Kombucha Tea
Well we know there are more and more 'discoveries' as the world is getting smaller, plus the fact that we are traveling more and have much more access to items in different countries.
Green tea for example has been drunk by the Chinese and the Japanese for hundreds of years yet it is only in the recent decade or two that it has reached Europe and America in a big way. Same thing for the goji berries; the Chinese have been using it in their cooking for hundreds of years - it is a favorite ingredient to put into chicken soup and chicken broth, and has only been 'discovered' recently as well.
And now we have Kombucha tea which originates from Russia by certain accounts. A fermented tea that has all the probiotic goodness to make sure your intestines have all the good bacteria it needs to function properly. In fact, gut health is gaining prominence and with it, foods and beverages that promote this.
Here is a list of what Kombucha has :
- LACTIC ACID: Found in Kombucha in its most potent form L-lactic(+). Lactic acid is essential for the digestive system.
- ACETIC ACID: Its main function is to inhibit harmful bacteria. Acetic acid is used as a preservative because of this action. It is also what gives Kombucha that ‘kick’ to its smell and taste.
- MALIC ACID: Is also used in the body’s detoxification process.
- OXALIC ACID: Encourages the cellular production of energy and is a natural preservative.
- GLUCONIC ACID: Is effective against many yeast infections such as Candida and thrush.
- BUTYRIC ACID: Is produced by the yeasts and when working with gluconic acid, might help combat yeast infections such as Candida.
- NUCLEIC ACID: Work with the body aiding healthy cell regeneration.
- AMINO ACID: A group of acids which are the building blocks of protein. Your muscular system is made of proteins.
- ENZYMES: Are proteins that act as catalysts, speeding the rate at which biochemical reactions proceed.
Kombucha also contains Vitamin Groups B and C, Beneficial Yeasts and LIVING Bacteria (you know like the stuff in yogurt).
So I looked into making Kombucha. It is a drink or tea that you could buy bottled, but all the die hard fans swear by making their own. It's all a science with mother culture, scoby, mushrooms, tea and keeping it all in a dark place involved.
Sounds sinister? Maybe.... but you do need to look beyond the rather intimidating appearances it has at first.
You may think it all very complicated. Actually, it isn't. Sure, you will encounter a bit of trial and error along the way (who gets anything right the first time round?), but the results are better intestinal health, a healthy drink for everyone including your pets and a sense of achievement that you have created something healthy and useful.
OK, I am not an expert but here are some videos and free instructions that will tell you all you need to know about making Kombucha tea. So enjoy and let me know how you got along!
