How to Make Coconut Water Kefir
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Kultured Wellness Kefir Starter
- 2lt Coconut water
METHOD
- Place both ingredients in a 2lt glass jar, leaving some space between the liquid and the top of the jar in case the liquid fizzes and expands during the ferment.
- Stir liquid with a wooden spoon and leave on the bench to ferment for 24-48 hours, tasting after 24 hours. The kefir should be tangy with no detectable coconut sweetness. The fermentation process typically completes within 24 hours in warmer climates. In cooler environments, however, it may require 48 hours or even up to 4 days for all the sugar to be consumed by the beneficial bacteria. Rest assured, regardless of the time it takes to ferment, the potency and benefits of your culture remain unchanged. The timing primarily hinges on the prevailing weather and environmental conditions of the fermentation setting.
- Once the kefir is ready, use 1 cup to start your next batch of kefir and transfer the rest to the fridge. You can make 10lt of coconut water from your initial starter (saving 1 cup per 2lt batch), before replenishing your starter supply from Kultured Wellness.
- Drink up or use your kefir to make other recipes like probiotic gummies, fermented veggies or sauerkraut, fermented fruits, nuts, garlic or just about anything! Peruse our blogs for more recipes.
FAQs
How do I know when my Kefir is ready?
Kefir should be ready after about 48 hours of fermenting on the benchtop in mild weather. It should be fizzy, have a tart taste and you should no longer be able to taste any sugar from the coconut water. If the full ferment is too strong for you initially, you may wish to make a shorter ferment (i.e.) only 24 hours but keep in mind that your Kefir will contain more sugar. In warmer climates and hotter weather the kefir may be ready earlier than the recommended 48 hours. If you live in a warmer climate or if the weather has been hot check you kefir earlier to see if it is ready.
What kind of coconut water do I need to use for my Kefir?
You can use any coconut water, fresh or UHT but it must be 100% coconut water. Please remember to check the ingredients not just the labeling on the front of the coconut water package. Some brands, while claiming to be 100% coconut water actually include preservatives and additives on the ingredients list. We recommend using UHT Cocobella Coconut Water but know our customers have had success with a range of brands.
Where should I store my cultures?
Cultures should be put in the fridge once they arrive, where they can be stored for up to 3 months or in the freezer for 6 months.