Kombucha tea is a fermented drink made from sweetened tea, which is then allowed to ferment with a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). It is often referred to as “mushroom tea” or “booch.” The Kombucha SCOBY is responsible for transforming the sugar in the sweetened black or green tea into organic acids and B vitamins. This process also creates a unique flavor profile that can be described as slightly effervescent, tart, and even vinegary.
The SCOBY is the Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast. It is a living culture that will continue to grow and produce more kombucha for you!
The SCOBY is the reason why we can make kombucha as a fermentation process. The bacteria and yeast work together to break down the sugar into acids, alcohol, and carbon dioxide (and other compounds). This process is called fermentation because it involves these microorganisms.
The SCOBY does not have a specific taste or flavor. It will take on the flavor of your brew, but it also adds its own unique character to it too!
While kombucha’s health benefits are highly disputed, it does contain some useful compounds, namely probiotics and antioxidants.
There are many ways to make kombucha, but some are more complicated than others. Here are five basic methods for making your own kombucha at home:
1. Traditional method: This method requires boiling water and using glass jars with lids, cloth covers, and rubber bands to hold them together while they ferment. This method takes 7-12 days to ferment before you can drink it or bottle it for storage.
2. Cold brewing: This method involves steeping your tea in cold water overnight with sugar added until the flavor is strong enough to your liking before adding the SCOBY (usually 2-3 tablespoons per gallon). You then cover it with cheesecloth and let sit out on the countertop at room temperature for 7-14 days before drinking or bottling it for storage.
3. Continuous brew: This method takes about two weeks from start to finish! You simply fill a large container with water and tea leaves, add a SCOBY and let it sit. You will have to top off your container with fresh water every few days depending on how much tea you are drinking.
4. Instant: This method is the easiest of them all! Simply add hot water to your desired amount of loose-leaf tea or bagged tea (like Lipton) in a cup or mug and add milk if you want!
5. Iced: To make iced tea, brew a pot of hot water and let it cool for about five minutes. Pour the cooled water into a pitcher with your desired amount of loose-leaf tea or reusable tea bag (like Lipton). Add ice cubes and let sit for at least an hour before serving.
Bottom Line –
The health benefits and wide range of flavors in kombucha make it a pleasure to drink, and one that you’ll want to try again. The process of brewing the tea itself is fun and easy, with the hardest part being finding high-quality SCOBYs. So for kombucha SCOBY visit our website Kombucha Kamp and get it now.
