Active time: 10 minutes Total time: 1 day + 2 hours
Water kefir is a probiotic beverage made with water kefir grains, which are a symbiotic mix of beneficial bacteria and yeast. Water kefir grains are available via mail order and require a simple activation step before they can be used to make homemade water kefir. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to “wake up” the grains. Once activated, water kefir grains can be used to make homemade probiotic drinks, from this simple single fermented kefir water to effervescent double-fermented sodas.
In this recipe, we use homemade, electrolyte-packed coconut water to make a single-fermented kefir water, frozen mango and turmeric smoothie for a sunny, tropical start to your day.
Coconut Water Kefir and Mango Smoothies
Ingredients
- 2 cups (10 ounces/283g) diced mango
- 1/4 cup (49g) sugar
- 4 cups (946ml) coconut water, room temperature (68–85°F/20–30ºC), (Kevita bottled Coconut Mango Kefir Water)
- 1/4 cup (44g) activated water kefir grains
- 1/2 cup (118ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
Directions
Freeze the mango in an airtight container until frozen solid, at least 24 hours.
Combine the sugar and 1/4 cup (59ml) boiling water and stir to dissolve. Pour into a clean glass jar or plastic container. Add the coconut water and stir to combine. Add the activated kefir grains, cover jar or container with cheesecloth or a thin towel and secure with a rubber band. Set aside at room temperature until tangy and slightly effervescent, 24–72 hours depending on the ambient temperature.
Strain out the kefir grains through a plastic or stainless steel strainer and reserve for another batch. Pour the kefir water into a blender. Add the frozen mango, orange juice, turmeric and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups/355ml
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 126; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 19mg; Carbohydrate: 31g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 28g; Protein: 1g
