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October 13, 2021

How to Make Beet Kvass (a fantastic liver tonic)

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Last Updated on May 19, 2025 by Carrie Korem, FNTP

Beet Kvass is a traditional fermented Russian drink that supports healthy liver detoxification, contains various nutrients, and only requires 3 ingredients!

How to Make Beet Kvass (a fantastic liver tonic)

What Are the Health Benefits of Beet Kvass?

1. It’s a natural source of probiotics, B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. 

2. It supports healthy liver detoxification, helps thin the bile in the gallbladder, and can be a good treatment for kidney stones. 

3. It’s very useful to drink prior to conception to help reduce morning sickness during pregnancy. Morning sickness is often rooted in liver congestion, so taking steps to support the liver for about 6 months prior to conceiving can help reduce morning sickness. 

4. Brown spot on the cheeks or on the tops of the hands, also known as liver spots, can be reduced by drinking 4 ounces of kvass daily. If you have liver spots on the face or hands, I also recommend following these steps to help gently detoxify the liver. 

5. Kvass benefits gut health and the digestive system. 

What Does Beet Kvass Taste Like? 

Beet kvass is a fermented food like sauerkraut or kimchi. It’s salty, sour and earthy. If you like the flavor of beets, you’ll most likely enjoy the flavor. I personally don’t love the flavor of kvass, but I drink it daily because it has so many health benefits!

How Do I Make Beet Kvass? 

It’s actually a very simple combo of only water, salt and beets. Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions.

How Much Beet Kvass Should I Drink Daily?

I recommend starting with 3-4 ounces each morning on an empty stomach. Then, work up to drinking about 6 ounces a day.

What if the top of the kvass has bubbles or mold on it?

It’s common to have some white foam or bubbles on top after it has fermented. You can skim this off the top. If the kvass has green, black, brown, etc. mold on top, then I recommend starting over. You might find that in the warmer months that you need to ferment the kvass for a shorter amount of time.

What if the kvass has a thick consistency?
The kvass should be a thin consistency, similar to water. If it’s thick and viscous, then it fermented too long and it’s best to start over.

Is kvass considered safe when pregnant or nursing?
Yes, but if you’ve never consumed fermented foods before, then it might be best to avoid kvass and other fermented beverages right now. If you consumed them before pregnancy, then talk to your practitioner about the right amount for your situation.


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How to Make Beet Kvass (a fantastic liver tonic)

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  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 Quarts

Ingredients

  • 3-4 small raw beets or 1 large raw beet, washed, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Celtic sea salt

Instructions

  1. Place the beets in a 2 quart glass or ceramic pitcher. Cover with filtered water and stir in the sea salt. Cover with a clean cloth and place in a dark cool place for 3 days. After 3 days, remove the beets and store the kvass in the fridge (if there is foam on the top, just skim it off). It will keep for about 2 weeks.
  2. Note: It is important to chop the beets and not grate them. Grated beets will create too much juice and will ferment too rapidly, resulting in alcohol instead of lactic acid.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1

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Filed Under: Beverages, Thyroid Disease, Thyroid Disease, Thyroid Support and Health Recipes (Days 1-30), Thyroid Support and Health Recipes (Days 31+) | 66 Comments

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66 Comments

  1. Gisele

    October 14, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    Thanks for this healthy, easy Beet drink recipe! So many benefits!
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    • Kristi

      October 25, 2021 at 6:45 am

      I stored the kvass in my fridge instead of outside for 3 days will it still work?
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      • Deliciously Organic

        October 25, 2021 at 4:04 pm

        It needs to sit at room temperature in order to ferment. Maybe leave it out for a few days and see how it does?
        to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
        • farah

          April 10, 2022 at 10:21 pm

          i got the giant cooked beets from costco how can i use them in this recipe?
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          • Deliciously Organic

            April 11, 2022 at 9:34 am

            You need raw beets, so cooked wouldn't work for this recipe.
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          • Kristin Nassar

            June 5, 2022 at 8:27 am

            Hi Carrie, love your site! I usually do hot water with lemon first thing. Is it imperative I do this before that? Also, is it ok to take a probiotic with it? Thank you!
            to Kristin Nassar" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Kristin Nassar">Reply to this comment
            • Deliciously Organic

              June 6, 2022 at 9:18 am

              It's ok to take both in the morning. As for your supplement, I don't know your personal health history, so I recommend asking your practitioner what is best for you.
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        • Kelsey

          April 11, 2022 at 4:27 am

          Is this safe to drink while pregnant?
          to Kelsey" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Kelsey">Reply to this comment
          • Deliciously Organic

            April 11, 2022 at 9:34 am

            It's considered safe, but I recommend asking your practitioner if it's a good fit for you.
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        • Clau

          September 15, 2022 at 4:47 pm

          Can We use the beets afterwards ?
          to Clau" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Clau">Reply to this comment
          • Deliciously Organic

            September 19, 2022 at 11:22 am

            Yes!
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      • Mariola Lukasiewicz

        November 4, 2023 at 5:23 pm

        No, its not going to work in the fridge. You need the room temperature, around 22 degrees Celsius to ferment the beets and make kvass. I ferment my beets or dill cucumbers for 5 to 7 days. I like my kvass to be more sour.
        to Mariola Lukasiewicz" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Mariola Lukasiewicz">Reply to this comment
    • Elizabeth

      November 2, 2021 at 2:19 pm

      Thank you for this easy to follow recipe! Looking forward to making my first batch soon. Do you just discard the leftover beets or is there any way to use them after the fermenting process?
      to Elizabeth" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Elizabeth">Reply to this comment
    • Carolyn Nelson

      July 8, 2022 at 8:28 pm

      Hi! I tried this… I got a darkish film on top with some small spots of mold. Is this ok? Is that the foam you mentioned in the post?
      to Carolyn Nelson" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Carolyn Nelson">Reply to this comment
      • Eileen

        April 5, 2024 at 12:33 pm

        How much water? The recipe does not say…I assumed ~ 8 Cups?
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  2. Sherry Attard

    October 14, 2021 at 3:36 pm

    Have you ever made beet Kvass from frozen beets? I had some,so I tried it and it seems to have turned out good.
    to Sherry Attard" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Sherry Attard">Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      October 18, 2021 at 10:50 am

      You need to use raw beets. Frozen would release too much liquid and you could end up with an alcohol.
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  3. Maggie

    October 14, 2021 at 4:27 pm

    I live in Florida and don't really have a cool dark place. I can find dark but average house temp is about 77. How cool does it have to be?
    to Maggie" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Maggie">Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      October 18, 2021 at 10:49 am

      A dark spot in the pantry should work!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
      • Elizabeth

        November 2, 2021 at 2:18 pm

        Thank you for this easy to follow recipe! Looking forward to making my first batch soon. Do you just discard the leftover beets or is there any way to use them after the fermenting process?
        to Elizabeth" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Elizabeth">Reply to this comment
        • Deliciously Organic

          November 2, 2021 at 2:19 pm

          I discard them because I don't like how they taste afterwards, but many people use them!
          to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
      • Julie

        December 7, 2021 at 1:09 pm

        After fermenting and then straining, I noticed stringy, slimy,red strands. Should these be left behind when straining? I'm sure it's the decomposition of the beets.
        to Julie" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Julie">Reply to this comment
        • Deliciously Organic

          December 8, 2021 at 9:58 am

          Yes, it can also be from the fermentation.
          to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
          • Ave

            May 7, 2023 at 12:28 pm

            Thank you, Carrie, for your great content and support. My kvass tastes earthy and salty but not sour- is this okay? Blessings!
            to Ave" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Ave">Reply to this comment
            • Deliciously Organic

              May 8, 2023 at 10:16 am

              Yes! That's how it should taste. :)
              to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
          • Sondra

            August 7, 2023 at 9:18 am

            Can you use colored beets or only red
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            • Deliciously Organic

              August 7, 2023 at 10:14 am

              Other beets will work!
              to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
      • Brin

        January 2, 2024 at 1:27 pm

        Are raw golden beets okay to use instead of red beets?
        to Brin" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Brin">Reply to this comment
        • Deliciously Organic

          January 4, 2024 at 9:46 am

          Yes
          to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
  4. Diana Frerichs

    October 15, 2021 at 7:22 am

    Is there a possibility of canning this without losing its fantastic health benefits? We have a large garden and always have many beets leftover. My husband makes a beet wine for himself but I choose to be alcohol free. Also how many days of drinking this is considered long enough for detox? Thanks
    to Diana Frerichs" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Diana Frerichs">Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      October 18, 2021 at 10:49 am

      There probably is, but that's not my area of expertise. If you can can other fermented foods, I bet you could do the same with kvass! I give the recommended daily amount in the article above. :)
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
  5. Anastasia

    October 16, 2021 at 2:53 am

    Hello! Do you keep it in the fridge or at the room temperature after it’s done? Thank you!
    to Anastasia" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Anastasia">Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      October 18, 2021 at 10:47 am

      I recommend keeping it in the fridge.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
  6. Luda Kucher

    October 17, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    I’m so glad I found you on Instagram. Your content is everything I need, I’m just overwhelmed how awesome, available, and so generous of you to put it all out for free. Reading it, I barely reached the tip of an iceberg, everything is so helpful. Your sight is now my go to for all questions . Thank you so much and God bless you for this!
    to Luda Kucher" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Luda Kucher">Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      October 18, 2021 at 10:46 am

      I'm so glad you've found the info here helpful! :)
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
  7. Stephanie

    November 12, 2021 at 5:52 pm

    so simply cover the beets with water or fill the container? And can I put a lid on it, or does it specifically need a towel over it to breathe for the three days?
    to Stephanie" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Stephanie">Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      November 15, 2021 at 9:32 am

      I recommend following the instructions exactly as written. The video might also help!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
  8. Elle Smith

    December 1, 2021 at 11:22 am

    How many days worth of beet kvass does this make? Can you double the recipe, or start two different jars at once if you want a bigger supply?
    to Elle Smith" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Elle Smith">Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      December 3, 2021 at 9:04 am

      It depends on how much you drink. I usually have 3-4 ounces a day. Yes, you can double the recipe, or make 2 batches at once.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
  9. Allison Ashton

    December 19, 2021 at 2:14 pm

    Carrie, I made this exactly, but it sure does not taste fermented at all. I've bought a beet Kvass drink thhat had a fiz to it fermented like? but, the does not. Why are using a cloth instead of tight sealed jar and burping it daily? Just curious. I put the beets, water, salt and covered with a cloth and put in a dark cool place for 3 days.
    to Allison Ashton" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Allison Ashton">Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      December 20, 2021 at 8:17 am

      It won't taste as fermented as other fermented drinks. You can use a lid and burp daily if you'd like!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
      • Dollie

        April 24, 2022 at 8:55 am

        Do I use 2quarts of water or is that just the size of the pitcher? Or does it depend on how the beets fill the glass bowl and I just make sure water covers all the beets
        to Dollie" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Dollie">Reply to this comment
        • Deliciously Organic

          April 25, 2022 at 1:00 pm

          Make sure the water comes to the top of the pitcher with the beets and salt inside.
          to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
          • Dollie

            June 15, 2022 at 11:04 pm

            Thank you! My first batch turned out amazing! I’m trying to make a new batch, but I left 3 days on counter and this time it had a funny smell foam on top and possibly might seen mold in the white foam on top. So I wonder if it sat on counter for those 3 days and just got too warm. Is it possible to get it too warm during 3 days fermenting and not be safe to drink? We’ve been having these 100 degree days and our house can get up to 79 degrees at times. Sorry to bother with another question. I just wanna make it right. The first one turned out amazing and I loved the taste
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            • Deliciously Organic

              June 20, 2022 at 9:16 am

              White foam is pretty common and you can just skim it off the top. If there is green or black mold, then it's a good idea to start over. Warmer temps does mean quicker fermentation, so often it's best to check once a day on your kvass during the warmer months.
              to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
              • Ave

                May 18, 2023 at 1:12 pm

                Hi Carrie- Thank you for your good work in keeping us healthy! I noticed white foam after 3 days- and this is ok. However, there was also a little light brown line at the water line and very little light brown sentiments. I can’t tell if it’s a by product of the beets or perhaps mold? It’s not green nor black. I hate to start all over again but I will if I have to. Thank you!
                to Ave" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Ave">Reply to this comment
                • Deliciously Organic

                  June 7, 2023 at 9:24 am

                  White foam is very normal. Strings, similar to those in kombucha, are because of the fermentation. You can always stain them out if you're not comfortable drinking it.
                  to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
  10. Elizabeth Thompson

    July 28, 2022 at 4:57 pm

    what can I use to ferment juices or vegetables instead of salt, I have high blood pressure and I am in a not added salt diet. Thank you for your answer if you know it???
    to Elizabeth Thompson" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Elizabeth Thompson">Reply to this comment
  11. Rachel

    September 2, 2022 at 6:10 am

    Is it recommended to eat the beets after taking them out? Are they too fermented and good for thyroid health?
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    • Deliciously Organic

      September 5, 2022 at 9:23 am

      You can if you'd like!
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  12. Tyra

    September 12, 2022 at 11:58 am

    Hi Carrie! Can this change the color of your urine? I read that it can, and I started drinking it a few days ago and noticed a change this morning.
    to Tyra" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Tyra">Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      September 19, 2022 at 11:23 am

      Not that I know of, but we are all biochemically individual, so I would think it's possible to have that kind of side effect.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
  13. karen m

    September 29, 2022 at 5:43 pm

    Is there a ready made Kvaas that you would recommend? One that you can buy?
    to karen m" aria-label="Reply to this comment to karen m">Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      October 3, 2022 at 9:40 am

      I don't know of one. Sometimes you can find it at a local health food store or farmer's market.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
  14. Michelle

    November 10, 2022 at 1:11 pm

    Can you use kosher or Himalayan Sea Salt in place of the Celtic Sea Salt?
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    • Deliciously Organic

      November 14, 2022 at 9:44 am

      Yes
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  15. Victoria

    August 7, 2023 at 10:49 am

    “liver spots” are from sun exposure and have NOTHING to do with the liver.
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    • Deliciously Organic

      August 9, 2023 at 9:06 am

      That's not what I've seen with clients at my practice
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  16. Shannon

    December 5, 2023 at 12:39 pm

    Love this recipe and even though I'm not a fan of beets, I drink this every day! I was wondering if you double the recipe and use a half gallon jar, do you double the salt as well? And is it necessary to ferment longer with a double batch? Thanks so much for all your wonderful recipes. I'm having some of your cream of vegetable soup right now--one of my favorites!

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    • Deliciously Organic

      December 6, 2023 at 9:53 am

      I've never done a double-batch, but it makes sense that you would just double the ingredients!
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  17. Athena

    May 16, 2024 at 6:55 am

    Hi Carrie, thank you for sharing the Beet Kvass. I take a capsule of probiotic every morning with empty stomach. If I drink Beet Kvass every morning with empty stomach, can I still take my probiotic capsule every morning with empty stomach after driniking Beet Kvass? or I don't need to take any probiotic if I drink Bett Kvass every morning?
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    • Deliciously Organic

      May 28, 2024 at 11:32 am

      I don't know what's best for your personal situation, so I recommend asking your practitioner.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic">Reply to this comment
  18. Sona

    January 23, 2025 at 3:41 pm

    Liver spots, also known as age spots or solar lentigines, are small, dark patches that typically appear on the skin as people get older. They are mainly caused by sun exposure over the years, which triggers the production of extra melanin in the skin. The more you’ve been exposed to the sun, the more likely these spots can form, especially in areas like the face, hands, and shoulders. THEY ARENT LINKED TO LIVER FUNCTION DESPITE THE NAME. Other factors that can contribute include genetics, hormone changes, and the natural aging process.
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    • Carrie Korem, FNTP

      January 27, 2025 at 9:36 am

      Many of my clients have seen their spots go away after taking steps to work on the liver. The body never does anything without a reason. If the skin is producing dark spots, there is always a root cause.
      to Carrie Korem, FNTP" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Carrie Korem, FNTP">Reply to this comment
  19. Christine Mitchell

    October 15, 2025 at 4:49 pm

    Hi Carrie. I appreciate your expertise and have been enjoying learning and benefiting from your blog and email newsletters as well as recipes for about 10 years. I’ve been drinking the kvass and eating the beets too for a few months now. I’m curious if, as they “do their job” for my health, I might I experience some digestive discomfort, such as mild nausea or loose stools? I’m pleased to say my reflux and/or heartburn have decreased significantly, and I’m more regular post-menopause with daily kvass. Just perplexed by the gut upset. Thank you so much.
    ★★★★★
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    • Carrie Korem, FNTP

      October 21, 2025 at 9:15 am

      I'm so glad you've found my info helpful and that you've seen good improvement in your symptoms!! Yes, you can experience those symptoms. If that's the case, it can be a good idea to take additional steps to support your liver, possibly reduce the kvass to just 1-2 ounces a day, and then after a month, increase the amount you're drinking and see how that does.
      to Carrie Korem, FNTP" aria-label="Reply to this comment to Carrie Korem, FNTP">Reply to this comment

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Hi, I’m Carrie Korem, FNTP
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Through unprocessed, organic food and detox I’ve reversed Hashimoto’s disease, chronic migraines, IBS and eczema.

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