I love kombucha. It’s fizzy, slightly sweet, slightly acidic, and it makes my tummy feel good. You might have seen it at a local health food store:
I used to buy these as a special treat. I say a treat because in stores, they are about $4 a bottle-way too much for me to spend. I’ve started growing my own kombucha, and in this kombucha series, I’ll teach you how to grow your own, too!
What is it?
Kombucha is a naturally effervescent tea-based beverage that is made by fermenting the tea with what is called a “Scoby.” Scoby stands for “Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast.” Some call it a mushroom, but it is not a mushroom. It is actually similar to a sourdough. The scoby “mama” will take the shape of it’s container and turn sweet tea into kombucha! The longer the scoby sits in the sweet tea, the more acidic the kombucha becomes.
Why I drink it:
It tastes good, and it makes my stomach feel better. For a few years I had some digestive issues. Every time I drink kombucha, though, it makes my stomach feel better. This is possible because of the soothing effervescence and the natural probiotics in the kombucha. Kombucha can also help relieve constipation .
Kombucha is well-known for its glucaric acid content. This acid can help the detox the liver. Other reported benefits can include increased metabolism and reduced blood sugar. Kombucha is also high in antioxidants.
Isn’t it made with sugar?
Yes, it is made with sugar. The kombucha scoby eats the sugar (and the caffeine from tea) as food, and this turns into a carbohydrate. The longer the komcucha brews, the less sugar there is in the drink. I’ve never had problems with kombucha’s sugar levels. In fact, I find fruit juices much sweeter and less tolerable. When I make my own, I can control those sugar levels even more.
Is it right for you?
Kombucha does contain a small amount of naturally-occurring alcohol, which is usually less than 1% alcohol content. Also, because it is made from a bacteria enzyme, it should not be given to children under 1 year (like honey). It is, however, supposed to help teenagers who have acne. Start with a small dose and see how your body feels and reacts before drinking more on a regular basis.
Those with liver problems should not drink kombucha because kombucha is a powerful detoxifier of the liver. Pregnant or breast-feeding mothers shouldn’t use it either.
Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:
Have you ever had kombucha? What are your thoughts on it?
P.S. Sign up for my Spices Giveaway and Sugar-Free Challenge!
Yes I’m slightly addicted ever since I started brewing my own. I crave it every single day now! Just brewed my third batch last night in fact.
I too like Kombucha and try to drink a little of that daily and/or Kevita probiotic coconut water. I’ve never made and I would have to get a SCOBY. Is that something you are planning on giving a tutorial on? I don’t even mind purchasing it but my Whole Food’s doesn’t always carry the brand or flavors of the Synergy and Kevita. Maybe we could arrange a SCOBY sharing here in South Florida?
Laura,
Yes! The next tutorial will be about how to brew your own and make scoby from scratch. It would be great to start a scoby sharing, though, in Florida. What part do you live in? You can email me spoonfulofsugarfree(at)gmail.com
I have become addicted to it as well but I am not confident to brew my own so I have been paying the high prices at the store! I love the Kombucha with the greens in it. I feel energized when I drink it!
Stacey,
It is actually really easy to make!
I haven’t brewed any in years but want to start again. I always did best in the summer took a very long time to brew in the winter, hard to make enough to have a little every day. I use old fashion sweet jars which I got cheap when they switched from glass to plastic. Really like the jar in your picture, the difficulty with the sweet jars is pouring it out. I will be getting a scoby on line soon and look forward to the rest of your series to learn more.
Carol,
The spignot is a savior! I made one once a few years ago without it, and it was a pain.
I love kombucha, and I know it can get expensive. I’d love to find out how to make my own. The spigot is a great idea. Are you also going to let us know how to make that? Thanks!
Ive been so interested in brewing my own! Im the same, I cant justify spending $4 on a bottle. But to make my own would be awesome. So looking forward to that post. Thanks for all the great info too!
I love kombucha too. Great info! I ‘ll look forward to the rest of your series!
I love love love kombucha! I haven’t tried my hand at making my own yet, though I REALLY want to ($4 a bottle makes it hard to buy it as often as I would like to). I really enjoy ginger flavored.
Tracy,
Ginger is my favorite flavor! Although, I have had some fun experimenting with my own flavors after growing my own kombucha!
Oh I love Kombucha! I’ve seen starter kits in my co-op to make your own but I have never tried. I’ll have to though after reading about your experiences!
girl you know we love our kombucha!!! it is the best, we make ours homemade plus buy it from the store from time to time 🙂
love it
Yes, I LOVE kombucha. Drinking some of my own right now as I type this. I started brewing my own a few months ago and I am obsessed.
I just wish I could get mine as fizzy as the store bought ones.
Do you drink yours as is or do you mix in a little fruit juice?
Beth,
I actually know a couple tricks to getting the kombucha more fizzy! I’ll share that and some of my flavoring recipes in Part 3
Will you discuss perpetual brewing of kombucha? I’ve been brewing batches now for some time. always starting from scratch, but I’d like to get on top of a continuous brew. Any tips you have would be welcome.
mark,
Yes! I use the continuos brew method, and I will share how to do that. I did the batch brew method a few years ago, and it was really a pain. Continuos brew is so much easier!
I LOVE kombucha…I am on a kick right now and it’s expense..I need to make my own!!
I’ve never had this before but after your stellar review I definitely want to try it!
I recently tried one of the expensive store brands and was shocked. Turns out kombucha is the same thing as the “mushroom tea” my dad brewed when I was growing up. I had no idea until I tasted it and it brought me back to my childhood. 🙂
Maryea,
Wow! That’s fabulous! Your dad was drinking it eve before it was popular!:D
Oh, and do you know why it is not advisable for breastfeeding women to drink it? Thanks for any info you have!
Maryea,
There are some contradicting opinions on this. Some say it is too strong for breastfeeding mothers and their babies, and others actually say it is beneficial. The ones who say it is safe say it gives the mothers more energy, helps detox, and help bowel movements. Those who disagree say that it is too strong a detoxer for a mother and can dehydrate the mother, and possibly give the baby diarrhea. If you’d like to try it out, make sure you have a safe kombucha drink. Start with 4 oz., see if everything is fine, and then gradually increase.
Hope this helps!
Thanks, Alex! I had some and didn’t notice any problems in me or Luke, so I’m sure it’s fine in moderation.
Maryea,
Oh good! Glad it is working well for you.
Oh my favourite! LOVE kombucha… I’ve been brewing my own for years, so so so much cheaper AND you can change up the flavours 🙂
When I first drank it I was really grossed out but now I really enjoy it for the health benefits and appreciate all the bacteria 🙂
My mom recently introduced me to kombucha and I love it!!! She has just started her second batch and i can’t wait for it to be done! She says that a second scoby will grow and then she will be able to give me one so i can make my own!!! I am really excited for that! 🙂 My mom puts chia seeds in her kombucha and they make it awesome!