Nourishing Kombucha Tea
## Nourishing Kombucha Tea Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that has been around for centuries. It is made with a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), which feeds on the sugar in the tea and produces lactic acid and acetic acid. These acids give kombucha its characteristic tangy flavor and also make it a healthy probiotic drink. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help to improve gut health and boost the immune system. Kombucha is a great source of antioxidants and probiotics, and it can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink or used as a base for smoothies or cocktails. It is also a low-calorie and low-sugar drink, making it a good choice for those who are looking for a healthy alternative to sugary sodas or juices. ### Ingredients - 1 cup black tea leaves - 1 cup sugar - 1 gallon water - 1 SCOBY - 1 cup kombucha starter tea (from a previous batch) ### Instructions 1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. 2. Remove from heat and add the tea leaves. 3. Steep for 5 minutes. 4. Strain the tea into a clean gallon jar. 5. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. 6. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature. 7. Add the SCOBY and starter tea to the jar. 8. Cover the jar with a cloth and secure with a rubber band. 9. Let the kombucha ferment at room temperature for 7-10 days. ### Backstory The history of kombucha is long and winding, and there are many different stories about how it came to be. One story claims that kombucha was first discovered in China over 2,000 years ago. According to legend, a Korean doctor named Kombu was treating an emperor who was suffering from an incurable illness. Kombu brewed a special tea for the emperor, and after drinking it, the emperor's health miraculously improved. Kombu's tea became known as "kombucha," and it is said to have been a popular drink in China for centuries. Another story claims that kombucha was first discovered in Russia in the early 1900s. Russian farmers were looking for a way to preserve their tea, and they accidentally discovered that tea that had been fermented with a SCOBY became a delicious and refreshing drink. Kombucha quickly became popular in Russia, and it eventually spread to other parts of the world. No matter how it was discovered, kombucha is a delicious and healthy drink that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. It is a great source of probiotics and antioxidants, and it can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink or used as a base for smoothies or cocktails. ### Why It Works - The black tea leaves provide the kombucha with its characteristic flavor and tannins. Tannins are antioxidants that can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. - The sugar provides the SCOBY with the food it needs to grow and ferment the tea. The SCOBY produces lactic acid and acetic acid, which give kombucha its tangy flavor. - The SCOBY is a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. The bacteria produce lactic acid, which gives kombucha its tangy flavor. The yeast produces carbon dioxide, which gives kombucha its fizziness. - The kombucha starter tea provides the SCOBY with a head start on the fermentation process. This helps to ensure that the kombucha will ferment properly and produce a delicious, healthy drink.
Nourishing Kombucha Tea Nourishing Kombucha Tea Nourishing Kombucha Tea Nourishing Kombucha Tea
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 cup black tea leaves
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast)
  • 1 cup kombucha starter tea (from a previous batch)
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Remove from heat and add the tea leaves.
  3. Steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea into a clean gallon jar.
  5. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
  6. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
  7. Add the SCOBY and starter tea to the jar.
  8. Cover the jar with a cloth and secure with a rubber band.
  9. Let the kombucha ferment at room temperature for 7-10 days.