Yerba Mate Probiotic Overview

Yerba Mate water kefir is a probiotic beverage made with water kefir grains. These Kefir Grains need some type of sugar (glucose) to survive and multiply. Typically, the grains will be added to spring water and then sugar is added. black strap molasses, sugar and fruit are all viable options. I usually use a combination of fruit and sugar and have found that this produces the best carbonation. If you use sugar, please use organic.

Furthermore, water kefir grains are a combination of bacteria and yeast which exists in a symbiotic relationship. However, don’t be fooled by the name. These “grains” contain no wheat or gluten. The word “grain” is used solely to describe the look of the culture.

Now, you may be asking, “What can water kefir do for me?” And the answer is simple, A LOT! Water kefir is great for gut health as it contains numerous amounts of probiotics. As a result, this will improve digestion and symptoms that typical accompany poor gut health.

Eco Tea Yerba Mate Unsmoked Loose Tea 1 LB

Bacteria (good) and Wild Yeast (good) In Yerba Mate Probiotic

Species Lactobacillus:
L. brevis
L. casei
L. hilgardii
L. hordei
L. nagelii

Species Leuconostoc:
L. citreum
L. mesenteroides
Species Acetobacter
A. fabarum
A. orientalis
Species Streptococcus
S. lactis

Yeasts:

Hanseniaospora valbyensis
Lachancea fermentati
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Zygotorulaspora florentina

Vitamins And Minerals

An important note to remember; no one water kefir batch will be the same. Water kefir adjusts to the environment it’s in. For example, someone growing water kefir in California will have a totally different end product as someone growing water kefir in New Hampshire. Essentially, the water kefir catches the wild yeasts that are in its environment and these yeasts are then part of the end product. As a result, when you drink this probiotic drink it helps you become more adapted and more grounded to your surrounding environment.

In addition to the beneficial yeast and bacteria found in water kefir, it also contains essential amino acids and minerals. Kefir is rich in Vitamin B12, B1, and Vitamin K. It’s also an excellent source of the B Vitamin biotin. Biotin aids in the body’s assimilation of other B Vitamins, such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, and B12. Maintaining adequate levels of B Vitamins is essential. Poor liver function, kidney problems, nervous disorders, skin disorders and fatigue problems can be prevented by maintaining adequate levels of B vitamins.

As far as the origin of these grains, the source is still unknown. I have searched countless articles and websites but none can confidently confirm its origin.  Consequently, I look at it as a gift.

The Ingredients

Finally, on to the recipe. Here is what you will need:
1)  2 cups of organic sugar
2)  organic fruit of your choice (I chose pineapple)
3)  Water Kefir grains (2 tablespoons)
4)  spring water (1 to 2 cups)
5)  Yerba mate (Eco Tea Yerba Mate Loose Tea Unsmoked 1 LB)
6)  1 GLASS mason jar
7)  Strainer

The Steps

STEP 1:
Bring the two cups of spring water to a boil and then shut burner off. Next, add the Yerba mate tea bag or loose tea to the water and let it steep for several minutes. Allow the water to cool for 30 minutes with the tea bag remaining in the water during this time.

Step 2:
At this point, your tea infused water should be cool. Go ahead and add your water kefir grains to an empty glass mason jar. Next, pour your tea infused water over the grains. Next, add your sugar and fruit to the water.

Step 3:
Cover your mason jar with a paper towel and elastic. DO NOT SEAL WITH COVER! IT WILL EXPLODE. Put the Mason jar in a room temperature place. I prefer the cabinet or oven. Depending on your grain strength, you typical have to wait anywhere between 48-72 hours for the product to be finished.

Step 4:
After 48-72 hours, remove fruit from water (you can eat this fruit) and make sure no grains are attached. Finally, pour water through strainer. Your strained product is now ready to drink! Go ahead and re-add the kefir grains to an empty glass mason jar and repeat steps 1-3.

 

SOURCES:
www.ufrb.edu.br/kefirdoreconcavo/images/
A_diversidade_microbiana_do_kefir_de_água.pdf
http://www.culturesforhealth.com/water-kefir-frequently-asked-questions-faq

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