How to make juice kefir

August 16, 2024

Kefir is packed full of health benefits, but if you cannot handle the taste of dairy kefir like me, you should definitely try juice kefir instead. It tastes like delicious sparkling cider and it's good for you, too.

Juice kefir combines the probiotic power of traditional kefir with the nutritional richness of fruit juice. The fermentation process of juice kefir introduces beneficial bacteria and yeast, which can enhance gut health, improve digestion, and boost the immune system. Unlike dairy-based kefir, juice kefir is often suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.  Additionally, the natural sugars and vitamins in the juice provide an extra nutritional boost, supporting overall wellness and energy levels. This probiotic-rich beverage can also help in balancing the gut microbiome, which is linked to better mood regulation and improved mental health.

This is how I make it at home:

Ingredients:

• Grain kefir starter (I buy mine from a local farm, but you can buy it online here)
• Room temperature organic juice (we juice apples, but you can also use store bought juice- just make sure it's 100% juice, not from concentrate)

Kitchen tools:

• Fermentation Jug with bubble airlock or Fermentation Jar with bubble airlock
• Funnel

Instructions:

Fill the glass jug 3/4 of the way full and then add the grain kefir starter. Fill the rest of the jug with juice leaving about 2" of space at the top. Put the rubber stopper and airlock on the jug. Leave it on the counter for 24-48 hours hours and you're done! Refrigerate and drink daily. When you have about 3-4" of juice left at the bottom of the jug, refill with room temperature juice and leave it on the counter to start another batch of juice kefir. Repeat as often as you like. After awhile, you may want to start fresh with another grain starter (my kids say, "it tastes too beer-y" - as if they know what beer tastes like 😂 and that's when we know to start again).

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