Have you ever heard of the drink kombucha? It is a beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a culture of yeast and bacteria. If you’ve never heard of them, here is some information about it and how it could benefit your health!
Okay, so kombucha, the booch, or, as some like to call it, the champagne of life…
GT’s Kombucha
You’ve probably heard about it from your blissfully zenned out yoga instructor or you’ve seen your trendy roommate stockpiling it in the refrigerator, but maybe you felt too foolish to ask what it was exactly. Lucky for you, you’re about to get a mini crash course in kombucha!
1. First things first, here’s how you actually pronounce kombucha:
Looks a little daunting to all non-linguists, right? So here’s a version that’s easier on the eyes:
Now that you know how to properly say kombucha, there are a few things to understand before you open your first bottle…
2. With a history dating back to 220 BC, kombucha has been referred to as the “tea of immortality” in Eastern cultures because of its supposed healing properties.
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But now that there’s science and technology to dig a little deeper, we know that kombucha is filled with probiotics, amino acids, polyphenols, and active enzymes.
3. As an extra bonus, this “sacred elixir’s” key ingredient is called a SCOBY (or Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), which is added to the base of a sweetened tea.
GT’s Kombucha
At first, a SCOBY kind of looks like a slimy pancake, but it’s actually a magical living culture that transforms the tea into a tangy, fermented drink (this is what gives the tea a bit of an apple cider vinegar-y bite). Voilà: kombucha!
4. When kombucha is authentically brewed, it also gets packed with BILLIONS of living probiotics that can help support digestion and gut health.
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5. Pro tip: When you open your first bottle, try to make your first taste a teeny tiny *seep* like you’re kissing a dainty little flower rather than downing a massive gulp. The tangy taste can be surprising at first, so gentleness is 🔑.
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6. When it’s bottled and on the shelf, you might notice small clusters of floaties collecting in the bottle. Don’t be afraid — they’re good for you.
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Those little floaties are actually living culture strands, indicating the brew is alive and active. Think of it like a coral reef that harbors billions of living probiotics. *gulp*
7. While your gut reaction might be to mix and disperse the cultured floaties, it’s important to remember: Do. Not. Shake. The. Bottle. The natural effervescence will literally explode in your face.
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It seems like a simple request, but you’d be surprised at the amount of people who’ve let this probiotic-packed bev jostle around and then try to open it for a swig, only to be surprised with a fizzy pop and streaming booch fountain. The fermentation process gives kombucha a natural effervescence that can makes each batch unique and gives it that extra-bubbly umph. Give it a gentle roll instead.
8. Beware: Not all kombuchas are legit.
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A lot of brands filter out the culture floaties or force-carbonate to fake “natural effervescence.” Some skip the SCOBY fermentation process entirely and rely only on additive probiotics. Steer clear. Real, AUTHENTIC kombucha has culture strands, natural effervescence, and that signature tangy bite (plus, you’ll only find it in the refrigerator section!).
9. Anytime is a good time to booch.
GT’s Kombucha, Laina Sweetney
Contrary to popular belief, kombucha doesn’t get you drunk. The fermentation gives it a trace amount of naturally occurring alcohol content (less than a light beer), so you can sip it morning, afternoon, and night.
10. In fact, kombucha can also be used in a variety of foods and cocktails to pack a delicious, flavorful probiotic punch into your everyday faves.
Allie McDonald / Via Instagram: @miss.allieskitchen
You might find yourself making some decadent overnight oats with a coffee-infused blend.
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Or adding a splash or two for some fun desserts!
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You can even use kombucha as a better-for-you mixer.
Allie McDonald / Via Instagram: @miss.allieskitchen
Say goodbye to tasteless, seltzer-mixed drinks. You’re moving up to mixologist status with some fancy booch-based cocktails!
Carla Cohen
So even after all this info dump, you might still be a little apprehensive about trying kombucha, but TBH, why not try a few bottles with fun names and vibrant colors that catch your eye? Go on — we dare you.
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And who knows? You might be the inspiring force behind someone else’s deep dive into the world of kombucha. Cheers!
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Facts courtesy of GT’s Kombucha.