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Kombucha
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha has been called the 'miracle cure-all'. It's a pleasant, probiotic drink full of useful constituents. It is safely and easily made at home, just as it has been by many cultures over many generations, and drunk for enjoyment, health and vitality right around the world.
Kombucha (sometimes called kombucha
tea) is a fermented drink made from sweet tea and the kombucha culture which is the live substance which is put into the sweet tea to ferment and convert it into kombucha tea. The culture is commonly known as kombucha
mushroom, though this is a misleading term as it's a symbiotic mix of live
bacteria and yeast. Better and more accurate, it is a "symbiotic culture of
bacteria and yeast", so known by its abbreviation 'SCOBY'.
Sugar is used as part of the recipe but it is not used as a sweetener. The sugar is broken down and converted into different components of the finished drink. After fermentation it no longer tastes of tea, in fact you can even change the taste and use different natural flavours!
Why is Kombucha good for you?
Kombucha can work with your body to boost its natural ability to fight sickness and disease as well as bring a healthy balance back to your metabolism and organs. Because it has been around for so long, many researchers have spent time investigating the sometimes quite astonishing results from this natural remedy.
It's easy to find out more, just do a web search on kombucha. I have and
discovered that research has found that it contains many things known to help
our health.
How much do I drink? Are there side effects?
A few people may experience some detoxification at the start (as the body releases toxins), so it's suggested that you start with small amounts and work up. Many people drink a wine-glass full (150ml) three times a day. That's 3 litres a week, though many people I am in contact with drink more!
How do I make kombucha?
Its so easy! Basically, using aseptic techniques (easier than it sounds), you add kombucha SCOBY and Kombucha starter tea to a special blend of sweetened tea in a glass container. Cover, wait a week, and hey presto: there's your first batch of kombucha to drink! You will have produced more SCOBY and kombucha tea to start your next batch or two, and so on. I give full instructions with every Starter Pack I sell.
Still unsure? Come along to a practical workshop to be initiated into all the rites associated with the satisfying production of your own brew. See details below.
How do I get kombucha?
I
don't like to 'sell' it, but I do ask for a reasonable
exchange.
If you choose a money
exchange, I suggest £5 is an appropriate compensation for the time, energy and
skills employed as well as covering the resources needed. You will get a Starter Pack of kombucha tea and SCOBY.
Or suggest another exchange, perhaps using your own special skills.
Do you need it posted? p&p is another £5 (Jan 2010) as the liquid weighs heavily and is awkward to pack! It also means a special trip to the Post Office for me as the package doesn't fit into a post box. Does a friend also want one? I'll send both together for just £7 postage (so £17 total for 2 kits sent to one address).
Kombucha: Elixir of Life Workshop
NOTE: this workshop is repeated at intervals. Or organise a group yourself with your friends.
Kombucha (kom-boo-cha)—I was introduced to kombucha by a friend who explained that she and her husband had been using it for 20 years and never had a cold or flu in that time. It's a probiotic that you brew yourself from a sugary tea, and the micro-organisms convert the tea to health-promoting active constituents. And it tastes WONDERFUL! I dislike tea intensely, but love this fizzy brew. This is a thoroughly practical workshop, introducing you to kombucha; demonstrating all aspects of producing it yourself in your kitchen using common utensils; and the chance to taste several brews. Advanced kombucha workshops are also available.
