Do you Kombucha?

[teachingking]

Just curious how many of you incorporate Kombucha tea into your raw food diet. If so, how much do you drink daily and what benefit do you feel you get from it? Also, do you brew your own or buy pre-made?

[mel_s12]

I just bought my first ever bottle at a raw restaurant here in Toronto. It tastes great. It reminds me of pop. But I get a weird bloated feeling afterwards.

[Lavendula]

I just bought my first ever bottle at a raw restaurant here in Toronto. It tastes great. It reminds me of pop. But I get a weird bloated feeling afterwards.

G.T.'S Organic Raw Kombucha gingerade is great stuff, it took me two days to drink my first bottle. I felt like I had been drinking alchohol, because it's fermented. I wasn't sure if it was okay, but I just want the enzyme, probiotic, detox benefits, I need em all.

[samariah]

i drink GT's kombucha too. It soothes my stomach, if im bloated or constipated it pretty much helps clear me out and supposedly its supposed to help with detox and stuff.

[Shell]

I just bought my first ever bottle at a raw restaurant here in Toronto. It tastes great. It reminds me of pop. But I get a weird bloated feeling afterwards.

Mel.....did you get it at LIVE?

[Frecs]

I started out drinking GT's when I could afford to buy one...or one case....from my co-op. Once I'd reached the point of buying cases, I figured it was time to start brewing my own. I have my third batch about ready to bottle at the moment. I actually have two 2-gallon jars brewing. I drink it because of the probiotics. My digestive tract was in bad need of repopulation by good microbes. And, since starting to read "Probiotic Revolution" I am learning so much about the many benefits of probiotics.

[justinesmith]

I love it as well and I look forward to the day when I have the courage to try making it myself. I also drink G.T. Daves and I love the Original recipe. It is a great substitute for soda for me as I was a big soda drinker prior to going raw.

[tvillemom]

I've heard the name mentioned so much, I was wondering what kombucha is?? From what you've mentioned, it seems like a good drink for someone with candida issues??? Just wondering.....I'd like to know more.

Wendi

[Frecs]

I've heard the name mentioned so much, I was wondering what kombucha is?? From what you've mentioned, it seems like a good drink for someone with candida issues??? Just wondering.....I'd like to know more.

Wendi

Kombucha is a fermented tea. Any black tea (or combinations of black, green, and white) sweetened with regular old table sugar (don't worry, the scoby eats that) is fermented by the kombucha SCOBY (aka mushroom). "SCOBY" stands for "symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast" and it is just that--a colony of various bacteria and yeasts forming a solid mass. The resulting beverage will taste more tart than sweet...almost but not quite "vinegary" (it will go to vinegar if allowed to brew too long). If bottled properly, it will develop "bubbles" because the yeast will continue producing CO2. [I've yet to manage this feat but hope to with the next batch...it's all about getting a good seal on the jar while also not allowing too much pressure to build up and cause explosion. (If you buy GT's DON'T SHAKE IT UP...it is a very volatile beverage...handle with care!)] It will be full of beneficial bacteria and yeasts that would like nothing more than to take up residence in your inners where they then keep the "bad guys" under control--including candida albacan. [Again, if you buy GT's, don't freak out..there will be some "floaties"...baby scobys hanging out in there. Just swallow them down...they are good for you.]

Kombucha is said to support: digestion, metabolism, immune system (through the role probiotics plays in the immune system), appetite control, liver function, body alkalinity, anti-aging, weight control (?), cell integrity, and healthy skin & hair.*

*This statement has not been approved by the FDA, FTC, or USDA (though if agribusiness begins to see money to be made by raising SCOBYs this could change) and is not meant to diagnose anything whatsoever of any benefit to anyone except and unless agribusiness can find a way to profit.....

[mel_s12]

Shell16 - Yeah! I bought it at Live. I love that place!

[Lavendula]

I had several friends that were making it at least 13-14 years ago, but I didn't catch on, wish I had. I'm ready now, I'd be so young if I'd done it then.

[Shoshannah]

My husband fell in love with Kombucha about two weeks ago. He has been consuming about 2 per day.

He has "liver spots" on his face, quite abundantly, I might add. I joking said that he is turning dalmation on me :D He has had several of them frozen off at the dermatologist, but they are becoming more and more apparent every day.

Since drinking Kombucha, his liver spots have faded away to almost nothing. A total amazing miracle. I wish I had before and after photos because it is really unbelievable.

Other amazing thing is that it has drained our pocket book, so I may need to see about brewing my own, especially now that I am inspired to start partaking of this magic elixir.

[kittykitty128]

I bought some sinergy komucha at wild oats. It was so nasty, I couldn't even finish it.:eek:

[PDXGeoff]

I enjoy Kombucha now and then. Used to drink a lot more, but it's a spendy habit. Also brewed several batches, but it wasn't my favorite experience.

[tvillemom]

Very interesting. I hope I can get up the nerve to try some, or make some. Is there any danger to making my own?? How long does it take?? What about that explosion thing??? Very curious, but I'm afraid to start an expensive habit, I feel like eating RAW drains my pocketbook enough.;) Thanks for the info.

A recipe/directions would be great!!

Wendi

[Frecs]

Very interesting. I hope I can get up the nerve to try some, or make some. Is there any danger to making my own?? How long does it take?? What about that explosion thing??? Very curious, but I'm afraid to start an expensive habit, I feel like eating RAW drains my pocketbook enough.;) Thanks for the info.

A recipe/directions would be great!!

Wendi

No, there is not danger to making your own. The brew can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days depending on ambient temperatures, planetary alignments, etc. The thing with the "explosion" is that if sealed up tightly in the bottles (after brewing), with some air space in the bottles and enough sugar left to continue feeding the yeasts...CO2 can build up enough pressure to break the glass or cause the liquid to explode out when opened (al la a soda that has been shaken and then opened). I've not had any problems but then again I'm not getting drinks with fizz either, unfortunately (I like the fizz). When I bottle this batch, I'm going to be using plastic wrap to seal the bottle better, leaving no airspace, and hopefully I'll get to enjoy a fizzy drink sans explosions.

If you are interested, there is a yahoo group called the Original Kombucha group, that is very helpful and you can check out this website:
http://www.happyherbalist.com/pictures.htm

[Lavendula]

The site has alot of info and supplies, ohhhhh, I can just taste it now. The weird vinegary stuff. I'm excited about getting started. Did you use their starter kit, jar and supplies or something more primitive. If so which one?

[Frecs]

The site has alot of info and supplies, ohhhhh, I can just taste it now. The weird vinegary stuff. I'm excited about getting started. Did you use their starter kit, jar and supplies or something more primitive. If so which one?

I joined the OK list at yahoo, and found someone who had extra "babies" (small SCOBYs that grow as an offshoot of the "mother"). I paid for the shipping cost. I then went to Wally World and bought two cheap glass (2-gallon size) jars. The lady I ordered the SCOBYs from sent them with some of the tea to use as starter. Oh, also while at Wally World, I picked up a couple yards of inexpensive muslin for the cover of the jars and a pack of rubber bands. You will also need bottles--recycle GT's Syergy bottles, or beer bottles, or whatever (preferably glass) bottles you can find. Before buying brewing jars, check with your local deli to see if they have large pickle jars they can give you. Nice restaurants might be a source for recycling wine bottles....

[KissyKate]

Which flavor of Kombucha do you all feel is the best?

So far, I like the mango one, better than the original or green that I tried.

I like the alcoholy taste, quenches my thirst for booze.

The Kombucha addiction, I don't think is nearly as costly as my old daily Starbucks addiction!! :)

[teachingking]

My fave is the Goji Berry by High Country Kombucha. Their stuff is primo, though I'll be brewing my own shortly.

[Mothergoose]

I tried the kombacha in whole foods. They have a brand with three different flavors...I could not stand the taste of the stuff....

If you make your own does it taste any better?

[JennaBoBenna]

I'm in love with kombucha! I drink Synergy and GT's. They're both really good! I reall enjoy GTs green one, and I also like Divine Grape...I think that's Synergy...Can't remember. The bottles are so similar. I'm drinking Synergy's Guava Goddess right now, not too thrilling, but still okay.
I've been drinking 16 oz per day for a few days, I feel amazing!
The only thing I don't like is the carbonation-sensation. It hurts my throat--I was never a big soda drinker, so I'm not used to this feeling on my throat.
The cultures sort of weird me out...but as I near the end of the drink...I try not to think about them....bottoms up!! :o :p :D

[codajess]

I want so badly to like kombucha. I've spent so much money on bottles of them (about $4 a bottle at my HFS) and I. just. can't. :o I've tried quite a few of the GT's flavors and I can't find anything that isn't gross. I can usually make myself drink a bottle, but it takes me FOREVER to get a whole one down, sometimes not even in one day. It's just like drinking apple cider vinegar. Sigh. I'm sure i'll keep on trying to like it, though.

[Frecs]

I'm in love with kombucha! I drink Synergy and GT's. They're both really good! I reall enjoy GTs green one, and I also like Divine Grape...I think that's Synergy...Can't remember. The bottles are so similar. I'm drinking Synergy's Guava Goddess right now, not too thrilling, but still okay.
I've been drinking 16 oz per day for a few days, I feel amazing!
The only thing I don't like is the carbonation-sensation. It hurts my throat--I was never a big soda drinker, so I'm not used to this feeling on my throat.
The cultures sort of weird me out...but as I near the end of the drink...I try not to think about them....bottoms up!! :o :p :D

Just let it go flat before you drink it. And, yes, just bottoms up and let those lovelies go to work for you!

[Frecs]

I tried the kombacha in whole foods. They have a brand with three different flavors...I could not stand the taste of the stuff....

If you make your own does it taste any better?

If you brew your own you can play with different combinations of teas, stop the ferment at different points, etc. until you find one that suits you. I also think over time you will learn to like it better. My mother HATED the stuff at first and wouldn't even drink it after her first swallow. Then, after a few months raw, she tried again, still didn't like it but found it less repulsive and could nurse one down through a day. Now, she LOVES the stuff...she's more anxious than I am for each batch to finish brewing. Now that I have two big jars and two small jars going, I hope to never run out so she won't worry me to death like a kid in the back seat of a car "is it kombucha yet!?!" hehehe

As for flavors: when I was buying the stuff, I bought Synergy and my favorite was the grape. I didn't care for the mango much. Passionberry was good, too. Now that I'm brewing, I've played with putting slices of ginger in my bottles after brewing (good); raisins (no real effect); raspberries (yum). Now, I have one brew pot of regular black tea; one jar of chai tea; one jar of white/green tea; and one jar of black/cali tea. I'm hoping the chai turns out good! With the plain black tea I can flavor after the fact with ginger or grape juice or.... :)

For those afraid of the "alcoholic effect"...there is no more alcohol in kombucha than in fresh grape juice...my theory is that the feeling of euphoria is due to the probiotics. (Book recommendation: Probiotic Revolution)

[virginia]

What brand are you using, or making your own? that helped your husband so much? Thanks,Virginia

[Green Life]

I want so badly to like kombucha. I've spent so much money on bottles of them (about $4 a bottle at my HFS) and I. just. can't. :o I've tried quite a few of the GT's flavors and I can't find anything that isn't gross. I can usually make myself drink a bottle, but it takes me FOREVER to get a whole one down, sometimes not even in one day. It's just like drinking apple cider vinegar. Sigh. I'm sure i'll keep on trying to like it, though.

Try adding stevia to it. Stevia makes life SO much sweeter!! The Kombucha is delish after it is highly sweetened. I am currently drinking two bottles a day of it. I'm just wondering if it has caffine or sugar in it to begin with.

[Stina]

[QUOTE=Frecs;326836


For those afraid of the "alcoholic effect"...there is no more alcohol in kombucha than in fresh grape juice...my theory is that the feeling of euphoria is due to the probiotics. (Book recommendation: Probiotic Revolution)[/QUOTE]

I read a booklet one time extolling the virtues of kombucha. It mentioned the sugars mimic alcohol and should be avoided by alcoholics wanting to avoid alcohol. I drink it once in a great while. When I want to get wired and go out dancing. I drank at a health food store and watched many people hooked on the stuff and deny it affected them but act wired. Victoria Boutenko gives it the thumbs down, talking about how common it is in Russia.

[rawkchicster]

you either love it or hate it, end of story :).

(i love it, and have a scoby in my fridge, waiting on me to get the ingredients :eek:)

[SuBu]

Whenever I drink GT's my face flushes, like a rise in blood pressure. The lady at the hfs said there's nothing in there to raise bp--maybe just waking up the blood--like acv does for some. ???

[ferg]

Shell & Mel...

Hey I'm from the Toronto area too.. can you tell me where LIVE is? I would
love to go.

Ta,
Ferg.

[Holli]

I only drink herbal teas...it's a religious thing... is Kombucha herbal?? Someone posted that it was made with black tea, so I'm assuming it's not.

[aliciamatheson]

Frecs, do you have any directions for making homemade kombucha - I'd like to try and make it but have no clue where to begin.

Thanks

[iamacranberry]

I make my own kombucha, and it costs next to nothing. There's a website where you can get a kombucha SCOBY for just the cost of postage---it's a directory of listings of people willing to send them out.

http://www.kombu.de/suche2.htm

Go there and find your country. Chances are there will be multiple listings for people ready to send you a SCOBY for just the cost of postage.

I paid £2 for mine...and you only ever need to obtain one culture. Keep brewing and it keeps growing.

I used to buy GT's a few times per year when I lived in Cleveland for maybe $3.50 per bottle...there's just no reason to when you can make your own for nearly free.

[jaurequi]

I recently tried the citrus of, I think it was GT's, and it was a shocking taste. It was a flashback to 7-Up. Strange how even after years of not having a particular flavor, the memory comes crashing back. It was actually better than I remember any soda tasting, especially since I was never a soda fan. Delicious. And I kept putting off tasting the citrus one because I thought it too "typical." One of my favorites now.

Best,

[Aleesha Sattva]

i'm doing a full moon fast for the three days of the full moon and i'm only drinking water and kumbacha. i loooove it!!!

(oh and my SWF this morning of course... )

[Rawmichelle]

Hello, i am looking for a place to purchase the GT organic raw kombucha tea...either online or in store. I live in nyc. Thank you!
Rawmichelle

[Rawkinlocs]

A friend of mine sent me a scoby and I'm gonna be making my first-ever batch of kombucha tonight.

If all goes well, once I get another "baby", I'll post and if someone wants it, you can contact me and I'll send it to you for the cost of postage only.

[angelulu]

I currently have 12 gallons of kombucha brewing in my closet! My roomate and I are selling gallons of brewed kombucha to our friends because it was so popular with everyone who tasted it. I am brewing and harvesting kombucha almost every night.
I drank a glass of goji berry pomegranate kombucha this evening and my arms and legs felt warm...almost as if I had drank a beer!
I love kombucha! It tastes great, has tons of health benefits, and makes me feel good.
If anyone has any questions about brewing the stuff, don't hesitate to ask me. :)

[jaurequi]

I currently have 12 gallons of kombucha brewing in my closet!

Wow, that's a lot of "bathtub 'bucha"! :D



If anyone has any questions about brewing the stuff, don't hesitate to ask me. :)

Do you sell the little bacteria things?

Do you know what the difference is in the resultant product between kombucha and rejuvelac? Obviously different origins, but is the resultant probiotics the same?

I drink coconut kefir on a regular basis and it's fantastic. I'm thinking of making my own; however, this, as well as kombucha has always frightened me a bit to make on my own. I don't know why, since I make my own rejuvelac. I guess something about buying/using/borrowing these little starters puts me off. Makes me feel something may not be "right" with the starter; or that something may go wrong in the making process and result in something negative for my body instead of positive.

Thanks!
Best,

[GypsiAnsara]

I've been making and drinking kombucha for over 15 years now (!) and sometimes when I'm lazy I buy it. I only like The Rejuvenation Company brand, though. And here's a tip - if you are going to buy it, get it from the back of the case where it stays cold. Often the bottles in the front get very vinegary tasting. I'm the one in the store climbing way up into the case to get my kombucha! For some reason, it's always on the top shelf. Oh, and I don't think it is a good idea to purchase it with fruit juice already added - add it yourself to plain. I get fresh unpasteurized pomegranate juice (in season now!) and that's a lovely combo. Fresh ginger is nice too.

Anyways, for making your own, I recommend a stable room temp that's not too cold as it will take a loooong time to brew in the winter. (Reverse for summer!) Someday maybe I'll be able to build a kombucha brewing shed that is temp controlled!

I drink 1 or 2 large glasses of lemon water first thing in the morning, then about 1/2 glass of kombucha (6 oz?). The kombucha stimulates the kidneys and provides a good flush which is good in the morning before you eat anything.

If you want to buy a scoby, Ed Kasper (http://www.happyherbalist.com/) sells great ones and I have purchased from him before. He is also a great resource on all things kombucha.

[Lilith]

I loved the first stuff I had, someone made it at their home. I have not found a commercial variety really worth a second go locally.

[jaurequi]

I've recently noticed a variety in textures. I only drank it occasionally before, and never noticed this, but some are very, very carbonated and have a rupturous fizz; whereas, others, are only mildly so (same type). What does this mean? Is one superior to the other? One have more of something than other?

Anyone know?

Best,

[GypsiAnsara]

I only drink herbal teas...it's a religious thing... is Kombucha herbal?? Someone posted that it was made with black tea, so I'm assuming it's not.

You can make kombucha with Rooibos tea which is doesn't have caffeine to begin with. Don't use herbal tea to brew it, as the essential oils have a negative effect on the scoby. Don't add any flavoring ingredients when you are brewing, just put the cooled sugared tea in with the scoby.

In our family we have noticed that the proclamation that the caffeine is transformed or somehow negated by the fermentation process would appear to be true, because we do not have ill effects if we don't have kombucha, unlike what happens if you don't have tea of coffee and are used to that. (headaches, lethargy, etc.) But I totally understand wanting to start with non-caffeinated tea!

[GypsiAnsara]

I've recently noticed a variety in textures. I only drank it occasionally before, and never noticed this, but some are very, very carbonated and have a rupturous fizz; whereas, others, are only mildly so (same type). What does this mean? Is one superior to the other? One have more of something than other?

Anyone know?

Best,

If it is quite sweet and flat, it didn't ferment with the scoby long enough. We have experimented a lot with getting good fizz, and it seems if the bottles are left at room temp for a while, they will develop more fizz, sometimes too much if we're not careful and then it will also taste too much like vinegar. Once they are refrigerated they stop developing and you can control it to your taste this way.

With prepackaged kombucha, if there is juice added it will ferment in the bottle and I don't think this is a "good" fermentation. MHO of course. I think in shipping sometimes bottles warm up too much and that might produce the variation you speak of.

[Bananna]

Sounds like a lucrative enterprise....Hmmmmm.

[iamacranberry]

You make your own and it's free, though...that's the best kind anyway.