Water Kefir: My first try

For a year or two now, I have been considering making water kefir. Especially in the summertime, when it seems a lighter probiotic beverage is called for(rather than a milk-based one).   And I want to keep my probiotic intake up as I try to get my immune system and gut back to healthy status, so adding another option sounds good (especially since I can flavor the water kefir!).

I got some water kefir grains from an online friend and finally got around to doing something with them the other day. I am using Cultures for Health as my source of instructions.

I dissolved 1/2 cup of Turbinado sugar in some hot water on the stove, let it cool, then put the sugar water and the water kefir grains in a 2 quart jar and filled with water to about 2 inches from the top. I covered it with a cloth and rubber band to keep ants out (of which we have some in this old farm house these days...). I'm letting it sit 48 hours and then will test it to see how it is. I may let it sit another day, but no longer, as the instructions I have say not to let it sit out longer than 72 hours before feeding it again.

So, here it is on my counter, sitting pretty. I'll report in a few days as to how it is! :)