organic dark chocolate bar, chopped.
Drizzle with raw honey or homemade caramel sauce.
CulturesForHealth.com | Kefir Ice Cream
34
SOFT KEFIR COOKIES
Ingredients:
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½ cup Butter or Coconut Oil
½ cup Organic Sugar (Rapadura or Sucanat work well)
¼ cup Organic Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
½ cup Kefir (can substitute yogurt or buttermilk)
½ tsp Baking Soda
1 ¼ cup Flour
12-24 hours prior to making cookies, mix the flour and kefir together. Cover and allow the flour to
soak. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Beat together butter, sugar and brown sugar until the
mixture is fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well. Add the mixture to the flour and
kefir mixture. Add the baking soda and mix just until blended. Drop dough onto a greased cookie
sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle the cookies with cinnamon sugar prior to baking if
desired.
KEFIR CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Ingredients:
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2 cups Organic Sugar (Rapadura or Sucanat work well)
1 cup Coconut Oil, Palm Shortening (non-hydrogenated) or Butter
2 Eggs
1 ½ cups Kefir (can substitute yogurt or buttermilk)
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
4 cups Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda
1+ cup Chocolate Chips or Chunks (we prefer to use an organic 73% cocoa bar cut into
chunks)
12-24 hours prior to making cookies, mix the flour and kefir together. Cover and allow the flour to
soak. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together the Coconut Oil/Shortening/Butter with the
sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Add the flour and kefir mixture. Add the salt
and baking soda. Mix just until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips/chunks. Drop dough onto a
greased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
CulturesForHealth.com | Soft Kefir Cookies
35
KEFIR DESSERT SAUCE
Ingredients:
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2 cups Kefir Cream or Strained Kefir (see Dairy recipe section; can substitute strained
yogurt)
1 tsp Vanilla
¼ cup sugar, honey or agave (to taste)
Blend all ingredients. Cover and chill at least an hour in the refrigerator before serving. Serve over
fruit, cake, etc.
CulturesForHealth.com | Kefir Dessert Sauce
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NON-DAIRY COCONUT KEFIR RECIPES
Coconut milk makes a wonderful alternative to cow or goat Milk Kefir. Kefir made with coconut milk
can be substituted for the Milk Kefir called for in the recipes in this eBook.
COCONUT MILK KEFIR
Ingredients:
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Coconut Milk
Milk Kefir Grains
Add the Milk Kefir Grains to the coconut milk and allow the milk to culture for 12-48 hours until the
desired consistency and taste is achieved. Remove the kefir grains and place the kefir grains in
fresh milk. Milk Kefir Grains can be used repeatedly in coconut milk but should be returned to cow
or goat milk occasionally to revitalize them. Coconut Milk Kefir can be used in place of regular Milk
Kefir in all the recipes in this eBook. Coconut Milk Kefir is also a wonderful addition to your
morning coffee.
CulturesForHealth.com | Coconut Milk Kefir
37
COCONUT MILK KEFIR ICE CREAM
Ingredients:
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3 cups Coconut Milk Kefir
3-6+ tbsp. Raw Honey*
1-3 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Blend the coconut Milk Kefir, raw honey and vanilla extract well. Place in an ice cream maker and
follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
*Start
with a conservative amount of honey and increase the amount to taste. Remember that once
the ice cream is frozen, it will be a bit less sweet than the original mixture.
Variations:
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Chocolate: Add 2/3 cup Organic Cocoa Powder. Increase the amount of honey to taste.
Strawberry: Add ½ to 1 cup crushed strawberries.
Mint: Decrease amount of vanilla extract and add 1-3 tsp. Mint Extract. If desired, add
organic dark chocolate ships or a 3 oz. organic dark chocolate bar, chopped.
Turtle: Add toasted organic unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted organic pecans and
organic dark chocolate chips or a 3 oz. organic dark chocolate bar, chopped. Drizzle with
raw honey or homemade caramel sauce.
CulturesForHealth.com | Coconut Milk Kefir Ice Cream
38
WATER KEFIR RECIPES
The following recipes use Water Kefir Grains, a dairy-free, vegan alternative to Milk Kefir Grains.
Water Kefir Grains can be cultured in sugar water, coconut water, or fruit juice.
COCONUT WATER KEFIR
Ingredients:
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Coconut Water
Water Kefir Grains
Place the Water Kefir Grains in coconut water and allow the mixture to culture for 24-48 hours.
You will generally need 3 tablespoons Water Kefir Grains to culture up to 2 quarts of coconut water.
Remove the grains and drink the coconut Water Kefir as is or flavor it with fruit (fresh or dried),
fruit juice or flavor extracts (e.g. vanilla extract).
BLUEBERRY-POMEGRANATE WATER KEFIR
Ingredients:
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1.75 quarts Water Kefir
1 cup Blueberry-Pomegranate Juice
Mix the Water Kefir and juice together. Chill and serve immediately or bottle the mixture in an air
tight container (such as a Grolsch-style bottle) for 24-72 hours (use caution when opening the
bottle as the contents will be under pressure).
CulturesForHealth.com | Coconut Water Kefir
39
GRAPE JUICE KEFIR
Ingredients:
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2 quarts Organic Grape Juice
3 tbsp Water Kefir Grains
Add the Water Kefir Grains to the grape juice, cover (a towel or paper coffee filter works well) and
allow the mixture to ferment for 12-72 hours. After the juice has fermented, remove the kefir
grains. Chill the kefir and serve immediately or bottle the mixture in an air tight container (such as
a Grolsch-style bottle) for 24-72 hours (use caution when opening the bottle as the contents will be
under pressure).
Please note, the amount of sugar contained in the juice is sufficient to yield a decent amount of
alcohol so please use caution when consuming. If making this drink for children, we strongly
recommend only fermenting for 12-24 hours and using good parental judgment when determining
if this is an appropriate beverage for your children.
Juice tends to be very hard on Water Kefir Grains. We recommend either waiting until your Water
Kefir Grains multiply (being cultured in sugar water) so you can split them into two sets or keeping
a second set of Water Kefir Grains just for using with juice.
WATER KEFIR LEMONADE
Ingredients:
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2 quarts Water Kefir
½ cup Lemon Juice
Mix the Water Kefir and juice together. Chill and serve immediately or bottle the mixture in an air
tight container (such as a Grolsch-style flip-top bottle) for 24-72 hours (use caution when opening
the bottle as the contents will be under pressure).
CulturesForHealth.com | Grape Juice Kefir
40
WATER KEFIR SMOOTHIE
Use Water Kefir as the liquid base in your favorite smoothie recipe.
CHERRY WATER KEFIR
Ingredients:
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1.75 quarts Water Kefir
1 cup Cherry Juice
Mix the Water Kefir and juice together. Chill and serve immediately or bottle the mixture in an air
tight container (such as a Grolsch-style flip top bottle) for 24-72 hours (use caution when opening
the bottle as the contents will be under pressure).
RASPBERRY JUICE KEFIR
Ingredients:
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2 quarts Organic Rasberry Juice
3 tbsp Water Kefir Grains
Add the Water Kefir Grains to the grape juice, cover (a towel or paper coffee filter works well) and
allow the mixture to ferment for 12-72 hours. After the juice has fermented, remove the kefir
grains. Chill the kefir and serve immediately or bottle the mixture in an air tight container (such as
a Grolsch-style bottle) for 24-72 hours (use caution when opening the bottle as the contents will be
under pressure).
Please note, the amount of sugar contained in the juice is sufficient to yield a decent amount of
alcohol so please use caution when consuming. If making this drink for children, we strongly
recommend only fermenting for 12-24 hours and using good parental judgment when determining
if this is an appropriate beverage for your children.
Juice tends to be very hard on Water Kefir Grains. We recommend either waiting until your Water
Kefir Grains multiply (being cultured in sugar water) so you can split them into two sets or keeping
a second set of Water Kefir Grains just for using with juice.
CulturesForHealth.com | Water Kefir Smoothie
41
ORANGE ZEST WATER KEFIR
Ingredients:
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Water Kefir
Orange Zest
Add the kefir grains and several strips of organic orange zest (not the juice) to a standard batch of
sugar water. It is important to use an organic orange to avoid exposing the kefir grains to
pesticides. Allow the Water Kefir Grains to culture 24-48 hours. Remove and discard the orange
zest. Remove the kefir grains and serve the kefir cold.
CREAM SODA WATER KEFIR
Ingredients:
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2 quarts Water Kefir
1 – 3 tbsp Real Vanilla Extract
Mix the Water Kefir and vanilla together. Chill and serve.
HERBAL INFUSION WATER KEFIR
Mix one part finished Water Kefir (kefir grains removed) with one part herbal infusion (e.g. Nettle
Leaf, Red Raspberry Leaf, etc.). Herbal infusions can be made by combining a handful of fresh or
dried herbs with one quart boiling water. Allow the herb and water mixture to sit for 6+ hours. Be
sure the herbal infusion is completely cooled prior to mixing it with the finished Water Kefir.
CulturesForHealth.com | Orange Zest Water Kefir
42
FRUIT FLAVORED WATER KEFIR
Ingredients:
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Water Kefir
Fresh, frozen, or dried fruit
Make Water Kefir and remove the kefir grains. Add fresh, frozen, or dried fruit to the Water
Kefir. If using fresh or frozen fruit, change the fruit out every 24 hours; dried fruit can be changed
out as infrequently as once a week. Allow the fruit and kefir to sit for 1-7 days. Remove and discard
the fruit. Please note, Water Kefir can be cultured and flavored it at the same time by having both
fruit and kefir grains sitting in the sugar water. If using this method be sure to use low acidic fruits
(i.e. avoid pineapple, orange, etc.) and confine either the kefir grains or the fruit in a small cloth bag
to avoid the disintegrating fruit becoming intertwined with the kefir grains. Be sure to keep the
cloth bag submerged in the liquid to avoid attracting mold!
APPLE JUICE KEFIR
Ingredients:
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
2 quarts Organic Apple Juice
3 tbsp Water Kefir Grains
Add the Water Kefir Grains to the apple juice, cover (a towel or paper coffee filter works well) and
allow the mixture to ferment for 12-72 hours. After the juice has fermented, remove the kefir
grains. Chill the kefir and serve immediately or bottle the mixture in an air tight container (such as
a Grolsch-style flip top bottle) for 24-72 hours (use caution when opening the bottle as the contents
will be under pressure).
Please note, the amount of sugar contained in the juice is sufficient to yield a decent amount of
alcohol so please use caution when consuming. If making this drink for children, we strongly
recommend only fermenting for 12-24 hours and using good parental judgment when determining
if this is an appropriate beverage for your children.
Juice tends to be very hard on Water Kefir Grains. We recommend either waiting until your Water
Kefir Grains multiply (being cultured in sugar water) so you can split them into two sets or keeping
a second set of Water Kefir Grains just for using with juice.
CulturesForHealth.com | Fruit Flavored Water Kefir
43
WATER KEFIR “SODA”
Once the primary fermentation period is complete and the kefir grains have been removed, if you
wish to add flavorings (juice, fruit, etc.) there are advantages to taking the time to allow the nowflavored Water Kefir a second round of fermentation. A second fermentation period allows the
flavors to meld and achieve a deeper and more complex flavor profile. Further, if bottled in an
airtight container (see below), the live yeast and bacteria in the kefir will continue to consume the
sugar that remained after the primary fermentation process was completed and the culture was
removed, along with any sugar from juice or fruit added for flavor. A by-product of fermentation is
that the sugar is turned into carbon dioxide giving the Water Kefir a fizzy texture.
Instructions for a Second Fermentation Period:
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Remove the kefir grains from the finished Water Kefir
Add the desired flavoring and mix to combine
Bottle the flavored Water Kefir in air-tight bottles (see below)
Allow the Water Kefir to remain bottled for 2-14 days at room temperature.
Once the secondary fermentation process is complete, the Water Kefir can be strained of the
fruit or herbs if desired. The liquid can then be rebottled and stored on the counter or in the
fridge.
Choosing bottles for Water Kefir. We recommend choosing glass bottles for storing Water
Kefir. Technically stainless steel can be used but we find that glass is the least problematic material.
We do not recommend using plastic. Plastic can be scratched or damaged and can harbor bacteria
that can contaminate the Water Kefir. Plastic may also react to the acidic nature of the Water Kefir.
While essentially any glass container with a lid can be used to store Water Kefir, to obtain the best
level of carbon dioxide, which gives Water Kefir its characteristic fizzy texture, it is important to
bottle Water Kefir in truly airtight bottles. For example, canning jars make wonderful storage
vessels for finished Water Kefir but they are not truly airtight and carbon dioxide will leak from
them resulting in flat-tasting Water Kefir. Better options include Grolsch-style (flip-top) bottles or
old wine bottles fitted with new corks. Both adequately contain the building gas and keep the Water
Kefir better carbonated.
Use caution when opening the bottle. Creation of carbon dioxide during the secondary fermentation
period means the contents of the bottle will be under pressure and caution should be used when
opening the bottle. We recommend covering the bottle with a cloth to catch any spraying liquid and
to open the bottle slowly while applying downward pressure.
CulturesForHealth.com | Water Kefir “Soda”
44