Kombucha - The Living Health Drink

What is the History of Kombucha ?

It is thought that Kombucha has been drunk by the Chinese for over 2000 years and they named it “Immortal Health Elixir”. It started to become popular in the States in the 1990’s and there were claims that it could cause improvement in many illnesses and chronic conditions and was labelled curative and energising.

What is Kombucha ?
Kombucha is a lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea made by fermenting tea using a “symbiotic colony” of bacteria and yeast similar to the “mother of vinegar” – the name literally mean “Tea Fungus” or “Tea Mushroom” . The culture is sometimes referred to as the SCOBY which stands for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts and resembles a small white or cream flat, rubbery pancake.

What does Kombucha Tea taste like ?

Kombucha is sometimes described as having a rich, earthy taste which varies according to the length of time it has been fermenting for. Others describe it as slightly vinegary but with a pleasant balance of sweet and sour. Lightly sparkling it provides an ideal alternative to alcohol or caffeine based drinks and is a perfect accompaniment to a meal for the health conscious.

Does Kombucha contain gluten, dairy or animal products ?

Kombucha cultures generally only contain tea, sugar and filtered water plus any flavourings that may be added for variety.

Can children drink Kombucha ?

In theory Kombucha can be drunk by children but it should be remembered that it can contain a minute amount of alcohol because of the fermentation process.

What are the possible health benefits of Kombucha ?

There has not been a great deal of formal research into the benefits as yet but the following have been regularly reported:

• Probiotic qualities aid digestion and gut health.
• Boost the immune system.
• Anti –inflammatory and pain killing effects on arthritis possibly as it contains glucosamine type ingredients.
• General detoxification of the body especially the liver.

We currently stock a variety of Kombucha so why not give it a try – serve it chilled in your best wine glass and get the kick without the alcohol !  The manufacturers say it makes a good facial toner and can be used on hair to strip away the accumulated dirt. Let us know how you find it – love it or hate it !