Kefir Soda

(Made by Deanne at Sept 2011 Potluck)

General Recipe for Kefir soda starts here (you can get the grains from me)
http://www.cheeseslave.com/2009/06/05/how-to-make-homemade-soda-pop-with-kefir-grains/

Once the kefir is made, strain the grains and put aside with some of the kefir for your next brew.

Split a gallon jar of kefir in 2.

Make a gallon jar of Rooibus Tea* (this is herbal tea) and wait till it cools.

Mix Kefir and Rooibus Tea in equal amounts.

For Rooibus Apple Soda, add organic apple juice (to taste).

For Rooibus Berry Soda, add organic berry juice (to taste).

Cover with cloth and let sit for 3 days, till there are bubbles on top. Check for taste. If it seems too bitter, add honey, raw sugar, molasses or dried fruit. Leave to ferment an extra day.

When you like the taste and carbonation, bottle the soda and leave on kitchen table for 12 to 24 hours. Check carbonation (be careful taking off the cap.)
If you are happy with the carbonation, refrigerate till ready to serve.

Always be careful removing the cap as fermentation continues, albeit slowly, even in the refrigerator.



*A little about Rooibus Tea from Wikipedia:

Rooibos is becoming more popular in Western countries, particularly among health-conscious consumers, due to its high level of antioxidants such as aspalathin^[3] and nothofagin, its lack of caffeine, and its low tannin levels compared to fully oxidized black tea or unoxidized green tea leaves.^[4] Rooibos also contains a number of phenolic compounds, including flavanols, flavones, flavanones, and dihydrochalcones.^[5]

Rooibos is purported to assist with nervous tension, allergies and digestive problems.^[6]

Traditional medicinal uses of rooibos in South Africa include alleviating infantile colic, allergies, asthma and dermatological problems."