Not all kombucha is created equal, and with a boom in the 'booche market, we want to equip YOU with the know-how to pick the real-deal from the imposters.
Luckily, we have YFC friend and producer Yvonne from Pura Vida to give us the low-down. But before we dive in, what is kombucha exactly, and why should we be drinking it?
Kombucha 101
Kombucha is a natural ferment made with organic green and black tea, organic sugar and filtered water (no chlorine or fluoride) and a SCOBY(Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) or culture, sometimes called the mother or mushroom. It is the bacteria and yeast that transform the sweetened tea into a fizzy, tangy tonic.
Kombucha has been around since the beginning of time and is an ancient tradition. The origin has little evidence though it has been passed down through generations and seems to have originated in the far east. The Chinese called it the “tea of immortality”
Whatever culture it evolved from it is clear that Kombucha has been embraced as a healthful probiotic.
Cheers to health
Packed with healthy vitamins as well as many other powerful immune-boosting probiotics, kombucha’s ability to detoxify the liver is said to boost immunity and increase metabolism and energy.
Vitamins – B1, B6, B12 and C. Ability to turn food into energy, B vitamins are a necessary component of any diet to maintain healthy liver, skin, hair, and eyes. B1 strengthens the immune system. B6 helps you body use protein, supports brain function, and helps build red blood cells. B12 plays an important role in cell metabolism, nerve function and red blood cell formation. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.
Probiotics – Billions of Yeast and Bacteria make kombucha so beneficial for keeping the intestines healthy and aiding in digestion. Improving overall intestinal function, maintain a strong immune system and treat ailments such as diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, and eczema.
How much?
The amount to drink depends and it is something you will work out as you go. It is advisable to start with a 1/3-1/2 cup a day. Once you have adjusted you can increase to 1 cup a day or 250ml for an average-sized person. Drink plenty of water, in addition, to flush out the toxins.
Keep in mind that more is not better, your body will only absorb so much!
Does Kombucha contain alcohol?
The short answer is, yes. However, there should only be traces. Natural fermentation processes involving yeast result in the production of small amounts of alcohol - typically between 1 – 1.5%.
Yvonne's top tips to identify authentic Kombucha
- Real kombucha is always refrigerated
- Packed in glass
- Contains ‘live cultures’ (floaties)
- Has sediment on bottom of bottle (these are naturally occurring cultures)
- Effervescent
- Is unpasteurized
- Does not have long expiry date, the sugar is constantly consumed by the cultures which will eventually run out. A good period is 6 months.
- 100% organic
- No added sugar
- No Stevia
- Made by hand and with love!
'Booche like a BOSS
So, if there was a 'Booche University, you'd be a successful graduate by now - congrats! We hope you enjoy your 'booche beverages and impressing friends and family with your new-found knowledge.
