Elderberry Kefir is a healthy healing probiotic drink packed with probiotics and the immune boosting vitamins of elderberries. Since it’s made with water kefir, it’s paleo and vegan, too!
First impressions.
I was first introduced to kefir while living in Russia. My roommate, a German cook, was trying to make herself drink it every day “because the Russians say it’s good for you.” No reason why it’s good for you, it just is. Come to find out, upon my entrance to the health-food realm, kefir actually is good for you! Thank you, babushki.
Russian kefir, and the majority of the world’s, is made from fermented milk. But thankfully for lactose-intolerant folks like myself, it can also be made from water and coconut milk. Ever since I started focusing on healing my gut through the GAPS Diet, I’ve been enjoying the many benefits of water kefir. It’s very easy to make at home and you can flavor it however you like, resulting in an easy, healthy soda alternative.
Probiotic goodness.
Kefir is made from fermenting sweetened milk or water with translucent little grains. Whether it’s made from milk or water, kefir is a delicious probiotic drink containing healthy bacteria and yeast that feed off the unhealthy bacteria and yeast in the digestive track. Thus helping things balance out internally.
Please note: Kefir grains are not actually grains. Kefir grains are actually little colonies of bacteria and yeast. Though water kefir is made with sugar, the end result doesn’t contain any, though the drink is naturally sweet.
Candida help.
Kefir offers more benefits than just killing un-beneficial yeast and balancing bacteria, though. Due to it’s unique makeup, kefir is actually said to help kill candida. It also contains high levels of vitamin B12, betacarotene, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin K2, biotin, folate, and enzymes.
Even though it can be made with either milk or water, the end results are said to be the same, though the exact amount of vitamins and minerals will vary based on the milk used and/or where you live.
Healthy cup of bubbly.
After fermenting, water kefir is usually sweet and slightly bubbly. Though I like water kefir plain, my family prefers to drink it after a second ferment with added fruits and/or spices. Not only does doing this add flavor, it can also add nutritional benefits, depending on the fruits used during the second ferment.
My husband’s current favorite flavor: elderberry.
Since moving to the south, I was delighted to find that I have two elderberry trees in my backyard. My very own backyard! Every forager/aspiring herbalist’s dream. Unfortunately, I have to fight the birds for them.
It’s worth the fight, though. 😉
A nutritious little berry.
Containing amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins A, B and huge amounts of vitamin C, elderberries have long been used for their anti-viral, antibacterial, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. Their bioflavonoids are even capable of destroying the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. Some studies have also found the antioxidant balance of elderberries to be greater than equal doses of vitamin E and vitamin C.
During cold and flu season (right around the corner… sigh), I like to do all I can to keep my family healthy by drowning them in giving them doses of my homemade elderberry syrup. It’s super easy to make, and tastes delightful – my kids love it.
Most uncooked berries from this genus are poisonous. But sambucus nigra (the variety of elderberry that is usually used for health benefits) is the only variety considered to be non-toxic even when raw. It’s still recommended that you cook the berries, though, as it enhances their taste and makes them more easily digested. For this drink I use dried elderberries, so if you use raw ones the finished product may have a more tart taste. 🙂
Elderberry kefir.
Like anything fermented, water kefir does contain a wee bit ‘o alcohol. But the alcoholic content is usually less than a percent, making it pretty impossible to get drunk off of. But – in my opinion – that makes it a great option for a romantic stay-at-home date for mom and dad. 😉
In the recipe card I’ve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks!
Probiotic Elderberry Water Kefir
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 qt. water kefir (learn how to make your own here)
- 1 T. dried elderberries (find them here)
Instructions
After the first ferment, pour kefir into a clean jar and add elderberries. Cover with an air-tight lid and set in a dark place to ferment again for at least 24 hours.
I like to use flip-top bottles (like these) for my ferments.
Refrigerate.
Resources:
Cultures for Health
Dr. Axe
Herb Wisdom
Mercola
Natural News
All l could think of when I saw your post title, was Monty Python’s “Holy Grail” — the scene where one accuses the other of having a father smelling of elderberries! I always wondered what an elderberry looked like, and now I’m wondering how that insult could have been very insulting, since I can imagine now how fragrant they must be in this kefir! What a beautiful recipe, Raia, and I wonderful new association for me with the elderberry! 😉
~jules
gfJules.com
Haha! Yeah, I’m not quite sure how that would be insulting. Elderberries are wonderful! Most of the things in that movie don’t make much sense, though. 😉 Thanks so much for stopping by, Jules!
I can’t say that I’ve had any kefir other than the type you can buy in the dairy aisle at the store. This looks crisp and refreshing! How does the flavor compare to a kombucha?
It’s sweeter and lighter than kombucha. I like them both, but I would definitely prefer to drink water kefir if I had the choice. 🙂
Totally intrigued by water kefir! If it really helps with digestion, then I NEED it!
I love it, Rebecca! Some days I’ll feel off and I’ll crave it, and I know my body is telling me that it needs the probiotic boost. 🙂
What a great idea for elderberries! We have some elderberry bushes on our property too. I have made a syrup and also a tonic, but haven’t fermented them yet. Will have to try that next.
Your photos are so beautiful!
xx
Thanks so much, Andrea! It’s my favorite way to use them, though I do love the syrup, too. 🙂
Easy enough! I really should try this…soon. 🙂
You totally should, Barbara! 🙂
I am just starting to pick this years abundant crop of elderberries and can’t wait to try this. Thank you for sharing at the Recipe Swap.
I hope you enjoy it, Kathy! Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
Hi Raia,
I read so much about Kefir and have thought of trying to make it, but I have never heard of Elderberry Kefir. Sounds great thought. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
Glad to share, Marla! You definitely should try it. 🙂
I am excited about this! With the kids back in school next week, I have a hope of actually making it…and getting a few things done for once!! Yahoo! Featuring your recipe this week!
Thanks so much, Tessa! I hope you enjoy it! It’s currently my absolute favorite drink. 😉
Hi Raia,
Just a note to let you know that I have chosen your post as one of my features for this weeks Real Food Fridays that goes live every Thursday @ 7pm EST. Thanks for being part of Real Food Fridays and helping to make the world a little healthier.
Thank you SO much, Marla! 🙂
This kefir definitely sounds like a great way to combine the probiotics of kefir with the vitamins of elderberries. I’ll definitely keep it in mind this winter! Thanks for stopping by and sharing this recipe with us – you’re featured this week on Five Friday Finds! I’m looking forward to checking out your recipe this week. 🙂
Thanks so much, CJ! 🙂
CJ, I think the fermentation process also adds that bit of magic that supercharges [makes more bio-available for our digestion!] all the fantastically medicinal nutrients in elderberries in their un-fermented state. I know I’ve read that about turmeric and ginger.
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing on FTAF!
Thanks, Ashley! Glad to share. 🙂
Raia, I’m sure you know that ‘fermentation’ is the chemical reaction that changes sugars to lactic acid. In dairy milk that sugar is LACTOSE. By the time kefir is second-fermented very little lactose remains and all the good micro-organisms also help people who are not extremely lactose-intolerant to digest milk kefer, in moderate amounts, without symptoms at all.
I have heard that some people can digest milk kefir – I wish I were one of them! Sadly, I cannot digest any form of any type of dairy. My children love milk kefir, though!
Absolutely love this! Can’t wait to try 🙂
I hope you enjoy it, Susannah! It’s one of my favorite flavors!
I am just starting to use water kefir and was wondering can you use the elderberry syrup and how much in a quart? How much of the Kefir can you drink a day for good probiotics health? Sorry for so many?s
If you’re using elderberry syrup, I would probably put about 2-3 tablespoons in my second ferment of water kefir. I usually drink about 1-2 cups of water kefir a day. 🙂