How to Make Beet Kvass [Homemade Recipe] - My Fermented Foods (2024)

Published September 19, 2019 By Gigi Mitts 2 Comments

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How to Make Beet Kvass [Homemade Recipe] - My Fermented Foods (1)

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Have you ever tried making beet kvass at home? The earthy, sour, salty, and sweet taste of this lacto-fermented healthy beverage is full of probiotics. What is more interesting is it’s ridiculously affordable and easy to brew it right on your kitchen. If you are eager to find out how to make Beet Kvass, read on to find all you need to know about it.

What is beet kvass?

Kvass made from beetroot is called beet kvass. In ancient times, people in Russia drank kvass, a traditionally made fermented tonic from rye bread or sourdough known for its numerous health properties.

The word ‘Kvass’ in Russian means “sour beverage”. Even today, it is the drink of choice of health enthusiasts on the street corners of Ukraine and Russia. Although kvass is more of a grain-based beverage, it can also be made from fruits and vegetables, with beetroot being the most popular choice.

Beet kvass benefits

Beetroot is one of the most nutritious kvass bases. Beets are a powerhouse of nutrition and a range of benefits as given below:

  • Beets Kvass possesses phytonutrients that are known for their cancer-fighting potential. Phytonutrients like sulforaphane in beetroot may raise the levels of certain enzymes in the body. These enzymes play a key role in inhibiting disease processes.
  • Being rich in probiotic properties, Beet kvass may support digestion and reduce constipation, indigestion, and bloating.
  • Beets Kvass may also prevent tumor growth. It may be effective against the cancers of breasts, pancreas, and prostate.
  • Beetroot is the best resource for detoxifying blood. Beets have the ability to bind to toxins in the body and support their elimination. It can help in the cleansing of the liver and purifying the blood.
  • Beet kvass has naturally occurring nitrates that are converted to form nitric oxide. Nitric oxide, in turn, helps to dilate the blood vessels thereby improving blood flow to the vital organs and controlling blood pressure. This property of beet kvass could be beneficial for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Finally, beet kvass may also help to reduce inflammation. It contains betaine, a nutrient that protects body cells, proteins, and enzymes from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This helps to keep inflammation under control and protects the healthy tissues, including the vascular system.
How to Make Beet Kvass [Homemade Recipe] - My Fermented Foods (2)

Potential side effects

Beet Kvass is a virtual treasure of nutritional goodness. The only downfall of this healthy beverage is its sugar content. Beetroot contains a higher amount of sugars compared to other veggies. Hence, it is best to limit the consumption of beet kvass to not more than three servings per week, especially if you are diabetic.

How to make beet kvass

Beet kvass can be made simply with just beetroot, salt, and water. Depending on the ingredients, the surrounding environment, and the taste you prefer, the fermentation process can take about a couple of days to a week.

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How to Make Beet Kvass [Homemade Recipe] - My Fermented Foods (3)

Beet Kvass Recipe

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  • Author: Gigi Mitts
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
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Description

You can drink this Beet Kvass straight-up as your daily health tonic or use it for cooking as a replacement for vinegar. It can also work as a great option for soups and salad dressings.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 ounces of beets, cut into cubes
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons of sea salt
  • Optional flavorings: lemon, ginger, orange, and spices

Instructions

  1. Scrub the beetroots and trim their nails and tops. But leave the skin intact.
  2. Cut the beets into cubes of 1/2-inch sizes. You do not have to cut them into precise sizes or shapes. Just give them enough surface area so that they can ferment faster. However, do not chop or grate the beets finely as it may cause them to ferment very rapidly resulting in alcohol production.
  3. Place the cubed beets in a clean jar.
  4. Add salt and flavorings such as ginger, orange, lemon, or spices.
  5. Add water just enough to cover the beets leaving a headspace of at least 1-inch at the top of the jar.
  6. Then, cover the jar tightly and let it stand at room temperature. You will see bubbles appearing inside the jar and the brine seeping out of the lid. Then, place a plate or bowl under the jar to catch the overflow, if any.
  7. Open the jar once daily to let some gas produced during fermentation to escape. Taste the liquid to check if the fermentation is adequate. If any scum or mold has formed at the top, skim it off.
  8. When you feel the taste is strong enough for your preferences, strain out the beet and transfer the liquid kvass to a container.
  9. You can drink it right away or store it in the refrigerator. It stays good for at least a month.

Notes

To make another batch of beet kvass, leave a small amount of brine and beets in the jar. Add a teaspoon of salt and fill with water. Follow the same process discussed earlier in the recipe until it has fermented well. You can make the next batch in a similar way until the taste of beet kvass seems too weak

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Fermented drink
  • Method: Fermentation
  • Cuisine: Russian

Where to buy beet kvass

If you are pressed for time, you can buy Beet Kvass online.

Beet Kvass by Oregon Brineworks

How to Make Beet Kvass [Homemade Recipe] - My Fermented Foods (4)

OREGON BRINEWORKS Organic Beet Kvass, 12 FZ

  • Traditional, Savory Beet Kvass. 6 Bottles included (12 fl oz each)
  • Delicious. Certified organic by Oregon Tilth.
  • Billions of Probiotics per Bottle
  • Refrigerate Upon Arrival
  • Raw & Fermented

Beet kvass from Oregon Brineworks is an organic, fermented, raw, probiotic-rich beverage. It is prepared in a traditional manner to ensure the flavors of Beet Kvass are preserved. The taste is simply delicious and the nutritional content is awesome.

Each serving of this beet kvass contains just 25 calories, of which a very small amount comes from carbs and nothing from fats. This is what makes it one of the best choices of beet kvass for you to try when you are short of time to prepare it at home.

Conclusion

Beet kvass might be an acquired taste for most. However, those who love it praise its energizing effects and health properties enthusiastically. Like most other lacto-fermented, probiotic foods, beet kvass may promote digestion and aid intestinal health. With so many benefits, ease of preparation, and unique taste, Beet Kvass is definitely worth a try!

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How to Make Beet Kvass [Homemade Recipe] - My Fermented Foods (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take for kvass to ferment? ›

Ferment for around 8 to 12 hours, until you see some bubbling going on, then strain the liquid into a bottle or into recycled soda bottles if you want carbonation. Check the pressure and place the bottles in the refrigerator when ready. Drink within a couple of weeks.

Can you eat the beets after making kvass? ›

We like to brighten the flavor with a few slices of ginger, and a squeeze of lemon or a sprig of mint are nice additions too. Once the mixture has fermented for anywhere from 3-14 days, you can remove the beets and eat them in salads, but the liquid that is left behind is the real treasure.

What probiotics are in beet kvass? ›

Organic Bio-Beet Kvass has been tested Lab tested positive for seven strains of hardy probiotics that will survive the journey through your digestive system:
  • Lactobacillus Plantarum.
  • Lactobacillus Brevis.
  • Lactobacillus Buchneri.
  • Lactobacillus Paracasei.
  • Lactococcus Lactis.
  • Pediococcus Pentosaccus.
  • Leuconostoc Mesenteroides.

How much fermented beet juice per day? ›

Start with a tablespoon and build it up slowly to a cup or more a day. If you only take one probiotic drink then make sure it is beet kvass.

How do you know when kvass is ready? ›

And as every chef knows, the best way to test something is to taste it. Kvass can take anywhere between 2-7 days before it's fermented to perfection, so try tasting a little after the second day. What you're looking for is that perfect balance of sweet and sour, with a hint of carbonation.

How much beet kvass should I drink a day? ›

Most of the Kvas is liquid and can be taken by tea or table spoonfuls or added to soups or smoothies. Start with small amounts and slowly increase your intake until you can drink 1/4 to 1/2 glass of Kvas a day.

Why does my stomach hurt after drinking beet juice? ›

This is because the fructose FODMAPs found in beets may not be properly absorbed as gut bacteria ferments the sugars. This can lead to cramps, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, or gas and fluid in the bowel.

How long does beet kvass last in the refrigerator? ›

How long will my product last in the refrigerator? Keep our sauerkraut in the fridge for 6-9 months and our kvass for 6-8 weeks.

How long does beetroot stay in your gut? ›

In a normally functioning gut it would take anything from 12 hours to 24 hours for the beetroot to re-appear in the stool. You will recognise the beetroot from the colour of your stool it usually turns dark purple. You will need some beetroot usually cooked the size of your fist or about 3/4 cup worth.

Can I drink kvass everyday? ›

Only a small amount daily is required to promote an overall feeling of improved health. Beginning your day with BEET KVASS is wonderful for many reasons; remineralizes our system after sleep, alkalises our blood & seeds our 'Gut Garden' with probiotics.

Are beets good for gut bacteria? ›

Beets are high in fiber and promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Having plenty of healthy bacteria in your digestive system helps fight disease and boost your immune system. Fiber also improves digestion and reduces the risk of constipation.

Does beet kvass have electrolytes? ›

The enzymes on this drink are fantastic help for our gut health and the overall wellbeing of our bodies. Our Kvass is also full of electrolytes, which are very important to replenish fluids as we lose them on our day-to-day activities.

Can you overdo beet juice? ›

Beware of kidney stones

If you are prone to kidney stones, it's best to avoid drinking large amounts of beetroot juice. Beetroot contains oxalic acid, which, in combination with calcium, can lead to the formation of kidney stones. This also weakens the kidneys in the long run.

Is 2 cups of beet juice a day too much? ›

Two cups of beetroot juice daily are recommended to achieve nitrate levels beneficial for cardiovascular health.

How many days a week should you drink beet juice? ›

Beet is linked to the improvement of a variety of conditions, especially for anemia. While there are no official guidelines on recommended daily intake, a cup of beet juice a day is typically harmless. According to a study, daily intake of 8.4 ounces of juice lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

How quickly does fermentation start? ›

Fun fact, legally wort becomes beer the moment yeast is added to it, so no minors past this point…. You should start to observe signs of fermentation within 48 hours of pitching your yeast. If you plan to add any yeast nutrients, you'll want to add those to the primary fermentation.

How long does it take for fermentation to finish? ›

Here's a chart with all of the guidelines we've covered here:
AleLager
Amber2-3 weeks secondary3-4 months secondary
Dark1 week primary2-3 months primary
3-4 weeks secondary9 months secondary
High Alcohol2 weeks primary2-3 months primary
4 more rows
Oct 25, 2019

How many hours does fermentation take? ›

To maximize the correct flavor compounds, it is helpful to know how yeast ferments beer. Ale fermentation of brewer's wort follows three phases: lag phase for three to 15 hours, exponential growth phase for one to four days, and stationary phase of yeast growth for three to 10 days.

How long does fermentation usually take? ›

That being said, a general guideline is usually 2-3 weeks for primary fermentation followed by several weeks or even months of cold conditioning/lagering in a secondary vessel. The whole process takes about 2-3 months, depending on the style. This article dives into more details on lager fermentation.

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