What is water kefir?

Water kefir is also known around the world as tibicos, Japanese water crystals, and California bees.  Despite being called a grain, water kefir is actually a marriage of healthy bacteria and yeasts that form a jelly-like substance, known as a polysaccharide biofilm matrix.   When fed the right mixture of water, sugars and minerals, this living system begins to ferment and produce lactic acid bacteria, a very small amount of ethanol and carbon dioxide. Each ferment is slightly different and starts with a unique Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeasts; also known as SCOBY or the ‘mother’. 

The water kefir ferment results in a vegan, low-sugar, dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free drink full of gut-healing probiotics and enzymes that are scientifically proven to be effective at enhancing and optimizing your internal flora.   Water kefir also has high levels of phosphorous, magnesium, amino acids, calcium, vitamin K and surprisingly vitamin B12.  This is great news for vegans, as B12 is primarily found only in red meat, fish and dairy. 

Because water kefir has less enzymes and a greater number of bacteria strains than say  kombucha, it is less detoxing, yet more beneficial to populating your gut flora. Making water kefir a powerhouse probiotic drink yet gentle on your digestion all at the same time.

Some say water kefir originated in Mexico others in Tibet. No matter where these grains hail from they are revered worldwide as a crucial part of a healthy daily regime for the entire family,