Kombucha! My Steemian Friends
I have always loved teas. Hot or cold, both are great. I started drinking tea when I was a teenager and other than water, it’s my go to beverage. In fact just other day my daughter told me one of her fondest memories were of me with a good book, iced tea and my favorite sweet treat! Nothing better!
Well my friends, I’ve improved my game! My sweet treats are now healthier and my tea is too!
Kombucha, what is it you ask?
- Kombucha is a fermented, slightly fizzy sweetened black or green tea!
Where did it originate?
- The origin of Kombucha is not certain although many believe China. References date back up to 2000 years ago.
How is it made?
- It is made using black or green tea, sugar and a SCOBY! SCOBY stands for symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast!
Now before you say….oh no you don’t! Let me tell you about the health benefits of Kombucha.
Salute your health Steemians!
- Kombucha is a rich source of probiotics! We all know about probiotics! Yogurt is a great source, and something we all eat. Probiotics help keep our gut healthy; prevent inflammation and aids digestion.
- Kombucha contains high levels of anti-oxidants. We hear about this all of the time, antioxidants fights free–radicals which cause cell damage.
- Kombucha can kill harmful bacteria in the body suppress growth of harmful bacteria.
- Studies have shown Kombucha can help control Type 2 Diabetes.
I remember the first time I learned about Kombucha. This was years ago,
had a gallon jar in her bedroom with a giant SCOBY. It scared me to death, I thought it was a Jelly fish! She tried to explain what it was…it was beyond me at the time. Since I have committed to researching, learning and implementing a healthier diet and lifestyle I now understand! Fermented foods and drinks are so healthy!
Don’t buy it!! We can make it!
Let's make Raspberry Kombucha!
Before we start, I cannot stress how important it is that your equipment used be clean and sterilized. (Dishwasher or boiling water rinsed) Those of you who do food preservation will already know this!
You’ll need
Makes ½ gallon Kombucha Tea
- SCOBY (1)
- Starter Tea Or White distilled Vinegar (1 cup)
- Sugar (1 cup)
- Black or Green Tea (4 bags)
- Filtered water (6-7 cups)
Note: You can buy an Organic SCOBY online. Once you buy you won’t have to buy again! You’ll have SCOBYs to give to all of your friends
Clean and sterilize your fermentation jar! Add your sugar to the sterilized jar. I haven’t tried using alternative sweeteners! If you have and have had success I would love to hear! Pour boiling water over tea bags in the jar. Let the tea steep for at least 10 minutes. The longer you steep…the stronger your Kombucha, it’s your preference! Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool until it reaches 65- 85 degrees.
At this point we add the SCOBY and the starter tea or vinegar. The good bacteria and yeast in the SCOBY along with the sugar will produce acetic acid (found in vinegar) which ferments your tea and produces a gas which makes it fizzy! Your SCOBY may or may not float…don’t worry!
Place a piece of cheesecloth secured with a rubber band over the top of the jar and place in a cool dry place. I just leave it on the counter. I also mark the date on the jar, makes it easier to keep track!
You can ferment for 7-14 days. I would taste the tea after 7 days and see if this is the taste you like. The longer you ferment the you’ll find the tea will have more of a vinegar taste. 7 days is good for me! At this point remove the SCOBY along with about a cup of tea and place it in a sterilized jar for future tea!
Strain your tea into STERILIZED jars leaving 1-2” headroom. I like the swing-top bottles, they’re great and easy to re-wash and re-use. You can drink it now or if you want you can ferment with fruit or fruit juice for a couple of days. I like to use fresh raspberries and blueberries! Wash them well first!
Place the fruit in the bottles, seal and ferment for a couple of days. You may want to pop the top a bit along the way. Open carefully, you don’t want fizzy on the ceiling! Refrigerate and enjoy!
I bottled Kombucha today! You can strain the fruit after a couple of days if you wish!
I love this healthy tea! I think you will too! A little fizzy is always nice. This is a great gift to share with friends during the holiday! I would love to hear about your favorite Kombucha recipe!
And as always, blessings to you all!
