Influence of water properties on the physicochemical and sensorial parameters of water kefir

Abstract

Besides its natural carbonation, low sugar taste, and being vegan, water kefir is consumed due to its health benefits. Water is the major component of a beverage therefore its properties should be considered. Sensorial characteristics of water are affected by its mineral composition. Hence, in this study four different types of water were used to produce water kefir, and effects on total soluble solids (TSS) (%), pH and color during 72-hour fermentation were investigated. TSS (%) increased and pH decreased after fermentation. Carbon dioxide produced varied between 0.097 g to 0.167 g. Water kefir prepared with water having 163.00 mg/L calcium, 91.50 mg/L magnesium, 1.61 mg/L potassium, 107.70 mg/L sodium, total dissolved solids of 1181.33 ± 1.155 ppm, and pH of 5.68 ± 0.125 had the highest scores of smell, mouthfeel, taste, carbonation and preference parameters. L*, a*, and b* of the sample with the highest sensory score were 15.35 ± 0.142, −0.68 ± 0.098, and −4.84 ± 0.121, respectively.