Made water kefir for the first time

[guestmama9916]

I used 100% organic grape juice, evaporated cane sugar and a slice of organic lemon without the peel. I let it brew for 24 hrs since it was still too sweet at 12 hrs. I want to give some to my DS but I'm worried about the alcohol content. How would I know if I made it too strong? It tastes like grape juice to me with a little bit of fizz.

What other fruits/fruit juices could I use with my water kefir grains without killing them?

Between brews, do I just keep my water kefir grains at room temp in sugar water?

TIA

Kim

[Gale Force]

On the alcohol content, I would just go by taste. If it doesn't taste alcholic I wouldn't worry about it.

If you are going a long time between batches, I'd put the grains in sugar water in the fridge.

I use all kinds of juices and herbs for my brews, but I do a two-step process: grains in sugar water first, then strain and add juice or mushed fruit to the sugar water.

[guestmama9916]

Thanks Gale Force! I gave some to my DS last night and he loved it! He even finished off my glass when I wasn't looking.

[BetsyNY]

So it's OK to use sugar if you let it ferment? I'm new to all this and making a trip to get my kefir grains on Friday. :

[guestmama9916]

Originally Posted by BetsyNY

So it's OK to use sugar if you let it ferment? I'm new to all this and making a trip to get my kefir grains on Friday. :

What kind of grains are you getting? If you are getting water grains then the recipe calls for sugar - evaporated cane juice or rapadura is best. I got a recipe from the nice lady that sent me my water kefir grains and I also found this document on line.

Kim