Future soda? Micro-fermented, probiotic, water kefir brew

It's a 3000-year-old soda that is popular again. Water kefir is a natural ferment that was likely first discovered by shepherds who had led their animal to drink in high mountain springs in the Caucasus Mountains.
"The newfangledness of it is really that we've lost our culture in America. This is only newfangled to people that don't have access or a lineage that they're bringing forward of live culture fermenting of food," explains Tom Boyd.
Boyd, along with partners Jeffrey Edelheit and Deana Dennard, ferment their live beverages in what they call "the only kefir based microbrewery", a tiny shop in Sebastapol, California called the Kefiry. They use kefir grains (which aren't really grains, but bacteria and yeast that turn sugars into carbonation) to create their "enlivened" beverages that contain much less sugar than conventional sodas.
Like sourdough starters, kefir grains need to be kept alive and can be shared with others, but no one has been able to create them in a laboratory. Kefir starters, or tibicos, have been used around the world for centuries and while no two strain of culture is the same, the names are different worldwide:
"Tibicos is also known as tibi, water kefir grains, sugar kefir grains, Japanese water crystals and California bees, and in older literature as bébées, African bees, ale nuts, Australian bees, balm of Gilead, beer seeds, beer plant, bees, ginger bees, Japanese beer seeds, and vinegar bees." (Wikipedia)
Water kefir, like other live-cultured foods (from sourdough to sauerkraut), has a following of people interested in probiotics and cultivating a healthy flora in their digestive system, though Boyd argues all of us should be focused on cultivating wellness (instead of simply relying on the medical community).
"All of these live culture techniques are ways to preserve and enhance the bio-availability of the nutrients in foods. So that's what this movement is about is bringing the live culture back so the foods can be more healthy, more wellness-providing like they're supposed to be."
The Kefiry: thekefiry.com/
Original story: faircompanies.com/videos/view/...

[@Acquavallo]

It's nice to see someone doing something about all the sugary drinks instead of just complaining. It makes me feel good to see people push back and DO something, not just let themselves be held back.

[@joshlockie9285]

Man I ferment everything but this is the first time I’ve ever heard of fermenting coffee. I haven’t been able to drink coffee for years, this is blowing my mind!

[@lisawatermelon]

This is the best beverage that I have ever tasted! I Love it!

[@hossanaiam7076]

I also shop at mountian rose herbs, i love and respect what they stand for,hats off to both of your companies.

[@chrischristie2206]

This is so interesting to me. I'd love to do this but worry about growing bad bacteria. When he put his hand in the container it kinda freaked me out.

[@sharijohumphries1627]

I loved this video. Applaud to you guys for providing a wonderful, healthy drink! finally!!! Although he could have used gloves or a long handled strainer...Some of the comments, I chuckled knowing we get far worse bacteria everyday, The Kifer will take care of it!

[@Love2TravelAway]

For the past year I've been educating myself on micro-fermentation and I have to say that I admire you for all the hard work that you do to produce a soda. In the State of Oaxaca, Mexico, they been making a drink call Mescal or Agua ArdienteI They ferment the agave plant different plant from the Tequila Agave, and from what I hear it's good for the body, I guess that's why people in that State live many many years, it must be good for longevity,. Also the CHOCOLATE Drink that the Mayas and Aztecs use to drink is still Consume in that State of Oaxaca it's called TEJATE look it up, it's very interesting on the preparation, before the Capuchinos there was TEJATE ,,,I hope to try your products someday...keep Up the good work.

[@thedemonnemo]

I think the fermented drink you are referring to is Pulque; Mescal is traditionally distilled like whiskey or tequila.

[@billytheweasel]

"

[@mrchii4908]

Yeah , there is a pretty expensive one called Tonayan , when you mix it with Kool aid it turns into a gods beverage.

[@dustysgarden2254]

Can we get an update of this business? Would be great to see how they are still doing after covid ect.

[@saa82vik]

yess. would be nice. coudln´t find them anymore online tho...

[@Nicholas.Tsagkos]

Found their site, it's this one, rebranded or something.@@saa82vik

[@LaisCordiolli]

That's absolutely amazing. Congratulations!

[@Vipenstrike]

Lots of good information in this video. Thank you for making and posting this!

[@DixieGirl9876]

Thanks so much for sharing this. I've dabble a bit with it myself, and know more people that are also, it's great to see more of the "old way" coming back.

[@bobbijodietzman5577]

I use Mt. Rose Herbs too !!! Love the company and they are in Oregon !!

[@digitalsoultech]

Love your work Kristen! Pls keep it up!!

[@nickburak7518]

Simply wonderful!!!

[@miamitreasurehunter]

Amazing! This was a very well documented and presented video. Thank you for sharing this knowledge

[@FeliciaPeppers]

This is my dream job♡♡♡ how I love ferments it's my passion♡♡

[@wakeupnow2996]

this is amazing! Thank you to making it easier to obtain better health, guys!

[@liverawkstar]

this is the best channel on youtube, this upload is BADASS

[@CharlesLarsenCFL]

Agree completely.

[@darlencita]

amazing and beautiful its about taking ownership and being involved with our foods and everything in our life, not just closing our eyes and having someone elses 'deal' with it, entrusting people who are in it for the money alone. Please continue to inspire us!

[@PostnatalxAbortion]

I learned a lot from this, thank you for sharing!

[@climbers1376]

Wonderful video

[@4BWVan]

I would definitely be willing to try some of those drinks. Very interesting process and history, too.

[@karenmaskall]

thats amazing well done to them for bringing health to everyone. Love the little girl drinking to fermented water kefir soda ....makes me smile to see that

[@dewitubeX1]

that big young guy next to the mom seems to know how to taste this drinks. like a true connoisseur

[@ravenridgehomestead4596]

Awesome-- Thanks for sharing!

[@CristinaBeier]

Hi I came across this page today? Awesome.

[@DMT4Dinner]

Great video!

[@ferriereinvestments1565]

Absolutely amazing.

[@lowgman77]

That was hella interesting Kirsten...Thanks for sharing.

[@CC-lv1ox]

Awesome video. Thank you 🎉

[@taoh780]

Thanks for sharing this video. Having been making water kefir myself for the past several months, I wondered if someone had already opened a water kefir store. I'll be stopping by next time I'm in the neighborhood.

[@jamesmclanders9875]

I love this. Thank you!

[@patrickmurphy3]

This video is really interesting. As an avid Homebrewer of Beer this alternate avenue of fermentation that really interests me. I am going to have to try a batch of this after I read more about the process and science behind water kefir. Thanks for sharing!

[@hossanaiam7076]

I love the knowledge you share to inspire us to become and live healthy lives and to know that by doing so only then can one truly find true peace within one's self,again thank you so much for sharing

[@lauraesperanza812]

Excellent!

[@hauteswan2541]

I am so excited. Just got my first water kefir and it has been two days, it's bubbling and sweet smelling. So thrilled. Can't wait to see what I create with my little kefir baby! I am loving your passion for kefir. So want to order some of his kefir now!

[@d6jvb]

Awesome! I wish I could come and try some. Have been experimenting at home inspired by Sandor Katz' books.

[@JBGecko13yt]

Kirsten knew you would get the whole story! thanks!

[@SDRsUnited]

I would like very much to start something like this Guru here.... This looks great.

[@missfuzzymittens]

I love this soda, want to sample right now.

[@h.chappelle2720]

Supposedly, the Aztecs were drinking it for hundreds of years. It is interesting to learn the different origins of such a healthy, tasty drink. I very much enjoy making the drink and its health benefits. I am on my fifth batch. I purchased my organic water kefir grains online.

[@sonita05]

I love your vids. thank you! I think they are very educative!

[@theblessed_gal]

This is amazing!

[@RPSReviews]

Unbelievably interesting. Love all the videos talking about these crazy interesting methods of making these sodas. Love your work!!

[@darrensamir4580]

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[@kingsleylincoln339]

@Darren Samir instablaster ;)

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[@darrensamir4580]

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[@kingsleylincoln339]

@Darren Samir happy to help =)

[@tiffanypatton4011]

I produce natural yeast for breads. THIS GUY IS AWESOME! I do this too in AZ. There is nothing I cannot make into Kefir. GREAT JOB! Willing to franchise??? LOL. Some of your recipes, especially the coffee and mushroom one..gotta have it!

[@americanmade1701]

that was AWESOME

[@KuroiHato69]

I love kefir! Milk and water versions! This was so fascinating! Love this idea! Would love to taste some of their flavors someday!

[@massiwdaas9488]

In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful; Even though I make my own fermented beverages at home with my Milk and Water kefir ,I believe It is our duty, and one I do not take lightly, to support local shops like these one's who support health rather then profits. Put your wealth in the hands of those who support human prosperity and Health. Peace

[@jessiccaangelov5517]

Yes

[@aminiman74]

Indeed

[@MsLisaLisa89]

thank you for sharing this. i've been interested in kefir for a while and its nice to learn some history on it.

[@Sheenasalesthriftytreasures]

Great video very appreciated thank you

[@ethanayce]

That is pretty neat I'll have to swing by there and try it out next time I'm traveling around

[@WW3ization]

Best kefir video!

[@MajesticFlyLife]

Can't wait to sample these beverages.

[@84adl2012]

Will have to add to my places to visit!

[@PRODIGALSUN]

this video is about as close to a taste test as you can get without actually tasting the product... i am salivating, really want to try these

[@Nicholas.Tsagkos]

great video! greetings from kefir fans in greece.

[@JEM-wj2oc]

I like how at the tasting at the end the one older kid was super into it 😂

[@johnmisener4414]

all These vids are awesome

[@GigaTyGuy]

As a food microbiologist all I could think was "Get your damn hand out of the culture!". I'm sure it's a robust culture, but I still can't get over hands in the food. Either way, trying the Triple Rootbeer is officially on my bucket list :D Also, there wasn't much shown on the steps after the primary fermentation. I would have liked to learn what method/process is used to metabolize the alcohol created in the anaerobic conditions.

[@westindianangel6217]

That bothered me too and I'm not all that particular... perhaps if he'd had gloves on it wouldn't have been so off-putting... There are tons and tons of sites that talk about the fermentation process of water kefir... and probably several youtube videos (I haven't checked lately). :)

[@TS-vr9of]

ya, That liquid is a concentrated colony of a few specific micro organisms that like to live with each other in harmony at a specific ph and nutrient level. They don't like making new friends, so if by chance he had something bad on his hand or watch they wouldn't have let it live. Microbes are smarter and more capable then most people give them credit for. if anything, his hand became cleaner by getting reinoculated by that dense population of microbes in the liquid. Soap and bleach are not always the best methods to fight disease because they wipe out the natural balance of beneficials keeping the pathogens at bay. Synthetic toxins are the only thing you should rightfully fear. I don't think this guy is the type to pour antifreeze on his hands before entering the kitchen area though.

[@meteora1508]

Great video! Making water kefir for a couple of weeks now. Tried ginger, green tea, herbal tea, pineapple, cranberries, dates, everything tasted great! Would like to try to make some coffee brew. How do you make it? How the process goes and what kind of coffee do you put in? If somebody can share some info that would be awesome. :D Cheers.

[@carladurland5194]

Love love love this

[@muinrofilac]

pretty amazing

[@extde]

Same technology like russian kvass. Nice re-discovery!

[@shilodawn60]

awesome!

[@juniorjpn1917]

you guys rock

[@healthisachoice5967]

He needs a longer handle...his watch, his hand are all going into the brew. Don't want to drink that one.

[@DaisySoapGirl]

+Health is a Choice! I agree about his hand, watch, etc. yuck!

[@sailingsolar]

+Health is a Choice! Also, one should be using glass not a plastic bucket or use food grade Stainless Steel vats.

[@Youngandbuff]

+sailingsolar you cannot use metal when making water kefir grains it will kill the grains

[@sailingsolar]

Young and buff Thanks for the information.

[@beeorganic]

+Young and buff You can use stainless steel; However, metals such as aluminum shouldn't.

[@nagwagi2000]

AWESOME!!!!

[@michael6malone]

Fantastic video. I was surprised to hear that you could ferment coffee. You mention that all kefir had the same origin. Can I move my milk kefir into a water based solution? Yours Michael

[@carladurland5194]

I love love love this

[@barbaracarbone4658]

Wow..this is great. I've recently aware of kefir and now drink it n want to make it. Where is your store located? Thanks so much.

[@brushbros]

I am in agreement with everything you believe and say. Except for one thing. I live at 6135' in Colorado Springs. I have never seen any type of symbiotic culture growing in snow run off at this altitude. If water it taken from our water, nothing will spontaneously grow, even if offered sugar ( in a closed environment. )

[@ritarevell7195]

I'd like to try it as well.

[@elkayjs5622]

wonderful :)

[@mikewiscombe5582]

amazing.

[@ShannasCountryCreek]

Gosh, I want some of all of it! Especially that hibiscus & coffee!!! 😋 how do u make a Kefir "grain starter"??? Never mind, ..just read above you can't🤦‍♀️ I Love Mnt. 🌹 herbs!❤ Great video! Love your factory! Thank you for letting us take a peak!🤗

[@AdonteMacon]

brilliant

[@dphotos007]

Interesting. I would like to taste the flavors. My only concern is why was he not wearing gloves when mixing the ingredients.

[@lesleywills1]

This great it's come just the right time about to make water kefir to serve in my cafe. Did you get I tested for safety? Public wise ?

[@Grigori7]

I've just started getting into fermented drinks myself. Except I have no kefir of my own, so I use ginger bug instead. I think it's been working pretty well so far.

[@michellehardacre8598]

Love a ginger bug soda!

[@Fohtman]

I'm not going to lie I don't fully understand what he is talking about. BUT I would love to try it!

[@ngnikko]

Cheap, homemade, easy and vital. to educate yourselves in total health process.

[@nohorasims656]

I use already made coconut keifer plain or plain full fat keifer as a starter. Also started using 100% organic full fat coconut yogurt as a starter to make homemade yogurt. Store bought is 5.00 for one serving you can change that into 20 servings, just add coconut milk to it put cheese cloth on glass co trainer and let sit 12 18 hours . Easy milk keifer only take 12 hours and is delicious from store bought plain full fat keifer.

[@jasminejohnson9884]

Awesome

[@susansayne1267]

Right on!

[@TempestasAurum]

As long as it taste good, I'll give it a try.

[@SpoiledToPerfection]

Loving your videos Kirsten! Will you be at the F2F festival? Come by the Bubbies Pickles Booth to meet the Spoiled To Perfection Cast!

[@TFrills]

I'm from sebastopol! :)

[@nick......]

I started to brew water kefir too... I found that uses of different kinds of sugars and different types of fruit lead to different tastes, not exactly apple juice becomes cider or apple soda, everything needs detailed experiments.

[@danasheart]

super!!!

[@climbers1376]

This is the coolest

[@lvanderb3]

So, that first container with the baby kefir grains and dried fruit - I see it gets tasted every 5 days - I'm just curious if it gets fed sugar daily. And this is where you source your grains for your first fermentation then?

[@didjesbydan]

Triple root beer...love it!

[@PearlSanborn]

Where do you buy it from?

[@katymclaughlan5658]

Where can I learn what you have learned? I am so moved by this.

[@AnnoyedDragon]

Honestly, all these people worried about sanitation. Obviously cleanliness is important, but one of the things that allows fermented preserves to work is because you're creating a hostile environment. You're encouraging the good microbes to out compete the bad microbes, so when contamination is introduced it's already facing a well populated environment of opposition. This is why people who ferment aren't worried about botulism, because they know it won't thrive in the environment they are creating. When you are being sterile you're killing the good along with the bad, which gives the bad a chance to gain a foothold. So rather than nuking everything, create an environment that encourages the beneficial microbes and they'll help keep the bad guys in check.

[@VirgilSafranek]

totally awesome!!

[@clare6320]

i logged in just to give you a thumb up

[@r.e.m2676]

Water kefir is okay when you first brew it, but the real flavor comes when you take the liquid form the grains and add fruit juice or whole fruit chunks and other flavors then put it in an air tight bottle. It's the best soda ever! My favorite is pineapple and jackfruit.

[@yoel307]

embarrassed to ask, but what is the name of the rubber plug with the gas release thing-ma-jig.

[@JT-rq7nt]

Airlock

[@fermentfreaks]

Good day! ☀️ thanks for this video My water kefir lately is viscous like gooey, and it ferments very slowly, it is 48 hours and it tastes very sweet, that happened the first time when I put baking soda to follow a recipe from someone and since that time it has been three batches like that, there is something I can do? At sight they look healthy and they bubble not sour Note: I add Lemon and raisins, I am making a large batch of 8 liters It smells kind of rotten not sour

[@alexandersavcenko2173]

This will help you and others out: 1. Give your Kefir a very good wash (just water) 2. Clean your glass and utensils (hot water and dish liquid, remove all excess dish liquid!!!) 3. Use 240g raw cane sugar and 240g raisins (both organic) + add 4 good tablepoons of molasse 4. Add 8 slices of lemon (organic) and squeeze 1 whole lemon (wash them thoroughly!) 5. Let it sit for 72 hours and repeat again from number 1. (!!!) Dont put it in direct sunlight, a little indirect sunlight is okay though 《-: After your second cycle, keep at least 800ml of your ferment (of your 3rd cycle) for your future cycles and leave the lemons out if you do so !!! (if you still insist on those 4 slices are more than enough) Your 3rd cycle can be 24-48 hours, 48 is better (at least at the beginning) because you are giving your crystals time to regenerate and to acclimate. And reduce the molasses to 2 tablespoons after your ~5th cycle, depends on how good your kefir is doing at this point. (and it should be doing great if you have fallowed this guide thoroughly!) NEVER ADD BAKING SODA :) Keep it as natural as possible ;) Reply this if you like and tell me how it went •_- ~ a fellow water kefir lover... edit: this is based on 8 litres of course :-]

[@aminiman74]

@@alexandersavcenko2173 tq

[@SelfDevelopmentNow]

i wonder do they deliver their sodas out of state?