Kombucha

Kombucha (pronounced "kom-BOO-cha") is a centuries‑old fermented tea celebrated for its live probiotics, detoxifying acids, and gentle natural carbonation. It may support digestion, liver and kidney function, joints, energy, hormone balance, and seasonal wellness. While individual results vary and top-quality studies are still emerging, many people enjoy it as a delicious, everyday wellness beverage.  It is a lightly effervescent fermented drink made by fermenting sweetened tea using a SCOBY — a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. The SCOBY consumes most of the sugar, producing enzymes, organic acids (like acetic and glucuronic acid), natural carbonation, and probiotic microorganisms. The final drink usually tastes tangy, like sparkling cider, and contains minimal residual sugar.  Kombucha contains live microorganisms that can support healthy gut microbiota and mucosal immunity.  The natural acids and enzymes work in synergy to detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, maintain chemical balance, and can offer mild pain relief.

1. Rich Source of Probiotics -  Kombucha contains Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast known for resisting stomach acid and antibiotics, and widely used in hospitals to support gut health. Kombucha encourages healthy gut flora, aiding digestion, reducing symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, IBS, and supporting balance during or after antibiotic use.
2. Gut Protection & Immune Balance: Kombucha helps neutralize harmful toxins and pathogens, reducing inflammation in the digestive lining. S. boulardii acts as a “decoy,” binding threats before they attach to your gut.  
3. Detox Support - Kombucha contains  glucuronic acid, which supports liver detoxification by binding and assisting in the elimination of toxins and environmental pollutants. 
4. Joint & Pain Relief -  Kombucha contains acetic acid and natural anti-inflammatory compounds (like chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and heparin) which may ease joint pain and inflammation. These elements also support cartilage lubrication.
5. Kidney Cleansing - Studies suggest kombucha may aid kidney function by helping rid the body of waste and preventing buildup like calcium deposits that can lead to kidney stones. 
6. Bowel Regularity - Kombucha contains S. boulardii, which has been shown effective in treating digestive disorders such as Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and IBS symptoms.
7. Energy, Hormones, and Odor Control - Kombucha B-vitamins and probiotics that may support adrenal function, metabolic balance, and afternoon energy slumps.  Anecdotal reports note reduced body odor, balanced hormones, and better glandular health with regular consumption.
8. Respiratory & Allergy Relief - When seasonal allergies or upper respiratory issues strike, kombucha (especially ginger-flavored) can help soothe throat discomfort, clear sinuses, and counter inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 3 Organic Green Tea Bags
• 2 Organic Black Tea Bags
• 1 Cup Raw Organic Sugar
• 1 Cup Kombucha Starter
• Gallon Jar with Cloth Cover
• Rubberband to Secure Cover

Instructions:

1. Boil water 
2. Add sugar and stir until it has dissolved
3. Turn off heat and add tea bags.  Steep for 20 minutes, remove bags, then cool.
4. Pour cooled tea into glass jar and add Starter Culture and SCOBY (temp should be below 90F before adding these)
5. Cover jar with a cloth and secure with a rubber band
6. Let sit for 6-15 days (temp 65F-90F) until ready - it should taste like apple cider when ready

Ingredients:

• 2 gallon glass drink dispenser with stainless steel spigot
• 24 cups of filtered water
• SCOBY and 2 cups of kombucha starter
• 2/3 cup dried hibiscus flowers (Amazon)
• 2 Organic Black Tea Bags
• 2 Green Tea Bags
• 2 Cups Raw/Organic Sugar

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil
2. Add sugar and dissolve
3. Add tea bags and Hibiscus flowers in a tea bag, or loose, to water and sugar mixture
4. After 5 minutes, turn off heat and let brew for 20 minutes
5. Remove tea bags and flower pieces from the pot and let cool
6. Once completely cool, add your kombucha started liquid and SCOBY
7. Cover with a thin cloth or towel and rubber band to secure
8. Let brew from 6-14 days.  Homes that are warmer than 70F will take less time than cooler homes
9. When your kombucha is to your taste, you can drink right away or store in bottles in the refrigerator
10. Reserve 2 cups of starter liquid to use on your next brew

Second fermentation is adding the already-made kombucha to bottles and adding in juice so it can further ferment on your countertop.  This process gives the kombucha the flavoring and carbonation that you would experience in kombucha purchased from the store.  You can experiment with many flavors and juices, but make sure the juice is organic and free from artificial additives.  You can use any sized swing-top bottle meant for fermentation.  I'll include a variety of sizes below.

Instructions - 16 oz bottles:

• Add 1/4 cup juice to 16 oz bottle and add kombucha.  Make sure to leave about an inch or two of head space at the top of the bottle
• Burp the bottles daily by opening the top of the swing-top bottles and allowing the built-up carbonation to escape.  Repeat this "burping" every 24 hours. 

Instructions - 32/33 oz bottles:

• Add 1/2 cup juice to 32/33 oz bottle and add kombucha, leaving about an inch to two of head space at the top of the bottle
• Burp the bottles daily by opening the top of the swing-top bottles and allowing the built-up carbonation to escape.  Repeat this "burping" every 24 hours. 

Instructions - 68 oz growlers:

• Add 1 cup juice to 68 oz growler and add kombucha to bottle.  Make sure to leave about 3 inches of head space at the top of the bottle 
• Burp the bottles daily by opening the top of the swing-top bottles and allowing the built-up carbonation to escape.  Repeat this "burping" every 24 hours. 

• Starter Kombucha & SCOBY (this is where I got mine - it is WONDERFUL):  https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/store/product/donnas-kombucha-starter/
• 2 Gallon Vessel: https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Pioneer-Woman-Ribbed-2-Gallon-Glass-Beverage-Dispenser-Clear/13541605625?classType=REGULAR&athbdg=L1600&from=%2Fsearch&sid=d92fd073-1b7b-43b6-ad8c-7182b4eb589a
• 1 Gallon Vessel: https://a.co/d/3Js8slk
• Tea Towels for Top of Vessel:   https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-10-Piece-Flour-Sack-Kitchen-Towel-Set-White/46914083?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1600&from=%2Fsearch&sid=c819ebe1-b90e-4cf6-acfc-694a8e5c42f9
• File Rubber Bands to Secure Towel on Top:  https://www.walmart.com/ip/Alliance-Advantage-Rubber-Bands-117B-7-x-1-8-File-Bands-4oz-Bag-Pink-Purple-Blue/20882076?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1102&from=%2Fsearch&sid=3a3e36bc-f5db-400a-9c4c-98c41850f48e
• Organic Green Tea Bags:  https://a.co/d/4OK5U7c
• Organic Black Tea Bags:  https://a.co/d/aj9rMY8
• Hibiscus Tea:  https://a.co/d/8u2SE4i
• Tea Ball Infuser for Hibiscus Tea (makes straining easy):  https://a.co/d/f5mSyhN
• Raw/Organic Sugar - I buy Kirkland's Brand from Costco (do not use white/bleached sugar)
• 16 oz bottles:  https://a.co/d/dVK2YUV
• 32/33 oz bottles:  https://a.co/d/eDpj8pw
• 68 oz growler bottles: https://a.co/d/2jAh1eN
• Funnel:  https://a.co/d/3dCjDoa