There is no doubt that kombucha is quickly becoming a standard option on many cafe and restaurant menus. It's health benefits make it an appealing drink which has been embraced particularly by individuals pursuing a healthy and wholesome diet.
While walking in Manly today, I saw two food trucks selling kombucha and many cafes in Manly are offering it on their drinks menus. Since working at the Source Bulk Foods, I have been introduced to this quirky drink. I can't say I'm a big fan however this week we got a new flavour which I quite like. I decided to try it out at home and see if anyone else in my family would catch on.
In hearing lots about the health benefits of kombucha, I was interested to find out more and today I am going to share the ins and outs of komucha with you.
While walking in Manly today, I saw two food trucks selling kombucha and many cafes in Manly are offering it on their drinks menus. Since working at the Source Bulk Foods, I have been introduced to this quirky drink. I can't say I'm a big fan however this week we got a new flavour which I quite like. I decided to try it out at home and see if anyone else in my family would catch on.
In hearing lots about the health benefits of kombucha, I was interested to find out more and today I am going to share the ins and outs of komucha with you.
What is it?
This is probably the most common question I get asked by customers when talking about kombucha.
Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea, sugar and bacteria. It has a vinegar-like taste and can often be quite sour. It is often likened to sour apple cider.
You may have heard of a SCOBY which is the bacteria that ferments the sugar to be added to tea to make kombucha. The fermenting process makes the drink more acidic which prevents other micro-organisms from growing in the fermented sugar. This process also extends the shelf-life of kombucha in a similar way to other fermented foods and introduces new health benefits for your body.
Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea, sugar and bacteria. It has a vinegar-like taste and can often be quite sour. It is often likened to sour apple cider.
You may have heard of a SCOBY which is the bacteria that ferments the sugar to be added to tea to make kombucha. The fermenting process makes the drink more acidic which prevents other micro-organisms from growing in the fermented sugar. This process also extends the shelf-life of kombucha in a similar way to other fermented foods and introduces new health benefits for your body.
Health Benefits...
Kombucha is famously good for your gut. The probiotic bacteria created during the fermenting process helps fight off colds and promotes a healthy gut. This can reduce reactions to allergies and decreases the risk of getting bowel syndrome.
Furthermore, a healthy gut promotes a strong immune system helping us fight off other diseases without depending on anti-biotics.
Another health benefit, less well known, is the impact on mental health. Having a healthy gut is proven to be beneficial to our mental health and reduce stress and anxiety.
A 2014 study showed that kombucha is rich in antioxidants (compounds in foods that neutralise chemicals which lead to heart disease) and has detoxifying properties. The fermented tead can also be used for memory improvement, PMS, joint pain, loss of appetite, AIDS, cancer, high blood pressure, constipation, arthritis, and hair regrowth. It’s also used to increase white cell counts, boost the immune system, and strengthen metabolism.
Despite these claims, the science of kombucha and other fermented foods is still being explored and many scientists say that a simple cup of regular tea can produce similar health benefits though perhaps less prevalent.
Furthermore, a healthy gut promotes a strong immune system helping us fight off other diseases without depending on anti-biotics.
Another health benefit, less well known, is the impact on mental health. Having a healthy gut is proven to be beneficial to our mental health and reduce stress and anxiety.
A 2014 study showed that kombucha is rich in antioxidants (compounds in foods that neutralise chemicals which lead to heart disease) and has detoxifying properties. The fermented tead can also be used for memory improvement, PMS, joint pain, loss of appetite, AIDS, cancer, high blood pressure, constipation, arthritis, and hair regrowth. It’s also used to increase white cell counts, boost the immune system, and strengthen metabolism.
Despite these claims, the science of kombucha and other fermented foods is still being explored and many scientists say that a simple cup of regular tea can produce similar health benefits though perhaps less prevalent.
How to drink it...
Whether or not its a massive health boost, kombucha can be enjoyed by anyone.
It is recommended to start with a small amount as the taste is quite strong and sometimes the probiotic bacteria within the drink does not fully agree with your digestive system straight up.
It can be drunk daily but, again, it is recommended to keep intake small. The fermented nature of the drink often leads to an energy boost and thus, it is a popular drink to increase productivity in the afternoons.
As kombucha helps with digestion, it is common to drink before a meal. This can be breakfast, lunch or dinner or even just before a snack.
Due to the small amount of alcohol in the drink (this comes from the fermenting process however it is so small that the drink is not classified as alcoholic) it is not usually recommended to drink before bed. Similarly, it may not be the first thing you look to drink in the morning either.
The best time is usually during the day when you are eating or when you need some extra energy.
It is recommended to start with a small amount as the taste is quite strong and sometimes the probiotic bacteria within the drink does not fully agree with your digestive system straight up.
It can be drunk daily but, again, it is recommended to keep intake small. The fermented nature of the drink often leads to an energy boost and thus, it is a popular drink to increase productivity in the afternoons.
As kombucha helps with digestion, it is common to drink before a meal. This can be breakfast, lunch or dinner or even just before a snack.
Due to the small amount of alcohol in the drink (this comes from the fermenting process however it is so small that the drink is not classified as alcoholic) it is not usually recommended to drink before bed. Similarly, it may not be the first thing you look to drink in the morning either.
The best time is usually during the day when you are eating or when you need some extra energy.
Make it your self...
Kombucha seems to have climbed to the next level of "trendiness" as it is now a popular DIY project in many households. Similar to making sourdough bread, the process takes a few weeks and requires some patience and perseverance.
At the Source Bulk Foods, you can buy a dehydrated SCOBY packet ready to ferment further and turn into kombucha. Otherwise you can make your own SCOBY from scratch!
If you do buy a dehydrated SCOBY, this needs to be activated and then added to a cup of cooled tea. You then leave the concoction to ferment for 7-30 days depending on the desired taste. The longer you leave it, the less sweet and more vinegary it will become.
Once it is ready to drink, retain the SCOBY for your next batch of kombucha.
At the Source Bulk Foods, you can buy a dehydrated SCOBY packet ready to ferment further and turn into kombucha. Otherwise you can make your own SCOBY from scratch!
If you do buy a dehydrated SCOBY, this needs to be activated and then added to a cup of cooled tea. You then leave the concoction to ferment for 7-30 days depending on the desired taste. The longer you leave it, the less sweet and more vinegary it will become.
Once it is ready to drink, retain the SCOBY for your next batch of kombucha.
Personally, I don't think I will be making my own kombucha; making sourdough bread is keeping me busy enough as it is.
Although, I don't see why this cannot be a new addition to my pantry as a little healthy gut boost from time to time. I doubt I will buying it every week and drinking it by the bottle but I like experimenting with new things and new foods so I am willing to give it ago.
Although, I don't see why this cannot be a new addition to my pantry as a little healthy gut boost from time to time. I doubt I will buying it every week and drinking it by the bottle but I like experimenting with new things and new foods so I am willing to give it ago.