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I love my Kombucha! It’s my favorite mid-afternoon and post yoga drink, and I often have some first thing in the morning as well. I started drinking it out of the refrigerated case at the health food store, but at almost $4 a bottle, it wasn’t very practical to have on a daily basis. Yet it is delicious, has so many health benefits, and even I get tired of drinking only tea and water sometimes. Brewing it at home is amazingly simple and cheap. I’ve been brewing my own Kombucha since July ‘09, and now have a quart a day for just pennies.
Kombucha has all the benefits of fermented foods, is rich in probiotics, B Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, and is highly alkalinizing and anti-inflammatory. It is so good for you, and it tastes great.
Note: Kombucha does have a little alcohol: about the same amount as a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. And it does have a little caffeine: about a third that of a cup of tea.
A study from Cornell University concluded:
“Kombucha may be a healthful beverage in view of its anti-microbial activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria. This may promote immunity and general well being.”
I ordered my home brewing system here. What I love about it is that you get EVERYTHING you need to get started, other than the water and a pot. This system really makes it foolproof, and you will be drinking your own Kombucha in a week. Even better, if you mention my name and email in the comments section when you order, you can request a free DVD with lots of great tips on brewing, bottling and more.
If you like Kombucha, this system quickly pays for itself. Not only that, my clients who have tried it agree with me: home-brewed tastes even better than the expensive store-bought stuff. And of course, if you have any questions about brewing, I’ll be glad to help.
Buy your complete Kombucha brewing system here!
Fran Sussman has been in holistic care since 1988 and in private practice since 1993. Apart from one-on-one consulting, Fran is sought after as a speaker, workshop leader and meditation teacher. She writes a column on Holistic Health for The Times Herald Record, and has been featured frequently in Natural Awakenings magazine. Read more »
I love Kombucha. I tried store bought before and couldn’t stand it except for Organic Pastures brand which I can only get shipped from a supplier in California. I order some to drink and use some to ‘charge’ my home brewed Kombucha. I originally grew my own SCOBY (mother) but it recently died (long story) so I decided to order one for about $12.00. I’m brewing my second batch with it right now.
Thanks, Fran for getting the word out about this wonderful drink. I sure want to try the homemade hot cocoa.
Oh Leesie, I wish I had known! I always have some extra SCOBYs around.
Thanks for introducing me to this wonderful drink! I’m on my second batch of home brewed kombucha and I agree it tastes delcious! Plus it’s kind of fun to watch the SCOBY grow!!
Fran,
I am interested in this as you indicate that it is alkaline which is what I need. What are the ingredients, etc. I have no idea what SCOBY is! Can you explain more and/or give recipes?
Thanks.
Kathy
Hi Kathy, SCOBY stands for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast! Kombucha is made by brewing sweet tea and adding it to a “starter” which includes the SCOBY and some already-finished Kombucha. The sugar gets “digested” during the fermentation process, and the finished Kombucha has a very low pH which is actually alkalinizing to your body. I would suggest you try a bottle and see if it’s something you’d enjoy drinking regularly. If it is, then go here to get everything you need to get started. Make sure you request the free DVD that comes with my link. If you have any questions after that, I’d be glad to help!
[...] my post about Kombucha, and learn how to buy system to brew your own. (Yes, you can put one together yourself, and [...]
[...] Kombucha I’m a big Kombucha fan. Please don’t be misled by the recent hoopla, which was more about commerce than health. Kombucha is a great tonic and is so easy and inexpensive to brew at home. If you’re a fan like me, you’ll want to invest in a home brewing system, rather than paying $4 a bottle. Read more about Kombucha here. [...]