Kombucha is a fermented, sparkling drink made from tea, sugar, and a "SCOBY" (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). The SCOBY consumes the sugar, creating a fizzy, tangy, low-calorie beverage that contains probiotics, beneficial acids, B vitamins, and some alcohol and caffeine. It is consumed for its tangy taste and for potential health benefits, particularly for the gut and immune system.
 

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What it is made of

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• SCOBY: A floating, rubbery disc of bacteria and yeast is added to the sweetened tea to initiate the fermentation process.

• Tea: Sweetened black, green, or oolong tea serves as the base.

• Sugar: The tea is sweetened to provide food for the SCOBY.

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The fermentation process​

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The fermentation is a two-step process:

 

1. First fermentation: The sweet tea is placed in a jar with a starter liquid (previously brewed kombucha) and the SCOBY. The vessel is covered with a breathable cloth and fermented for 7–10 days, during which the SCOBY produces a new layer of cellulose on top and ferments the sugar in the tea. The yeast part of the SCOBY converts sugar into alcohol, the bacteria part convert the alcohol into acetic acid. The result is a tangy liquid that can be flavored with other ingredients if desired.
    

2. Second fermentation: This step is optional. It adds flavouring and carbonation to the fermentated tea created during the first fermentation. The finished tea is bottled with fruit, juice, or herbs, and sealed tightly for 2–4 days to create carbonation. The amount of time needed varies depending on environment, mostly on temperature. A lot of pressure can build up in the bottles so it is advised to carefully open the lids every day to release pressure and avoid explosions.

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Key characteristics

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• Tangy taste:

  The acetic acid produced during fermentation gives it a distinct, tangy, and sometimes vinegary flavor. 

• Fizzy:

  The carbonation from the fermentation process makes it naturally effervescent. 

• Probiotic:

  It's considered a probiotic drink due to the presence of beneficial bacteria and yeast. 

• Contains alcohol:

  A small amount of alcohol is naturally produced during fermentation. 

 

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Potential benefits​

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• Probiotics for digestion: The probiotics in kombucha may promote a healthy digestive and immune system. 

• Antioxidants: It contains antioxidants from the tea. 

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Things to be aware of

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• Limited scientific evidence:

  While some benefits are suggested, many health claims are not yet backed by robust scientific studies. 

• Sugar and caffeine:

  Kombucha contains some sugar and caffeine, though typically in low amounts. 

• Home brewing:
  There are 2 fermentation steps. The first one creates the tangy tea-like beverage. The second one is for adding flavour and bubbles into your kombucha.

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