How to Make Kombucha (and Why You Should)
If you keep up on trends in the wellness world, chances are you’ve heard of Kombucha, otherwise referred to as “The Immortal Health Elixir.”
Kombucha is a fermented beverage made of black tea and sugar. The carbonated drink contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic), to which many credit benefits such as weight loss, energy boosts, immunity support, cancer prevention, the treatment of depression, reduced joint pain and improved digestion.
Worth a try, right?! Here’s how to make it at home.
Step 1.) Get a SCOBY
A SCOBY is a Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast. This is the alien looking ingredient that will turn your tea into delicious kombucha! You can order them online, or if you’re lucky enough to have a kombucha brewing friend you can beg for a piece of theirs to get your own started.
2.) Brew the Tea
You’ll need about 8 black tea bags (or the equivalent in loose tea) and approximately 1 cup of sugar. This is what the SCOBY will turn into different kinds of acids. Steep for 4-5 minutes, then set aside to cool until it reaches room temperature.
3.) Remove the tea bags, and add the SCOBY and cover with a cloth.
Leave your kombucha-to-be to sit for 3-5 days. Over this time it will ferment and convert the caffeine and sugar to acids and probiotics that our guts love.
4.) Pour & Reap the Benefits
It will taste vinegary and may take a little getting used to, but the health benefits are undeniable. For the full tutorial, check out this awesome video we learned from. Enjoy!
