This Beet Kvass is a delicious Ukrainian probiotic drink. It is made simply with beets, sea salt and water. Beet Kvass contains healthy probiotics and can help boost immunity. This probiotic drink tastes slightly sweet, yet salty and tangy at the same time. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare but you will need to allow 2 weeks for fermentation. When making this, use filtered water as tap water may inhibit fermentation due to the chlorine and do not use iodized salt as this will inhibit fermentation too.
To make this, simply dice or slice beets and add them to a large jar. Add any optional extras you like and top up with brine. Leave to ferment for 2 weeks or longer if you prefer a stronger kvass. Refrigerate and strain when you wish to drink.
To make this version of Beet Kvass, you will need the following ingredients:
Dice or slice, two organic beets with the skin on. Do not peel as the bacteria in the skin aids the fermentation process.
Place the diced beets in a sterilized 4 cup jar. Add any of the optional extras you like.
Mix 3 cups of filtered water with 1 heaping tablespoon of himalayan or sea salt. Pour this brine into the beets, leaving an inch of headroom at the top.
Cover the jar with a loose fitting lid and place in a bowl or baking dish (to catch any drips). Place in a cool, dark, dry place.
Check the mixture every 3-4 days until after around 2 weeks you will notice some slight bubbling when you tap the jar. To get the beet kvass to become even more bubbly and effervescent, tighten the lid, burping daily (or twice a day) for a few days. Leave for two weeks longer if you like a stronger, tangier flavor.
You can place the kvass in the refrigerator once you are happy with it. Strain if you like or you can leave the beets in like I do. If you notice any white foam appearing on top, don’t worry - it is harmless. Simply skim it off with a spoon and discard.
To use, strain the kvass into a cup and drink a few ounces daily.
This Beet Kvass is a delicious probiotic drink which is popular in Ukraine. Try it out this winter and leave a comment to tell me what you think.
Dairy-Free Recipes
Gluten Free Recipes
Low Cholesterol Recipes
Vegan Recipes
Vegetarian Recipes
