Make Your Own Kombucha
Kombucha
What is it? Kombucha is an ancient fermented tea, often referred to as “mushroom tea” or the “elixir of life”. It is simply sugar, tea, water and a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). Sound intimidating? It is incredibly easy and safe to brew at home.
Why drink Kombucha?
After kombucha is fermented, it becomes carbonated and contains probiotics, b-vitamins, antioxidents and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic). It is said to improved digestion, cleanse and detox, support the immune system, increase energy and even contribute to weight loss.
How do I start?
Find a SCOBY from someone who brews, purchase a dehydrated one online or you can make your own from a bottle of raw Kombucha.
To make your own SCOBY
- Brew 1 cup of black or green organic tea. Add 1-2 tbsp organic sugar and let cool.
- Add one bottle of raw kombucha.
- Pour into a clean dry glass jar and cover with a cover filter or cheesecloth securing tightly with a rubber band or string.
- Place out of direct sunlight in an undisturbed spot for about 7 days. You will see a SCOBY formed. It begins as a white to clear film, then will thicken. You can begin to make your own when it reaches ¼” thick. This can take 3 weeks or so depending on environment.
Tip: Do not store your Kombucha next to or close to other ferments to prevent cross culturing.
To make your Kombucha
Once you have your new SCOBY, you can begin. To make one quart Kombucha tea you need:
- 2 tea bags of organic black tea
- ¼ cup organic sugar
- ½ cup kombucha tea or distilled white vinegar
- 2-3 cups filtered water
Boil 1 cup water and add tea and sugar. Dissolve. Let cool and add the kombucha or vinegar, SCOBY and enough water to fill quart jar. Cover with coffee filter or cheesecloth and let sit undisturbed for 7-14 days. At the 7 day mark begin to taste. I personally like my kombucha at 10 days. The longer is ferments the less sugar and more vinegary taste will evolve.
When ready, you can pour into bottles, add fruit or juice to flavor or drink as is. Reserve ½ cup for your next batch and ENJOY!
If you want more information, www.culturesforhealth.com is a wonderful resource.
