Ginger Water Crystals

Ginger Water Crystals are water kefir grains that are grown in a special mixture containing root and powdered ginger and produce a water kefir version of Ginger ale.

The grains themselves are technically no different to water kefir grains other than they tend to be a little smaller than regular water grains and will have a strong ginger flavour when brewed. You will receive 40g to brew 1L. 

Full instructions are provided.

    Water kefir, like kombucha, is first cultured by introducing a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts into sugar water.                     

The beneficial bacteria and yeasts present in the grains metabolize the sugar and turn it into actic acid.  Grains are small,     translucent, gelatinous structures and are made up from an mixture of bacteria including lactobacillus hilgardii which gives them their characteristic crystal-like appearance.   When properly cared for and regularly cultured, they produce a wonderful probiotic-rich beverage and will continue to grow and reproduce indefinitely.

If you are looking to order grains and have them sent internationally please order dehydrated grains

water kefir: the basics

equipment

• Nonmetal Strainer
• Wooden or Plastic Spoon
• 1 litre or larger glass jar with lid
• Bottles for storage

ingredients

• 1 Sachet of Water Kefir Grains 
• 3 Tablespoons Organic Raisins or Other Unsulphured Dried Fruit
• 65-70g Sugar 
• 1/2 Organic Lemon
• 1 Thin Slice Fresh Ginger, Peeled
• 750ml-1litre Filtered, Chlorine-free Water (leave boiled water over night to remove Chlorine)

method

1. Disolve sugar into water.   Do not use honey in place of sugar.   Honey has antimicrobial properties and will damage your water kefir grains or delay their proliferation.
2. Add water kefir grains, raisins, half a lemon and slice of ginger to the mixture of sugar water in a glass jar.
3. Allow your water kefir to brew in a lidded or covered glass jar at room temperature for 24 – 72 hours depending on the strength you prefer and the temperature of your home (Do not seal the lid!).   The warmer your home is, the faster water kefir will brew.
4. Strain the water kefir grains, raisins, lemon and ginger from the water kefir and bottle the liquid into smaller containers.
5. Allow the smaller bottles to sit out for another 24 – 48 hours to continue fermentation and produce natural carbonation.
6. Serve cold over ice and enjoy!

Water kefir is remarkably versatile.   This basic recipe can be altered slightly to introduce different beneficial herbs or flavors to produce a wide array of probiotic beverages.   Some people enjoy replacing the ginger with fresh mint, anise or cardamom while others replace raisins with figs.   I’ve even used dried cherries for a lovely rose-hued water kefir.