{"id":94,"date":"2021-03-02T20:59:10","date_gmt":"2021-03-02T20:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fermentationhero.com\/?p=94"},"modified":"2021-03-28T13:30:27","modified_gmt":"2021-03-28T12:30:27","slug":"water-kefir-can-i-ferment-in-plastic-bottles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fermentationhero.com\/water-kefir-can-i-ferment-in-plastic-bottles\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Kefir: Can I Ferment in Plastic Bottles?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Perfectly fizzy and bubbly water kefir is amazing, and you need to bottle it somehow. If you are reading this, you probably want to use a plastic bottle (maybe from water or soda) that you have in your house but are not sure if it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, can I ferment water kefir in a plastic bottle? The short answer is, you can, but it shouldn’t be your first choice. Ideally, if using plastic bottles, they should be able to contain acidic liquid without degrading and releasing chemicals\/BPA and have no scratches that would increase the danger of unhealthy bacteria being in touch with your water kefir.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many variables affecting this subject, and this is a topic that divides the fermentation community. I will tell you both sides of the story, so you can decide on which side you are on. First, I will tell you the arguments for who defends the use of only glass bottles, and then I will explain the side of those who prefer plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a summary of what will be discussed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Against Plastic Bottles<\/th>
Pro Plastic Bottles<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Can release chemicals in the water kefir, if not able to contain the acidic environment.<\/td>
Choose a bottle that is made to contain acidic liquids.<\/td><\/tr>
Can have scratches that could harbor bad bacteria.<\/td>
Use new bottles and replace them after a few cycles of fermentation.<\/td><\/tr>
Could have BPA and release it in your water kefir.<\/td>
Use bottles made from BPA-free plastic.<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>
They are almost explosion safe.<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>
You can see how carbonated the beverage is.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is The Problem With Plastic Bottles for Water Kefir?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now, there are 3 main problems when using a plastic bottle for water kefir:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The acidic liquid can deteriorate the plastic<\/li>
If it has any scratches<\/li>
BPA vs BPA-free plastic<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
I will get into detail about each of them to help you understand the problem. If you are already aware of it, scroll to the next topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The average pH level of the water kefir is 4.5, which is pretty acidic. Even though this is a normal, natural pH for kefir, that is supposed to be acidic so the healthy bacteria in it can thrive, some plastics are not made to contain acidic liquid and might react with the acid and\/or be corroded by it, so it could release chemical products on your water kefir. We definitely do not want that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second problem is that if the plastic has any scratches in it, you could expose your water kefir to unnecessary risks (no pun intended), like unwanted bacteria that could “live” inside those scratches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And now the most popular one: BPA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
BPA stands for bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. […] Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects of BPA on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children’s behavior. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure.<\/p>Mayo Clinic<\/a> about BPA<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
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