Kombucha Recipe
My Story with Kombucha: Restoring Gut Health Naturally
The Gut Microbiome: A Delicate Balance
Before delving into my personal journey with Kombucha, it is important to understand the significance of the gut microbiome. Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad, that play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. These bacteria help digest food, produce vitamins, support our immune system, and even influence our mood and mental health.
However, factors such as poor diet, stress, antibiotics, and other medications can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a decline in beneficial ones. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can result in various health issues, including digestive problems, weakened immunity, and even mental health disorders.
My Story
When I first tried Kombucha, it was during a time when I had put my body through the realm of antibiotics in an attempt to solve some health issues. However, as many of us are aware, antibiotics can have a detrimental effect on our gut health. It is said that it takes approximately 18 months for our gut microbiome to recover on its own from just one round of antibiotics. As a busy mother of three, waiting 18 months for my immune system to fully recover was simply not an option. I needed a solution that would help me restore my gut health without relying on a ton of store-bought items.
Fortunately, I stumbled upon the wonders of Kombucha. This fermented tea drink not only intrigued me but also offered the potential to improve my gut health naturally. With my curiosity piqued, I dove headfirst into the world of Kombucha, determined to find a way to support my immune system and regain my vitality.
I was fortunate enough to have someone local to me who was giving away a scoby, which made it even easier for me to get started on my journey. I began brewing my own Kombucha at home. It was a simple process that involved combining sweetened tea with the scoby and allowing it to ferment for a week or more. The end result was a delicious and refreshing beverage that I could enjoy daily.
Within a few weeks of incorporating Kombucha into my routine, I started noticing positive changes in my gut health. I experienced fewer digestive issues, increased energy levels, and a strengthened immune system. It was as if my body was thanking me for providing it with the nourishment it needed to thrive.
Not only did Kombucha improve my gut health, but it also had a positive impact on my overall well-being. I felt more balanced, both physically and mentally, and was able to tackle the demands of motherhood with renewed vigor.
Homemade Kombucha
Discover the joy of brewing your own delicious kombucha at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. From sourcing the best ingredients to caring for your SCOBY, we provide all the information you need to start your own homemade kombucha journey.
Supplies/Ingredients needed
Medium pot
1 gallon container (glass preferred)
12 cups filtered water
6 tea bags of black tea
1 cup of sugar
SCOBY and started liquid
breathable cloth and rubber band
funnel if you choose to bottle into skinny necked bottles/containers
How to make Kombucha
Bring 4 cups of filtered water to a boil
Add in 6 black tea bags
Steep for 10 minutes and discard tea bags
Add 1 cup of sugar - Stir until dissolved
Pour tea into 1 gallon container and add 8 cups of cold filtered water
Add your SCOBY and started liquid
Cover the container with breathable cloth and rubber band
Place container in warm dark place for 10-12 days (I use my pantry)
Video for recipe HERE
After completing your initial fermentation, you will notice that the SCOBY has grown significantly in size. This means that you can now utilize it for your next batch of homemade kombucha. Simply take it out of the jar and place it in a covered glass jar along with at least one cup of your current kombucha. This will not only keep the SCOBY alive while in storage but also provide the necessary starter liquid for your upcoming brew. You can safely leave the SCOBY in the covered glass jar at room temperature for a maximum of four weeks. However, after this period, it will require feeding to ensure its vitality and effectiveness.
Video for Recipe HERE
Second Ferment
If you enjoy a bubbly kombucha with unique flavors, it's time to get creative and experiment. You can enhance its taste by adding a handful of your preferred fruits or some raw ginger. To ensure optimal fermentation, cover the jar with an airtight lid and allow it to sit for an extra 2-4 days. Throughout this period, taste it periodically until you achieve the desired level of fizziness. This process is known as the second ferment.
You have two options for adding fruit flavoring to your kombucha. The first option is to directly add the flavoring into a gallon glass jar. Alternatively, you can use separate drinking bottles and add a different flavor to each bottle. Whichever method you choose, it is important to let the kombucha sit at room temperature in a dark area for an extra 2-4 days. This will allow the flavors to infuse and develop further. Once the fermentation process is complete, you can place the kombucha in the fridge and savor the delicious and refreshing probiotic-filled drink. It is a great choice for maintaining a healthy gut!
