Every culture around the world has their own fermented foods that they regularly consumed for good health. My ancestors from Ukraine understood the many restorative properties of beet kvass. This lacto-fermented, probiotic rich tonic is made from beets. This is one of my probiotic staples that I don’t like to be without.
Many of the benefits include:
1. Better bowel function
2. Liver cleansing
3. Protects against infectious disease
4. Provides an abundant source of vitamins, minerals and enzymes
5. Aids in digestion
6. In Europe it is used as a cancer therapy.
7. Maintains a healthy gut flora.
8. Alkalizes the blood
9. A good treatment for kidney stones
My Easy Recipe
- Chop your beets into 1/2 inch cubes. Do not shred as this will cause the beets to ferment too fast and the result might produce alcohol instead of lactic acid. I use a large 2 liter jar but you can use any size. I fill the jar 1/3 with beets.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
- 2 probiotic capsules
- Filtered water
Place everything in the jar and fill with water. We leave about 1.5 inches of air space in the jar. Stir everything together and then add the probiotics last. Give one last gentle stir. Cover and let sit on your counter for 48 hours. We prefer this recipe with the probiotic capsules because it reduces the fermentation time. Many recipes call for whey but we stopped using all dairy and no longer make kefir. We also make our sauerkraut with the probiotic capsules. Once you have some kvass you can just use 1/2 cup to innoculate your next batch.
Some people will empty the kvass and refill with water for a second batch. This will work but the second batch will not be as strong. I like to think that I am worth a fresh round of beets with every batch. Smiles
I can attest to the amazing health benefits of beet kvass. I have experienced the bowel cleansing benefits as well as a major increase in energy. I enjoy walking several miles per day and find my pace and distance has greatly increased since the addition of kvass. I cannot handle any type of fermented dairy due to a casein intolerance. So this has been such a blessing to find an easy, inexpensive probiotic food.
Helped with Anemia
Another benefit is the blood alkalizing and nutrient density of kvass. Since I have struggled with babesia (malaria like protozoan) and anemia I feel that kvass is an excellent maintenance and support for the blood as beets are high in vitamin c, iron and copper. The body needs all three to build new blood.
“Beets are unique in their rich combination of betalain pigments. Both betacyanins (red-violet pigments) and betaxanthins (yellow pigments) can be found in beets. Betanin and vulgaxanthin are betalains that have gotten special attention in beet research. Beets are also an excellent source of folate and a very good source of manganese, potassium, and copper. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin B6”.
Nutritional information from World’s Healthiest Foods.
I raise my glass of beet kvass and say – To your health! Na zdorov’ya!
Best of Health!
Cant wait to make this!!
Start with just a few ounces morning and night. Let me know how you do.
Going to make this. Thanks for the recipie. After 48 Hours, Do you store in fridge? Do you take probiotic out of the capsule ?
Yes drain it off and store in the fridge. Yes empty the capsules of probiotic into the mixture and stir gently.
Looks delicious, Brenda!
How was your experience taking this with candida? Impact of starch in beet and carrot, how could candida respond to this starch?
The beet kvass doesn’t contain any added sugar. It really isn’t sweet but tastes a bit salty and earthy. I have no problems at all with the kvass or the carrots in my daily green smoothie. Candida is not causing any problems for me as long as I stay off of the sugar and simple carbohydrates.
I made this and it gave me upset my stomach and gave me loose stools. Is is possible I took too much (I only took 3 ounces). Maybe die off?
Yes you probably need to start with much less. The introduction of probiotic foods takes a little time. Try 1 or 2 ounces per day and work up.
Brenda …
So, you leave this at ROOM TEMP for the 48 hours? And then, how long can this be kept safely in the fridge?
Also, I was just curious if you ever incorporated glandulars for adrenal support? OR supplements like NT Factor & D-ribose for energy? If not is this bc the wahls protocol negates the need?
THANKS SOOO MUCH for answering all my questions here on your blog … I’m prob reaching my limit!!!
Yes it needs to ferment at room temperature for 48 hours. I drink it fairly fast but have used it after a week and it was fine.
Yes I still take an adrenal glandular as per my hair test recommendations.
I am happy to answer all of your questions!
Hi Brenda! I just finished fermenting my first batch and tasted it. 🙂 Should the kvass look fermented – with tiny air bubbles rising from the bottom to the top? One of my jars did this while the second one did not (but then I think I forgot to add the salt to that jar).
Side question – Were you able to eat brown (white) potatoes while treating Lyme/Candida on the Wahl’s protocol? Were you able to eat fruit?
I’m just trying to figure out how strict I need to be with carbs while trying to kick Candida.
Thank you so much for answering all of our questions! You are such a blessing!!!
Faith
Hi Faith- Yes the kvass will have tiny bubbles rising. This is good as the probiotics are alive. The amount of bubbles depends on room temperature. In Mexico it ferments very quickly as it is so much warmer here.
I really avoided rice and potatoes the first year of Wahls Paleo. I eat a little of these now as I am in remission. The only fruit I ate was in my daily green smoothie. I prefer pineapple and papaya for the bromelain and papain. I kept my carbs between 60 – 100 grams per day. It is a good idea to track your food until you learn which foods are just too carby.
Thank you for this wonderful blood clenaser, Brenda!
I have just made my third batch and I am really into it. I have hated beets my whole life, but now I love them, so surreal! Right now I am taking 1 dl twice daily, but I wonder what is a recommended maximum dosage.
Marketa – I’m glad you are enjoying the kvass. I usually drink about 4-6 oz twice per day. I don’t think there is a maximum but it might cause too much die-off if it is taken too much too fast.
Just play around with what works for you.
I made this! It turned out great. I can tell it’s working already. Thanks so much.
-Blessings to you!!!
Hi Brenda,
Should the liquid turn thick?
Thank you
No it does not get thick.
Thank you, Brenda, for all of your information! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. I realize there’s so much more I can do for myself by being proactive to cure my lyme.
My question is with the water. I drink distilled water to completely eliminate the chlorine and fluoride due to osteopena. However I add mineral drops, ConcenTrace Mineral Drops, to my drinking water. Would the kvass work with the plain distilled water?
Thank you,
Trish
Hi Trish – It should work with the distilled water. Might be a good idea to add the mineral drops to it as well. That’s what I would do anyway.
Blessings!