Kombucha-A fermented Non alcoholic drink

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented drink produced by simply mixing of dried Black tea/Green tea/Oolong tea with sugar, water & probiotics bacteria to fermented. Black tea, Oolong tea or Green tea are most preferred tea used to make kombucha drink. The probiotic used to make the Kombucha drink are commonly know as “SCOBY” which means – Symbiotic culture of bacteria & yeast. 

• The result of this probiotic rich fermented beverage is a fizzy drink, means it contains lots of bubbles of Co2 (Carbon di oxide) in it.

• The word Kombucha is believe to have been originated from “Kombu” , a korean doctor name (Dr. Kombu) who brought this fermented tea to Japan to cure Japanese emperor Inkyo.  Whereas the word  “Cha” refers to tea in Japanese. Kombucha means fermented tea in Japanese. 

Pic source:-https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-kombucha-tea-at-home-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-173858

Characteristic of Kombucha drink:-

Kombucha is naturally carbonated drink with lots of Co2 bubbles resulting in a fizzy or sparkling drink. It has several characteristic that make it distinct from other drinks:-

• Color:-  Kombucha drink often has slightly cloudy appearance due to the fermentation. The color of kombucha drink is usually  yellow-orange color.

•  Taste & Flavor:-It has slightly sour taste similar to vinegar taste. The sourness can vary depending upon the time of fermentation & ingredients used. Its flavor is slightly acidic due to the generation of organic acids during fermentation.

• Alcohol content:- Kombucha drink contains low amount of alcohol, usually less than 0.5% making it a non- alcoholic drink.

• Caffeine content:– Kombucha drink contain  very few amount of caffeine in it usually lower than a regular cup of tea or coffee.

Common name of Kombucha drink:-

The common name of this fermented drink is Kombucha but it is also known by different name in some other countries like:-

• Kocha Kinoka in Japan
• Shenxian cu in China
• Hongcha beoseo-tcha in Korea
• Grib or Tea kvass in Russa
• Cha-mug in Thailand

Brief history of Kombucha drink:-

Kombucha is thought to have been originated in Northeast region of China especially Manchuria in 220BC during the Qin dynasty. In china it is usually considered as “Tea of Immortality” due to medicinal properties. By the early 5th century, Kombucha drink made its way to Japan. Over the year, it has travelled throughout the Asian Countries  and then arrived in Western Countries around the world war-I.

• The word Kombucha is believe to have been originated from “Kombu” , a korean doctor name (Dr. Kombu) who brought this fermented tea to Japan to cure Japanese emperor Inkyo.  Whereas the word  “Cha” refers to tea in Japanese. Kombucha means fermented tea in Japanese. 

• Kombucha drink also gained its popularity in Russia & many European countries during the World War-I & II. It was popularly known as “Tea Kvass” or “Mushroom Tea”. 

• German doctors used this Kombucha drink as a medicine during the world war -II to cure various diseases from diabetes to Cancer. In the late 1990s, Commercial production of kombucha drink started on a large scale.

How kombucha drink are made:- 

The manufacturing process of kombucha drink commercially comprises of several steps:-

Step 1:- Brewing of tea :- Brewing of high quality of dried tea leaves (Mainly black or Green tea leaves) with sugar & SCOBY Cultural bacteria.

Step 2:- Fermentation of mixture:– The tea mixture is allow to fermentation for  at least 7 to 30 days at room temperature (21-26 degree C) depending upon the desired strength & flavor. During fermentation process, the Yeast converts the sugar into alcohol & bacteria convert the alcohol into acetic acid to impart tangy flavor in Kombucha drink.

Note:- To achieve the fizzy drink or extra carbonation, Kombucha drink is allowed to go for 2nd fermentation with some fruit juice or flavorings for 2-3 days in a sealed containers to trap the carbon dioxide gas & creates bubbles in the kombucha drink.

Step 3:-Bottling & Storing of fermented drink:-After the completion of the fermentation process and its drink acquired its desired flavor, it is bottled & stored in the refrigerator. It is important to mention here that during storing in the refrigerator, kombucha drink still continue to ferment slowly but at the very low rates and then sold in market.

Use of kombucha drink in food & Beverage items:-

In cocktail & Mocktails:– Due to its naturally fizzy drink, it can be excellent mixer for the preparation of various Mocktails & cocktail.

Example of some of the most popular kombucha based Mocktail & Cocktails are:-

• Kombucha ginger Mule:- (Kombucha+ Ginger beer+ Lime juce +lemon slice for garnish)
• Citrus kombucha spritz :–(Kombucha + orange juice + lemon Juice + sparkling water+ Mint leaves for garnish)
• Strawberry kombucha fizz:– ( Kombucha + strawberry juice or puree + sparkling water + strawberry for garnish)
• Tropical kombucha punch:–(Kombucha + coconut  water+ pineapple juice+ lime & pineapple slice for garnish)
• Cucumber mint kombucha cooler:-(Kombucha +cucumber slice+ mint leaves+ sparkling water +lemon slice for garnish)
• Kombucha iced tea:– (Kombucha + brewed & chilled herbal tea + honey + lemon slice for garnish)
• Apple kombucha punch:– (Kombucha + Apple cider +cinnamon power  +apple for garnish)
• Kombucha Mojito:-(Kombucha+ white Rum+ lemon juice + Mint for garnish)
• Kombucha Gin Fizz:– (Kombucha+ Gin + soda water+ lemon juice + lemon slice for garnish)
• Kombucha Margarita:– (Kombucha+ Tequila+ orange liqueur +lemon juice +salt rim & lemon slice)
• Spicy kombucha bloody marry:– (Kombucha + vodka + tomato juice+ Worcestershire sauce+ celery +olive& lemon for garnish)
• Kombucha sangria:– (kombucha + White or Red wine+ Fresh fruit ( orange or apple)+ splash of brandy.

pic source:-https://healthyfoodiegirl.com/kombucha-mocktails/

In Smoothie & Shakes preparation:–Kombucha drink can be used to prepare various smoothies drinks. Example of some of the popular Smoothies & Shakes are:-

• Tropical kombucha smoothie:-(kombucha + Mango + Pineapple + coconut water+ lemon juice & shredded coconut for garnish)
• Berry kombucha smoothies :-( Kombucha + Strawberry/raspberries/blueberries+ Greek yoghurt + honey)
• Avocado kombucha smoothie:-(Kombucha+ Avocado+ banana+ Almond milk or coconut milk)
• Peach kombucha smoothies:– (Kombucha + peach + Greek yoghurt + honey or maple syrup)
• Banana almond kombucha shakes:– ( Kombucha + banana+ almond butter + almond milk + honey)
• Chocolate kombucha shakes:– ( Kombucha + cocoa powder+ banana + almond milk+ honey)
• Kombucha vanilla chia shakes:–( Kombucha+ vanilla ice cream+ chia seed+ almond milk+ honey)

In salad dressing & Marinades :- Kombucha can be added in the preparation of salad dressing in place of vinegar or lemon juice. The acidity in the kombucha drink can help to tenderize the meat, making it good choice for marinades for chicken, lamb & fish items.

In Pickling of vegetables:- Kombucha can be used as a brine for pickling of vegetables like carrot, onions, cucumber etc to impart a unique flavor to the pickled vegetables.

In preparation of cold soups:- Kombucha can be used in place of vinegar or lemon juice in the preparation of cold soups like gazpacho or other cold soups. this will add brightness to the soup.

Used as a starter for fermenting food:- Kombucha can be used as a starter for fermenting other food like vegetables & sour dough etc. due to active cultures in kombucha drink.

pic source:-https://brewbuch.com/kombucha-scoby-smoothie/

Health benefit of drinking kombucha drink:-

{The health benefit of kombucha drink has been compiled after referring various sites like healthline.com,webmd.com, medicalnewstoday.com,usda.gov,verywellfit.com,etc.}

• Since kombucha is a fermented drink, it will support in digestion and also helpful in reducing constipation, bloating etc.
• It can easily breakdown food & improve the absorption of nutrients.
• Kombucha is packed with probiotics and antioxidants, which can help in strengthening immune system.
• Regular drinking Kombucha drink can help in increasing good HDL Cholesterol & decrease the bad LDL cholesterol.

Precautions:- Drinking too much kombucha can potentially leads to reactions like headache, nausea etc.

Some of the most popular kombucha drink available in Amazon

Tribe Kombucha Naturally Sparkling Probiotic Super Drink
KULTUR’D Kombucha
Raw Kombucha- Lemon Ginger
Kultur’d Kombucha – Peach, Apple Cinnamon
BAY Kombucha | Probiotic | Sparkling Fermented Liquid Black Tea
Zoh Probiotics Kombucha Tea
Mossant Kombucha
Borécha Probiotic Kombucha
MAVI’s Organic Kombucha
Shimmmi Kombucha – Sparkling Fermented Tea
RTB Kombucha fermented tea
CALBREW KOMBUCHA

Pic source:- amazon.in

Content reference:-

The above content has been compiled after referring various culinary books, Research Papers, Research articles, Food magazines, news papers, top culinary websites, Govt websites, personal interaction with renowned chefs from various hotel brands like The Ashok Group of hotel, ITC, Oberai, Leela, Park Hotels & various IHM Faculties, Nutritionists etc. & many  more. The picture which i have used has been taken from the open source website .Some of the important website referred for the above content are:- 

• www.amazon.in
• https://kombucha.com/blogs/kombucha-101-general-knowledge/what-is-kombucha-and-why-should-you-drink-it
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319630
• www.theultimatekambuchaguide.com
• https://www.ice.edu/blog/beginners-guide-brewing-kombucha
• https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/kombucha-nutrition-facts-health-benefits-how-make-it-best-brands-more/
• https://www.health.com/nutrition/kombucha-benefits
• https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-kombucha-1328738
• https://www.webmd.com/diet/kombucha-is-it-good-for-you
• https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/food-drink/nutrition/kombucha-benefits/
• https://www.liveeatlearn.com/the-simple-guide-to-kickass-kombucha/
• https://www.youbrewkombucha.com/what-is-kombucha
• https://brewbuch.com/how-to-make-kombucha/
• https://www.everythingkombucha.com/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-kombucha-scobys
• https://wholelifestylenutrition.com/health/what-is-kombucha-why-is-it-so-healthy-for-you/
• https://www.thekitchn.com/4-ways-to-use-kombucha-beyond-just-drinking-it-maker-tour-part-five-218419