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How to Make Beet Kvass

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How to Make Beet Kvass and why
Wellness Mama » Blog » Recipes » Drink Recipes » How to Make Beet Kvass

I must admit that when I first got the book Nourishing Traditions, beet kvass was one of the recipes that I glazed over and didn’t plan on making. I wasn’t a huge fan of beets then (no worries: I have since discovered this delicious roasted beet salad), and I didn’t even know what kvass was, so I steered clear of it.

When I finally tried kvass, the taste wasn’t as bad as I expected and the health benefits were more than I expected. I’m a big fan of fermented foods like sauerkraut and fermented drinks like kombucha and water kefir. Beet kvass is a nice mix of the two …

Kvass is salty and earthy tasting and after a day or two adjustment, I found that I really like it and my body is now craving it.

What is Kvass?

Kvass is a traditional eastern European beverage that was originally made from fermenting stale bread.

It is also recognized that kvass is safer to drink than water. Tolstoy describes how Russian soldiers took a ladle full of kvass before venturing from their barracks onto the Moscow streets during a cholera epidemic. Because kvass protects against infectious disease, there is no worry about sharing the glass.

Kvass can also be made from beets. The result is not so much epicurean as medicinal, although beet kvass is often added to borscht. No traditional Ukranian home was without its bottle of beet kvass, according to Lubow A. Kylvska, author of Ukranian Dishes, “handy and ready when a pleasing, sour flavor had to be added to soups and vinaigrettes.

Folk medicine values beets and beet kvass for their liver cleansing properties and beet kvass is widely used in cancer therapy in Europe. Anecdotal reports indicate that beet kvass is an excellent therapy for chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivities, allergies, and digestive problems.”

Nourishing Traditions explains that beet kvass is:

valuable for its medicinal qualities and as a digestive aid. Beets are loaded with nutrients. One glass morning and night is an excellent blood tonic, promotes regularity, aids digestion, alkalizes the blood, cleanses the liver and is a good treatment for kidney stones and other ailments.

My kids love kvass because of the color and it makes a beautiful addition to salad dressings, sauces, or soups because of its bright hue.

Homemade Beet Kvass Recipe

I’ve found it easiest to make kvass with whey (here is how to make whey at home — not the same as protein powder!) or the juice from sauerkraut, but it can be made with just sea salt, though it may take a little longer.

How to Make Beet Kvass and why

Beet Kvass Recipe

An inexpensive health tonic of fermented beet juice that is a healthy, salty, and earthy health booster!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Fermenting Time 2 days
Total Time 5 minutes
Calories 4kcal
Author Katie Wells

Servings

20

Ingredients

  • 2-4 beets
  • ¼ cup whey (or juice from sauerkraut)
  • 1 TBSP  sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
  • filtered water

Instructions

  • Wash the beets and peel if not organic or leave skin on if organic
  • Chop the beets in to small cubes, but don't grate.
  • Place the beets in the bottom of a half gallon glass jar.
  • Add the whey/sauerkraut juice and salt. If you don't want to use whey or sauerkraut juice, you can double the salt instead, though it may take longer to ferment.
  • Fill the jar the rest of the way with filtered water.
  • Cover with a towel or cheesecloth and leave on the counter at room temperature for 2 days to ferment.
  • Transfer to refrigerator and consume as desired. I drink 3-4 ounces each morning and night.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Beet Kvass Recipe
Amount Per Serving (3 ounces)
Calories 4 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 293mg13%
Potassium 27mg1%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 3IU0%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 1mg0%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

This recipe will make approximately 8 cups.

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Have you ever made beet kvass? What did you think of it?

Beet Kvass is a traditional drink that contains probiotics and enzymes. It is said to purify the blood, boost energy and improve liver function.

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

257 responses to “How to Make Beet Kvass”

  1. Elizabeth Avatar

    Hi I just wanted to answer a few questions that I’ve seen posted. Please note, these answers are based on about 10 other blogs with comments I’ve read researching this.
    Add more salt if you don’t want to use whey, about 1 1/2 – 2 tbs.
    Some people put a tight lid on others don’t. A lady from the Ukraine who’s family had made this since….a long time, said they just cover with cheese cloth and rubber bands.
    It is normal for it to be fizzy. I haven’t figured out if that’s from when there is a tight lid versus lose.
    Mold on the top is normal. Just scrap it off with a spoon. it’s part of the process.
    You can use any type of beets.
    If you use whey the fermenting process is shorter, if only using salt it’s about 10-14 days.
    I hope this helps and I can’t wait to try mine.

    1. Taylor Avatar

      3 stars
      Its fizzy because the bacteria is eating the sugar and releasing carbon dioxide. Similar to beer and Kombucha. If it is fizzy then there is a lot of sugar that has been eaten. Maybe from a tight lid or a membrane unable to release the CO2. Its the process of fermentation. If there is no fiz then either the yeast or good bacteria is done eating or was killed by contaminants.

  2. Rana Avatar

    Is it OK if I used too much whey and a little too much salt? I used 4 medium sized beets, a half gallon jar, 1 1/4 tablespoons of sea salt, and 1/2 cup of whey instead of 1/4. I hope it still works, I’m so bummed out that I’ve been waiting to make this all week and I accidentally put twice as much whey as directed! Thanks in advance for your reply.

  3. Beverly Avatar

    Is the beet kvass supposed to have a scum on top? Mine does after 3 or 4 days. Should I just throw it out and start again?

  4. Ryan Jore Avatar
    Ryan Jore

    Tried this for the first time…looks done but is it supposed to me bubbly?

      1. John Avatar

        It will be bubbly if fermented in an air tight vessel. This is ok and will also disipate fairly quickly.

  5. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    Hello Katie, I wrote a lovely note earlier telling of my experience making beet kvass. But it appears not to have been posted. Perhaps it got lost? t’s pretty hard to re-write the note with the same enthusiasm, but I’ll try. I loved the drink a LOT and went through a 450 ml bottle on Saturday. It did wonders for my energy level and I think my digestive system also loved it. I have a bias for savoury over sweet, so it didn’t take me much effort to get used to the slightly salted beet taste. I’ll have to go easy on my 2nd bottle and drink in moderation. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. This is definitely one that I’ll be making on a regular basis.

    I discovered another recipe for a sweet potato fermented drink and have prepared and will strain and bottle on Wedneday (day 3). I’ll let you know how I like this drink. It’s another easy one with grated sweet potatoes and spices. Here is the link in case you are interested in trying it.

    I continue to enjoy and look forward to reading and sharing your blog.

    Elizabeth

  6. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    Hello Katie, I tried the recipe and just loved the result. I probably drank a full bottle over a 1-day period and really think the medicinal properties of the beet worked wonders for both my bowels and energy level. I have to be careful to drink the second bottle in moderation as I can easily become addicted to the drink and replace with my daily intake of water!!

    I found a recipe for a sweet potato fermented drink, at the link below, if you are interested in trying it. I have no idea how it will turn out, but I’ve started the process and only at Day 1 in the fermentation process. I had a taste of the liquid today and do find it a bit sweet for my liking, after enjoying the slightly salty taste of the beet kvass, but this is personal preference only, as I generally prefer salt over sweet. Depending on the outcome when I bottle on Wednesday, I probably can adjust the sugar content.

    I’ll let you know how it turns out. I find the most challenging part is finding a warm place for the container. I tried periodically heating up the oven on the lowest temperature and moving the container to the oven, but I could not possibly do this over a 3-day period. We’ve having a relatively cool spell now in Toronto, Canada, so it’s hard to find any warm spots at the moment.
    Cheers,
    Elizabeth

    1. angela Avatar
      angela

      May I have the link to your sweet potato ferment? I don’t see the link anywhere. Thanks.

    2. Kristin Avatar

      Old discussion, but for anyone needing an idea for keeping their ferments warmer, I use an electric seed starting mat. Works great for chèvre too!

    3. Shelly Avatar

      May I also have the Link to your sweet potato ferment I don’t see it anywhere.

  7. Cindi Cypert Freshour Avatar
    Cindi Cypert Freshour

    These things never say how you know if yours is ready to use. it wouldn'[t be so intimidating to try at forst if you had some kind of picture of how it should look when it is ready to use.

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      The picture above is mine when ready to drink… it will be a dark red color and have a salty earthy smell…

  8. Melissa Aman Wallace Avatar
    Melissa Aman Wallace

    Can you do anything with the beets in the jar after the kvass has been made? Can it be eaten or only added to compost?

    1. jesse Avatar

      I read you can reuse them for a second batch. Not sure if it’s true thou.

      1. Shelley Avatar

        Yes you can use it a second time, though it won’t be quite as potent as the first.

  9. Glynis Knapp Avatar
    Glynis Knapp

    What size beets should be used? The weight would be ideal to have if you could let us have it please xx

    1. Kamila Jelonek Avatar
      Kamila Jelonek

      I would use medium sized beets. I think that would be between 500g-700g

  10. Kamila Jelonek Avatar
    Kamila Jelonek

    Yes kvass has got a very long tradition in eastern Europe and I would like to share my family’s delicious recipe.
    5-7 beets ( medium sized )
    2- 3 L ceramic jar or pot (the old fashioned one our grandmas used to use) don’t ask me why I just know it makes a wonderful kvass.
    Boiled salted water ( enough so it covers the beets and fills the jar to the top )
    Garlic and lots of it
    Ok so first boil the water and add salt ( I’d say 2 spoons ) set aside to cool down – you want your water to be at room temperature
    Peel the beets and cut into big pieces
    Peel the garlic
    Place your beets and garlic tightly in the jar and then pour the cooled water on top and cover with the plate. If the plate goes up cause your beets are floating don’t worry just place a small stone on top. Afterwards place the jar preferably on top of your kitchen cupboards ( gets sour quicker because hot air goes up so it is warmer there ) . If a little mould develops on top that’s perfectly fine just remove it with a spoon. When your kvass is ready you can strain it into a bottle and put in the fridge it will keep for 5-7 days. With this way you will need to be a bit more patient it might take between 5-7 days or more, but believe me it is worth it.

  11. Kristen Avatar
    Kristen

    I’ve made ours with just a salt brine and fermented it for at least 2 weeks. It has a more pleasant flavor and less like dirt 🙂

      1. Kathleen Cleveland Avatar
        Kathleen Cleveland

        Yes, they’re crunchy and delicious! My 3 year old granddaughter loves them and asks for “a lotta” them.

  12. Kathy Ramirez Avatar
    Kathy Ramirez

    Thank you thank you thank you for sharing this recipe!!! I have been wanting so badly to join the fermented food party but can’t seem to make myself swallow sauerkraut or anything else you’ve talked about, But guess what, I LOVE beets!! Thank you for your amazing blog! You inspire me everyday 🙂

  13. Isabel Grimer Avatar
    Isabel Grimer

    Can the beet kvass be considered a probiotic?

    Another good thing to do with beet after it is boiled, to slice it and dehydrate it. It tastes a bit like chocolate! Good for replacing potato chips and keep for a very long time.

      1. Paul Avatar

        5 stars
        Technically, the kvass made from breads would be beer; the strength of that beer depends on what kind of grain, i.e., sprouted or not, how much bread – to – water, i.e., ratios that govern the specific gravity and extraction of starch and sugars into the wort (the liquid that you have after you strain out the bread crumbs and any “helpers” you may have added, especially raisins, and what kind of yeast you use, for some yeasts produce more alcohol per unit of CO2 than others, it appears, and how may acetobacters and lactobacters (bacteria that digest the alcohol or sugars to make it a bit sour) you may have in your culture. You would not likely have lactobacillus in your culture unless you deliberately added some, but if you are fermenting with only a cloth cover to start, then you’ll have some bacteria plus some wild yeast, most likely. Sprouted grains speed up the fermentation and favor more alcohol production, be they from barley, oats, rye, whatever your grain mix. Raisins have some enzymes that facilitate breaking down starches to ferment better, so the more raisins you have initially, the higher the chances that the brew would ferment past 0.5% ABV and get into the light beer realm for alcohol by volume. So, be careful in giving this to kids as a soft drink, unless they are receiving it with no more than a day’s initial fermentation, and then a second day in the refrigerator. Even then, I would not vouchsafe the ABV of your brew, for it would still be live, and if bottled, so that kids could drink it after one-three weeks could definitely be an intoxicating brew. Follow the instructions carefully, removing the friendly raisins within a day, etc., and get it into refrigeration, drink it soon, etc to avoid brewing something the kids shouldn’t have.
        The beet kvasses and others with fruit juice added to the wort or fermenting liquid without any lactic acid culture definitely will ferment to alcohol if the lactic acid fermentation doesn’t get started and an acetic fermentation doesn’t take care of the alcohol. ….not something like wine, however, but easily something like weak beer in ABV, so again, follow directions,
        Don’t depend on the liquid being a very effective killer of infectious diseases as some claim, and enjoy it for its flavors, if your health otherwise permits you to drink it. By-the-way, beers were used by many civilizations as a healthy way to drink water, but those tended to be weak beers. Also, the water and grains tended to be boiled as a wort, so that boiling killed bacteria and other biological sources of infection before the fermentation. Wines tend to be much higher in alcohol, so wines added to water by families and traveling armies appear to have made some otherwise untreated water safe to drink after the watered wine rested a while before being consumed. This would not be a universally safe way to treat your local stream water, however.

        1. Allen Root Avatar
          Allen Root

          Paul –
          Thank you so much for this post regarding ferments! I get the grain and add-on worts you speak of,, and that is not my interest. As I think you have so clearly stated, the family of ingredients set to ferment without whey or a lacto starter liquid will convert to alcohol , an acetic ferment. Adding the active cultured whey, or live lacto cultured liquids to a batch of chopped vegetables will produce something in the Kim Chi/Kraut/kvass family, which do not contain alcohol. Does that align with your knowledge?

  14. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    I’m curious about the liver cleansing properties of this. While I don’t like the smell of beets (they smell like dirt to me), I could probably choke down a glass of this in the morning to replace the (expensive) liver cleansing supplement my naturopath has me on.
    Anyone have direct experience??

    1. Ed Szym Avatar

      I always have beet kvass handy — when the prior batch gets low, I start a new one using 1/4 cup of the old batch instead of adding the whey or sauerkraut juice. I also would use 3 beets + 1 small purple top turnip instead of 4 beets. After consuming about half the jar, I add additional water plus a small amount of salt (a teaspoon or less) for a second batch from the original beets/turnip. After the second batch is nearly done, its time for a new fresh batch.

      My favorite way to have beet kvass is to mix 3 oz kvass with 3 oz of pomegranate (or concord grape) juice. Great tasting pick me up in the morning.

      1. Tabitha Avatar
        Tabitha

        Thank you. I was wondering if i could use 1/4 c of the previous batch instead.

    2. julia Avatar

      Kvass is a light form of Beer. And like all alcoholic beverages should NOT be consumed by people with kidney stones, liver and gastric problems. Russians know about it but Americans got it all wrong. I am saying this because Russian is my first language and I just read an article in Russian about it.

      1. Allen Root Avatar
        Allen Root

        Julia –
        I’m not sure why I’m just seeing this, given the date. I’d like to respond to your comments regarding Kvass being a “light form of beer”. I’m not an expert on whether Kvass is healthful for people with liver and gastric problems, I do know that beer and kvass are quite different.

        Beer, wine, grain spirits are all ethanol fermentations, where yeasts convert sugars into carbon dioxide and alcohol. Kombucha is a mystery to me as it is in the lacto camp, and does have a slight alcohol content.

        Lactic acid ferments include cheeses, kefirs, yogurts, kim chis, krauts, pickled vegitables, and kvass. These ferments use lactic acid bacteria to ferment foods while protecting them from spoilage from molds. Lactobacillaes are salt tolerant, where molds, (other bacteria) are not, which is why a salted environment allows the lacto bacterias prevail. There is no alcohol present in Kvass, unless it is employed in a Bloody Mary, which can be magnificent! I use whey, (acid or sour whey) 1/3 cup per 1/2 gal kvass mix to get the ball rolling. I encourage everyone to experiment with add-ons and spices…Fresh dill, parsley, thyme…mustard seeds, fennel seeds, celery seeds…onions, ginger, lemons…consider carrots and celery and cabbages…And share your results! Pregnant mothers or recovering alcoholics need not worry adout kavass.

        1. Robert Avatar
          Robert

          5 stars
          When you say “add ons”, do you mean that you add these extra ingredients at the beginning of the fermenting stage, or after the fermenting stage has completed – when it’s time to put the liquid in to the refrigerator? Thanks.

          1. Allen Root Avatar
            Allen Root

            Robert –
            All the recipies I found on line, or in a Katz book were just beets or just cabbage with water, salt, whey. I’ve been playing with different ingredients added to the cabbage or beets to boost flavor and add complexity. Some things, (fennel, parsnips, mint) weren’t that successful. In any event, I throw all ingredients in at the start, then blenderize in 10 days. After a strain, I discard the dry pulp, and then back onto the counter, just for a few more days. Watch for a white film forming on top, skim that of if it appears, (I use paper towel) and refrigerate. My oldest jar right now is about 80 days, and pretty tart. Have fun!

          2. mike Avatar

            my mother in law made kvass for years,I am going to start again myself,but she used
            sodium citrate ( sour salt she called it) my question is I have high blood pressure can
            I cut down on the salt and still get a good sour, perhaps using whey? never heard
            about that before
            Thanks

        2. Kathleen Avatar
          Kathleen

          5 stars
          Thank you, that’s very good to know! Is it okay to use the juice from canned sauerkraut or should it be from a glass jar?

          1. Allen Root Avatar
            Allen Root

            Kathleen –
            You can certainly use kraut juice as a starter, but it must be active. Bubbie’s is probably the most prolific commercial variety. Canning in the usual fashion uses heat and will kill all the cultures. Live culture kraut juice is also advantageous for those who are lactose intolerant. Lots just save back 1/2 cup Kvass to start the next batch. I really like the strained yogurt as a potato topping, or spread on toast with some fresh fruit slices on top. Cinnamon under the fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup over, you’ll feel like you can go out and whip your weight in wildcats!

      2. Lina Avatar

        5 stars
        I’d like to try a reply to this…I believe that traditional kvass from Ukraine is made from wheat berries. I think it may have a little alcohol content, but I’m not familiar with the fermentation process. This kind, beet kvass is less common over there from what I could tell, even though they definitely love using beets for many things! Thanks for the warning, though as it could definitely be a problem if people thought they were cleansing their liver, and actually were taxing it! I find that I feel very good after eating beets. I think the beets are primarily where the liver cleansing/blood cleansing properties are. Whereas the sauerkraut juice or whey adds the probiotic punch and fermented quality. Ah, I just found a wonderful article that helped clear up the confusion for me! https://www.homestead.org/food/beet-kvass-miracle-of-russia/ And, also I know this is quite some time since the original post, but I’d love it if you remembered and could link to the Russian article- my husband could read and translate for me! Very interested!

  15. Miranda Avatar
    Miranda

    I made beet kvass for the first time last summer. I am still a beginner in the fermented foods department and had a very hard time swallowing it. Maybe I ought to try it again – I love all the health benefits of it!

    1. John Avatar

      If you find the flavor is too strong, try mixing it with other beverages. My favorite way to consume beet kvass is mixed about 50/50 with homemade ginger ale over ice and sometimes add a shot of master tonic. Top off with water to achieve desired strength.

    2. Di Martin Avatar
      Di Martin

      Think I am going to make some this week and try it. The flavor of beets isn’t one of my faves so we’ll see. I do love my kraut juice tho….

      1. Allen Root Avatar
        Allen Root

        Di Martin –
        Look up some of my earlier posts in this thread for some recipes and flavoring tips. I will be making a new batch of three flavors this afternoon!

        I’m bored by simple tastes, too, so I add things like lemon, ginger, fresh herbs, celery, mustard seeds to brighten flavors. I like a red beet, red cabbage, celery, orange, (a quarter with peel) and yellow mustard seed combo. Add 1t sea salt per 1/2 gal jar, and 1/4 C whey or kraut juice, and let it sit on the counter loosely capped for about 10 days. Tighten the cap a couple of times in the first few days and shake the jar to mix ingredients. Make sure to loosen the cap, Kvass builds lots of pressure in the first few days! Enjoy!
        Allen Root

  16. Jessi K Avatar
    Jessi K

    Thank you for sharing this great info, have never heard of it and can’t wait it to try it now!

    1. Nathan Brammeier Avatar
      Nathan Brammeier

      Yes, after adding all the ingredients, fill the jar with purified water. Then cover.

      Nourishing Traditions is, by far, the best cookbook/nutrition book available!!

      1. Jen Avatar

        So is it possible to use tap water? I don’t have access to a water filter (yet!) can I use water from the tap??

        1. Allen Root Avatar
          Allen Root

          In Sandor Katz’s book he says that the chlorine and other compounds in tap water interfere with the fermentation. If you don’t have access to spring water, and don’t endorse the purchase of spring water in plastic jugs, ( which I do not), you might try boiling your water in a clean pot, and let it cool before making a batch. Let us know how it goes!

          1. Jen Avatar

            if you opt for only doubling salt, how many days until fermentation?

          2. Allen Root Avatar
            Allen Root

            Jen –
            I use between 1 and 1 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt per 1/2 gallon jar. More in the warm months to protect the mix as it ferments faster. I’m sensitive to the amount of salt in my food, (or drink for that matter!) so the 1 to 2 Tablespoons called for in other recipes put me off. The down side to less salt may be the occasional formation of Kalm, (harmless white yeast that forms on the top). I just skim it off with a paper towel, and refrigerate that batch. I’m also watching the relationship between ingredients and Kalm, it seems like cabbage in the mix inhibits the mold, jury’s still out. Enjoy!

      2. Betsy Avatar

        I have Himalayan salt, not the sea salt called for in N.T. I made the fermented carrots and they were way too salty. (I might have added too much without realizing it.) Is it okay to lower the salt in these fermentation recipes? Thanks!

        1. Allen Root Avatar
          Allen Root

          Betsey –
          See my comment from Jan 14, 2016 in this thread concerning my experience with salt amounts. I’m kinda sensitive to saltiness of what I put into my mouth, so with my Kvass, I use between 1 and 1 1/2 teaspoon per 1/2 gal jar. More salt in summer or when it’s hot, ( like it is on this leap day of 2016 on the Central Coast of California, 88 degrees today!) Don’t use iodized or table salt, any other naturally occurring salt should be fine. Let us know how it goes!
          Allen Root

          1. Tammy Avatar

            The central coast?? I grew up there. Where are you located? I am in Washington now, but lived in Paso, went to high school in SLO at Mission and lived in Pismo, SLO. Too cool.

          2. Allen Root Avatar
            Allen Root

            Tammy, I’ve been living the good life in San Luis Obispo since 1965!

  17. Amy DeLano Avatar
    Amy DeLano

    Yay, another use for the gobs of whey I always end up with after making yogurt! I have always wanted to do something with beets, too, but have a harder time finding recipes for them. This is the perfect excuse to get some from the farmer’s market since they are in season now. I’ll make some this weekend and let you know how it goes. (^_^)

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