Beet kvass is a beet juice that originates from Eastern Europe and has a somewhat salty taste. It may take some getting used to, but beet juice is very healthy and this drink is good against thirst and helps with digestion and can lower your blood pressure.
You can easily make your own beetroot juice using a slow juicer, for example, but you can also easily make this kvass by letting it ferment for a few days.
Ingredients and what else do you need for this beetroot juice?
- 3 medium (organic) beetroots
- 2-3 teaspoons (sea) salt
- 1 liter water
- 1 jar or preserving jar of 1 liter
- possibly smaller bottles to fill
How to prepare beet kvass
- Wash the beets and peel them if necessary
- Cut them into cubes of about 1 – 1.5 cm. And put them in the pot
- Add the salt
- Pour the water into the pot until everything is under water.
- Place the lid of the jar loosely on top.
- Let everything ferment for at least 3 days at room temperature.
The longer the fermentation, the more sour the juice will be in taste. In warm weather, the fermentation will also go a bit faster.
After 3 days you can taste the juice and decide whether to wait longer or whether it is ready for consumption.
If you drink the kvass within 3 days, you can just leave it in the big bottle/jar.
If you want to drink it later, pour the kvass into sterile bottles, seal them tightly and store them in the refrigerator.
The juice can be kept for about a month.
The advice is to drink one shot glass per day.
The used beets can be saved and used to make kvass again.
You can use them up to 3 times.
What else can you use beet kvass for?
You can add a little bit of juice to a (dip) sauce for some extra color. Or to a soup.
Beet kvass variations
Variation 1: Add some ginger (1 cm root) and/or 1 tablespoon of honey. Put this in the pot first, together with the salt and pour some warm water on it and wait until everything is dissolved. Then add the beets and the water.
Variation 2: add 2 tsp coriander seeds (lightly roasted). Grind the seeds together with the salt if necessary. Put this in the sterile large pot, add 1 tbsp organic whole wheat rye flour and possibly the ginger and honey. Then add the beets and the water.
Some nutritional facts and trivia about beetroot
Minerals found in beets include calcium, potassium, iron, copper and sodium.
Beets have a strong cleansing effect. Therefore, it is a good idea to slowly increase the amount of beet juice you drink so that your system gets used to it. For example, you can start with half a glass a day and slowly build up to 1 glass.
Beets are known to help reduce the risk of heart disease and to support brain function.
Beets are even said to help stabilize your mood!
Beets, blood pressure and kidneys
Beetroot juice contains nitrates that are converted into nitrite in the body, which can lower blood pressure. Because high blood pressure can be taxing on the kidneys, lowering it can be beneficial. Nitrates can also increase oxygen efficiency in your body, which can contribute to better sports performance, for example.
As healthy as beetroot juice is, drinking too much can also have a negative effect. For example, beetroot juice contains oxalic acid, which can bind with calcium in the kidneys and form kidney stones. If you have a tendency to kidney stones or existing kidney problems, it is advisable to drink beetroot juice in moderation. And it is wise to consult your doctor or dietician.
Some people also suffer from gastrointestinal problems if they drink too much (concentrated) beetroot juice.
More fresh juices and smoothies
Down to make more juices and smoothies? Please take a look at my other blogs. On this page you see some other juices.
Or what about 19 ideas to give your water more flavor with a twist:
I also have a free e-book for you with 5 Healthy and Delicious Juices.
Your own home made healthy and tasty fruit and vegetable juices are a great start of the day.
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Hi, my name is Jolinda, and I work as a holistic health practitioner. I provide yoga and meditation classes and massage and Reiki treatments, mindfulness training and happiness coaching,.
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