One of my neighbors stopped by last week and asked if I liked kombucha. I told her that I had never tried it but all my friends were drinking it back in Portland. She then told me that she made some and had way too much SCOBY (starter) left and asked if I might want it. Why not?! I had been wanting to give it a try as I have been told it has many health benefits, and I want to get more fermented foods in our diet. At the same time I wasn't so sure about it because I heard it had a high sugar and alcohol content, and well, the SCOBY rather grossed me out. What can I say? I have a weak stomach. She brought the SCOBY over along with instructions on making kombucha and a bottle of some she had already made. Go figure - her instructions and kit were from Portland, Oregon! Reading through the instructions eased my mind over the sugar and alcohol content (it ends up they really aren't issues at all.) I decided this came to be for a reason so I should just go with it. I opened up the bottle of kombucha and nearly dumped it out. It smelled, well, really fermented. I know, I know, what else should I expect? But once I got past the smell and tried some I really liked it. Since I already cook all of our (whole foods) meals from scratch, make our own yogurt, craft medicine from our garden and so on, why not add kombucha to the list.I will be making my first batch this week once my gallon sized glass jar arrives but I wanted to first seek some wisdom from those in the know. I bet there are quite a few of you out there!
Do I have to use sugar or can I substitute with honey or maple syrup?
Can I use any kind of tea? I was thinking of just some simple green tea to start and then maybe using some of my peach green tea, but I don't know if that would change anything in the process, though.
Do I drink one cup a day?
What are your experiences with it? How has it helped you?
And finally something that I have read mixed reviews on - children. Do any of you give it to your children? Why or why not?
I thank you in advance for your much needed advice. I have quite a few new things I am trying, pretty much all at the same time, and I can't wait to share more with you. I didn't want to overwhelm you with all of it at once, though. Let's just say that I feel like I am getting more on track with our health. How about you? Is there anything new you are trying? Please do share. Maybe your changes might help inspire us all!
Logging you in...
Julie · 551 weeks ago
breakingpointfan 19p · 551 weeks ago
Yes you do need to use sugar... I use organic sugar not the pure white stuff. The scoby needs it and you should never substitute another sweetener.
I think you can only use black tea and green tea. No fruity flavor teas. If you prefer green tea, then you'd need to put in at least one black tea bag. I use 4 black tea bags or sometimes I use 2 green and 2 black. If you want to flavor it, then you'd need to do a 2nd ferment and add fruit to flavor it. Or just make your peach green tea and add kombucha to it to drink. You can add whatever you want to the kombucha, but only after it has "brewed".
You will grow new Scoby's and the old ones can go into your compost. I've also seen people make jerky with them, but I have not tried it. (Don't think I want to!)
We don't limit the amount we drink a day, but if you are new to it then you should definitely start out slow to get used to it. I think it can upset your tummy if you drink a lot at first. We are used to it, and daughter (she's 9) and I can easily drink 2 bottles a day. (about 4 cups.)
I do believe drinking it helps keep us from getting sick or getting over being sick quicker. We've been drinking it for at least 2 years, maybe 3. I started drinking it because of the probiotic benefits and also because I was needing something to help me stop drinking soda. I loved 7up, root beer, and orange soda. Flavored kombucha really helped me get over soda.
I highly recommend this video by Modern Alternative Mama: http://www.modernalternativemama.com/brew_kombuch... I watched it several times before I actually made kombucha for the first time.
My opinion is that it is perfectly safe for children. But if you aren't comfortable letting your little one drink it, then don't give it to them. :)
Cat · 551 weeks ago
breakingpointfan 19p · 551 weeks ago
FrontierDreams 111p · 550 weeks ago
Melissa · 551 weeks ago
MamaAshGrove · 551 weeks ago
Marissa · 551 weeks ago
Andrea · 551 weeks ago
Melissa N. · 551 weeks ago
caffeinegirl 34p · 551 weeks ago
Love the photos of the kitty with the watermelon.
Emma · 551 weeks ago
If you are going to give to kids though I do recommend de-caffeinating the tea bags before brewing the tea you use. To do this put all the tea bags into a small jug and pour boiling water over, let stand for 5 mins to allow caffeine to leech out (this happens quickly) then use the tea bags to brew the tea. Unlike the sugar, the caffeine remains in the end result. You need to use black tea or green tea, no flavoured teas as the oils contained damages the scoby. You also need to use sugar, the more refined sugars are more easily used by the scoby. Don't bother using expensive coconut sugar or more 'natural' sugars as the scoby can't use them as easily. Organic raw sugar works the best. Have a look on youtube for an instructional video, there are so many. I found that the best way to get started! Have fun!
heidi · 551 weeks ago
Very informative and I just love her stuff!
Good luck!
~h
Heather TK · 551 weeks ago
ncfarmchick 31p · 551 weeks ago
FrontierDreams 111p · 550 weeks ago