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Kombucha is the latest fermented health drink to gain a place our fridge. Many swear by the digestive properties of fermented foods, and drinks too are increasingly popular.
What's the buzz?
Kombucha is the latest fermented health drink to gain a place our fridge. Many swear by the digestive properties of fermented foods, and drinks too are increasingly popular.
Kombucha is usually made from a base of tea, fermented with a bacteria and yeast culture. It needs some sugar content for the fermentation process to take place, so is often flavoured with fruit. If it’s left to ‘double ferment’ then more carbon dioxide is produced, creating fizz.
How is it good for you?
As with many fermented foods, kombucha is believed to aid digestive health. Research has found it contains Lactobacillus, friendly bacteria which help you digest lactose and may also treat diarrhoea.
How to make your own kombucha
The trickiest ingredient, yet the most essential, is the kombucha culture. This is often called a ‘scoby’ (it stands for ‘Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast’) and looks like a large rubbery disc – not particularly nourishing or tasty!
If you know someone who brews their own kombucha you can ask them to pass on a scoby; otherwise you can buy online.
Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please consult a doctor or healthcare professional before trying any remedies.
Ingredients
- Tea bags
- 1-2 litres of hot boiled water
- 160g - 200g sugar
- Scoby
| Per | Serving () |
|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 64kcal |
| Fat | 0g |
| of which saturates | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| of which sugars | 16g |
| Fibre | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Salt | 0g |
Method
Step 1
Make a strong brew of tea (organic plain black tea is ideal) in a 2-litre glass container, and add 160-200g of sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Step 2
Leave for half an hour to brew, then remove teabags and leave to cool.
Step 3
When the tea is around room temperature, add your scoby and any liquid that came with it. Tie a clean tea towel over the top and leave in a warm place (in winter, an airing cupboard would be best).
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