Kombucha: A living gut-health powerhouse

A completely incomplete guide to "booch"

First Impressions

If you’ve ever heard of or even had kombucha, you’re probably thinking a few different things right now. Maybe you’re thinking that really hated the taste. Maybe your thoughts turn to all-natural Hipsters. Or maybe you really enjoy kombucha and its probiotic benefits. Whether you’re completely in the dark about it, or you drink a glass every night with dinner, this blog will teach you all that you need to know to grow your understanding.

S.C.O.B.Y.

A SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) is the very essence of a kombucha. It’s what breaks down the sugars and creates the carbonation via CO2 and flavor. It does also create a small amount of alcohol, an almost negligible amount, but worth mentioning none the less.

S.C.O.B.Y. Cont.

SCOBY’s exist as a sort of microbial mat that sits on top of your kombucha. As you add more yeast and sugars, the SCOBY is able to grow and expand. This also includes turning ethanol found in your tea or other product into organic acids like lactic acid.

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The “Tea of Immortality”

The first known record of kombucha was in China around 220 BCE. It was a strain of fermented black teas that were said to increase your longevity and boost vitality

First Ferment

The hardest part of making kombucha and overall maintaining a SCOBY is in your first few ferments. A good first ferment should taste like vinegar. It means your SCOBY is eating!

Improving Gut Health

Kombucha is chalk full of probiotics and antioxidants that create a powerful micro-culture in your stomach. This helps to limit things like inflammation, bloating, and GERD

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a vcarbonated, fermented tea that has become pretty popular over the last few years. It’s made with tea, sugar, and a SCOBY. The result is a tangy, slightly sweet drink that can come in lots of different flavors. Because it is a fermented tea, it does contain some caffeine, but in levels equal to about 1/100 of a cup of coffee.

Why Drink Kombucha?

Some people (like me) drink kombucha because they like the taste. Others are into it for the health benefits, like probiotics for your gut. Whether it genuinely improves longevity or not, it’s definitely a refreshing alternative to soda or juice.

Where to get Kombucha?

You can find kombucha in most grocery stores these days, and there are plenty of small brands with fun flavors. Some personal favorites are Brew DR, Kevita, and Synergy. If you’re really into it, you can even try brewing your own at home. The process isn’t anything too difficult. The most intensive part is purchasing the equipment and ensuring you don’t kill your SCOBY by not feeding it or letting it mold. The process is similar to that of a sourdough loaf.

Where to Learn More?

There are many resources you can turn to if you want to begin developing your own Kombucha. The link below takes you to the guide I myself used when I started. It includes links to materials like bottles and brew jars, and even where to look for a SCOBY start.

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