Kombucha is a fermented tea made with a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). The SCOBY is usually a thick mat of cellulose that grows on top of the tea. Kombucha can also be made with water kefir grains, which are similar to kombucha recipes but are different species of bacteria and yeast. Water kefir grains are easier to grow than kombucha because they don’t need to be fed sucrose, but it’s still important to keep them happy and healthy.
Kombucha recipes:Â
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that’s been around for centuries and is enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity. It’s easy to make at home, and you just need one thing: a kombucha starter kit. These kits are available online and come with everything you need to get started on your own self-sustaining kombucha colony. The tea cultures are usually grown on some type of medium like sugar, water kefir grains, or even coffee grounds. Once this material is ready to go, it can be added to your kombucha brew!
Here are 5 Kombucha recipes you can make at home:
1) Ginger & Turmeric Kombucha – This is a great way to get your daily dose of ginger and turmeric!
2) Cinnamon Orange Kombucha – The taste of cinnamon and orange will remind you of Christmas (or maybe even Halloween?).
3) Raspberry Kombucha – This flavor is great for anyone who loves raspberry-flavored sweets!
4) Raspberry Hibiscus Kombucha – Hibiscus tea is known for its ability to sooth upset stomachs and calm nerves, which makes this recipe perfect for winding down after a long day at work or school!
5) Lemon Ginger Kombucha – This is one of the most popular flavors on Instagram right now—you’ll see why when you try it yourself! Plus, it contains lemon juice which helps boost your immune system so you feel better faster when you’re feeling run down.
Water Kefir :
Water kefir grains will reproduce if you leave them alone for too long, so it’s best to start with a small amount and expand from there. You can find kombucha starter kit online or at health food stores. Once you have your starter kit, here’s how to make water kefir:
Water Kefir Recipe Ingredients:
1 cup sugar (white or brown)
½ cup warm water
Juice from 1 lemon (or 1 tsp. vinegar)
1/3 cup dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries (optional)
Instructions: Mix the sugar and warm water in a glass jar or container with a lid. Add the lemon juice, if using. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Cover with a cloth napkin or coffee filter secured with rubber bands. Let sit for 24 hours at room temperature (68–80 degrees Fahrenheit). Strain out any solids using cheesecloth or paper towels; add dried fruit if desired. Refrigerate after opening; drink within 2 weeks.
Health Benefits:
If you’re a fan of kombucha and water kefir, then this article is for you. We’ve compiled the health benefits of both beverages in one place so that you can see how they compare and contrast.
Here are kombucha and water kefir health benefits that can help improve your health:
1) Both are full of probiotics, which support your gut health by boosting your immune system, helping with digestion, and improving nutrient absorption.
2) Studies show that some bacteria found in kombucha may help prevent or treat cancer.
3) Both contain antioxidants that combat free radicals that can cause aging damage to cells throughout the body.
4) The natural acids in both drinks help detoxify the liver and cleanse the blood from toxins that have built up over time from poor diet choices or environmental exposure (such as cigarette smoke).
5) Both can reduce inflammation throughout your body—which is important for fighting off disease-causing bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella!
6) Kombucha Can Lower Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels, While Water Kefir May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
7) The Acid Content of Kombucha Is Beneficial for Bones and Teeth, But Not So Much for Your Stomach—Water Kefir Is a Better Choice in This Case!
8) Both Are High in Vitamin C and B Vitamins, Which Are Crucial for Healthful Hormone Production and Energy Production (and Who Doesn’t Need More of That?)
9) Both Can Be Good For Your Skin (But Only If You’re Using Them On Your Face) And Hair—Kombucha Is Particularly Effective At Fighting Dandruff!
Bottom Line:
Kombucha is a great alternate source of probiotics. However, if you want to reap the health benefits, follow this guide to making your own.
