For the uninitiated, the Kombucha it is the drink of the moment and probably also the one that will be preferred by each of us in the future. Why?
First of all because it has a new taste, different from the other tea variants currently known and is perfect to be used both inside and outside meals.
Furthermore, it has countless benefits that bring well-being to our body and help lead a healthy and always fit lifestyle.
Do you still have doubts? In this article we want to summarize all the properties of Kombucha, both for the body and for the mind. But that's not all: we also want to introduce you to its closest ally: scoby, without which kombucha wouldn't even exist.
Let's immediately discover the winning combination Kombucha scoby: where to buy it and how to make it at home, also trying to know its fundamental characteristics that allow us to use it in the best possible way so as not to incur any toxicity.
So, it's time to set out to discover Kombucha and get to know the indispensable scoby up close. We are ready and you?
Kombucha: what is it? Let's discover the alternative to the classic tea
It's called Kombucha and it's a tea-based drink: have you ever heard of it?
It comes from the East and, like everything new, it raises many questions. Kombucha arouses that typical curiosity that pushes you to learn more to know every detail: its origins, benefits for humans and its characteristics.
And in fact, Kombucha does not disappoint: it is a new way of sipping tea, rediscovering a totally different taste, slightly fizzy and with a touch of aromatic aftertaste.
And if you're wondering if it's still a tea with innovative facets, the answer is No. Because it's a fermented drink that is prepared using the classic infusions we're used to, but then the result is completely different.
The merit also goes to the scoby, the particular sourdough that allows for accurate preparation and without which it would not be possible to have a real Kombucha.
Kombucha scoby: where to buy it? How is it prepared? And above all what does it consist of? Don't worry, we will try to answer all these questions slowly.
Kombucha and scoby, the winning combination of a product to be savored
Kombucha and scoby are inextricably linked. In fact, we anticipate that scoby is the basic ingredient of this new drink with many benefits.
Its bizarre name doesn't suggest much to those who hear it for the first time. The reason is that it is not used frequently in other preparations and, moreover, at first glance it just looks like a disk made of gelatin. Soft consistency, light brown color and a slightly acrid smell reminiscent of vinegar: these are its basic specifications.
its full name is Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast and indicates a set of bacteria and yeasts. This culture is needed to start the kombucha fermentation process.
Its peculiarity? Scoby is always unique! Every time it forms or prepares it is always different from its other brothers and may differ in size or weight, but also in shape.
The "mother" used in Kombucha replicates very easily and sometimes it may be necessary to organize to keep them all in good condition and avoid deterioration. Just all these extra scoby can be used to make other Kombucha fermentations or experiment with new variations.
But be careful: a compromised scoby not only leads to a poor quality Kombucha and dubious taste, but it can also generate toxicity for humans. Therefore, for your home preparations it is important to learn immediately how to store them properly and take care of them.
Scoby: where to buy it and how to make it at home
And now it's time to answer the most important question about scoby kombucha: where to buy it?
Indeed, it is not found in the usual supermarket where you usually go to do your shopping!
To be able to find high quality Scoby it is necessary to contact authorized dealers who deal with Kombucha or directly on the web. There are many ecommerce sites that sell this probiotic culture and also give precise indications on the correct way to use and store it.
For DIY lovers it is also possible to prepare it at home. What is needed? Simply the same ingredients for the preparation of the tea-based fermented drink, i.e. sugar, green or black tea bags and water.
They are generated autonomously in the bottle or jar but they must not receive direct sunlight or heat sources because they may not develop. When, then, we have many scoby to keep we can also divide them but paying attention not to tear them but gently cutting them with a pair of scissors.
What is the role of scoby for Kombucha?
After understanding what scoby is and why it's so important, it's time to figure out how it's used to make Kombucha.
Here are the steps to follow for a Kombucha with an inimitable taste:
- Preparation. In the first phase you have to boil the water as when preparing tea. The infusions are chosen and left in hot water for the time indicated on the package.
- Scoby addition. When the infusion has cooled, add our scoby and sugar.
- Fermentation. The mixture made of tea (to be chosen in the green or black variants), sugar and of course scoby, must remain closed in a container for a minimum of 7 days and a maximum of 20 days. In this period the fermentation will take place.
You can freely decide to make a second fermentation before considering the drink ready to drink and storing it in the fridge.
The role of the scoby in this process is to help the Kombucha ferment, thanks to the action of its yeasts which act upon contact with the sweetened tea inside the jar.
And what to do with leftover scoby? They should absolutely not be thrown away but placed in the Baby Hotel where they will be taken care of for their maintenance. They should not be washed but kept in a humid environment, ready to be reused at the right time in the preparation of new variants of Kombucha.
Kombucha: benefits for the well-being of the organism
Anyone who has learned about Kombucha knows well that it has been used for many centuries not only for its particular taste, but above all for its properties that make it even more palatable.
In fact, since its inception, stories have been told and handed down describing its benefits for regulating many functions of our body.
After all, it is easy to understand that Kombucha, made of scoby which is nothing more than a probiotic type crop, brings many benefits to our body. Any examples?
- It has purifying properties and helps keep the intestines healthy.
- It reduces inflammation and prevents the formation of certain diseases.
- It is considered an antibacterial and therefore is a panacea in poisoning.
- It has antioxidant properties and therefore helps in case of diabetes.
- Regulates cholesterol and is an ally of the cardiovascular system.
- Naturally protects the liver and facilitates its functions.
But it is not only the body that takes advantage of these advantages. Even the mind has enormous benefits deriving from the consumption of Kombucha.
Why not also use it to relax your mind and sleep better?
If the body works better in contact with the natural efficacy of the fermented drink based on tea and scoby, not even the mind can complain of not receiving any benefits.
In fact, it seems that Kombucha helps to relax, to feel more energetic and even to sleep well.
Studies on its positive effects in humans are still in progress, but it has already been demonstrated that drinking Kombucha in the recommended doses and with frequency really helps to combat and also alleviate depressive and anxiolytic states. You can therefore abandon that confused state that sometimes makes you apathetic or angry for no valid reason. All you need is a nice glass of Kombucha once a day and you will feel calmer and more serene.
Did you know it contains the B vitamins? This means that it also acts as a supplement and creates a widespread well-being that relaxes our mind.
Conclusion: some useful recommendations
Toxicity? Contraindications? Naturally, questions about the cons of Kombucha are commonplace.
This is because it is an alternative drink full of health benefits and as such generates some perplexity. But don't worry: defects can be counted on the fingers of one hand!
We can in fact summarize them in three groups:
- Toxicity related to inadequate preparations. Do you want to prepare it at home? Stick to the directions or leave it alone. A scoby not stored properly, a jar that is not closed properly or a kombucha that is not fermented correctly can cause poisoning.
- Excessive consumption. Does its fizzy and carbonated flavor make it irresistible? But be careful not to abuse it! If you exceed its daily amount, the benefits give way to a series of contraindications to be avoided.
- Exaggerated expectations. If you drink Kombucha hoping that it will cure diseases and prolong life, you are totally off track. It certainly helps to live better, has a positive impact on all bodily functions and improves mental well-being, but it does not cure existing diseases. For example diabetes, depression or cancer: Kombucha is not a drug but an elixir to have as an ally for a healthier life.
With these latest recommendations, we believe you are now ready to taste Kombucha and take care of your scoby even at home, aware of the pros and cons of a drink that is revolutionizing our tables.
