Everything you need to know about kombucha

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Kombucha is an ancient tea or tonic that has been consumed in China for thousands of years. The fizzy, fermented drink largely consists of sugar and black tea with some added additional fruit and spices for extra flavour. Kombucha is believed to be healing for your gut as it contains a large number of healthy bacteria known as probiotics. These probiotics or “good bugs” line your digestive tract and support your immune system as well as absorb nutrients and fight infections.   The fermented tea is also believed to be rich in inflammation-fighting B vitamins, vitamin C, digestive enzymes and beneficial acids like acetic, lactic and gluconic acids. Plus, you get the benefits of the antioxidants in the black tea.

  • How is kombucha made?

     

    Kombucha is made with black or green tea, sugar and a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). Although not pretty to look at, the SCOBY plays a very important role in making kombucha; it is responsible for initiating the fermentation process. The SCOBY begins to eat the tea-sugar solution and after one to two weeks plus carbonation, you’re left with a sweet and delicious tea.

  • How much kombucha should I drink?

     

    Start with one glass a day and build from there; it might be more, or it might be less. Remember to trust your gut – it knows best.

    If you’re drinking kombucha for the very first time, begin with a few sips and see how your body reacts. For some people, the good bacteria in the kombucha may cause bloating or digestive distress.

    It’s important to check that your store-bought kombucha isn’t packed with added sugars. Stick to drinks that contain no more than five grams of added sugar per serving.

  • Healthy Kombucha & Lemon Jellies

    Makes: 20 small jellies

     

    INGREDIENTS:

    • 1 cup water
    • 2cm piece ginger root, peeled & finely sliced
    • 1cm piece fresh turmeric root, peeled & finely sliced
    • 3-4 tbsp raw honey or organic maple syrup
    • 1 cup organic kombucha
    • Juice 1 large lemon
    • 3 tbsp natural gelatine

     

    METHOD:

    1. Place water and slices of ginger and turmeric in a small saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer for 4-5 minutes.
    2. Take off heat, mix in honey or maple syrup and stir to dissolve.
    3. Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes. Remove slices of ginger and turmeric and mix in kombucha and lemon juice. Taste to check you are happy with the flavour. Adjust if you need to.
    4. Now, sprinkle the gelatine over the liquid, allow it to sit and bloom (turn wrinkly) for a few minutes.
    5. Stir and if gelatine doesn’t completely dissolve, pop saucepan back on low-heat for only 1 minute.
    6. Pour into lined slice tray or ice moulds and set in fridge. Serve.

With a huge range of delicious flavours available from The Source Bulk Foods, head into your nearest store today to fill up!

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