What is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that has been around for centuries. It is made by adding a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) to a mixture of black or green tea, sugar, and sometimes fruit or other flavorings. The SCOBY ferments the tea, producing carbon dioxide and acids, which give kombucha its characteristic fizziness and tart flavor.
Kombucha is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help to improve gut health. Probiotics have been shown to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. Kombucha is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Health Benefits of Kombucha
There is a growing body of research that suggests that kombucha may have a number of health benefits, including:
- Improved gut health: Kombucha is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help to improve gut health. Probiotics have been shown to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
- Reduced inflammation: Kombucha contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA, leading to inflammation and disease.
- Improved heart health: Kombucha may help to improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure.
- Boosted immunity: Kombucha is a good source of vitamin C, which is an important nutrient for immune function. Vitamin C helps to protect the body against infection.
- Reduced risk of cancer: Some studies have suggested that kombucha may help to reduce the risk of cancer. Kombucha contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA, leading to cancer.
How to Make Kombucha
Making kombucha at home is a relatively simple process. You will need the following ingredients:
- 1 gallon of black or green tea
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 SCOBY
- 1 cup of kombucha from a previous batch (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew 1 gallon of black or green tea. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
- Add 1 cup of sugar to the tea. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the SCOBY to the tea. Cover the container with a clean cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
- Place the container in a warm, dark place. Allow the kombucha to ferment for 7-14 days. The longer the kombucha ferments, the more tart it will become.
- After 7-14 days, taste the kombucha. If it is too tart for your taste, you can add more sugar and allow it to ferment for a few more days.
- Once the kombucha is fermented to your liking, bottle it and store it in the refrigerator. Kombucha will keep for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.
Tips for Making Kombucha
- Use a clean container to make kombucha. A dirty container can contaminate the kombucha and make it unsafe to drink.
- Allow the kombucha to ferment in a warm, dark place. The ideal temperature for kombucha fermentation is 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Taste the kombucha regularly to make sure that it is fermenting to your liking. If the kombucha is too tart for your taste, you can add more sugar and allow it to ferment for a few more days.
- Once the kombucha is fermented to your liking, bottle it and store it in the refrigerator. Kombucha will keep for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.
Kombucha is a delicious and healthy drink that is easy to make at home. Enjoy!
How many calories are in Kombucha?
Each 1 cup of Kombucha contains 34 calories.
Kombucha Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 cup (247g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 34 Calories |
| Protein | 2.9g |
| Fat | 0.6g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Carbohydrates | 5.8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9g |
| Sugar | 2.1g |
| Sodium | 0.011mg |
| Potassium | 0.1566mg |
| Calcium | 0.0022mg |
| Iron | 0.0002mg |