Making Kombucha Health Tea

Kombucha (pronounced Com-boo-chah) is a colony of bacteria and yeast that when mixed with green or black tea becomes fermented, ready to drink, and chock full o' active enzymes, amino acids, etc. Word on the raw food street is that Kombucha is the literal fountain of youth. Although these claims have not been confirmed by the FDA, supposed health benefits include:

• strengthening the immune system
• preventing cancer
• improving digestion and liver function
• lowering cholesterol
• lowering blood pressure
• healthier/clearer skin, healthier hair, stronger/longer nails
• increased circulation
• increased metabolism and appetite control
• increased body alkalinity
• increased vitality - rejuvenation/restoration

For homemade Kombucha, be sure to use only fresh ingredients and clean materials to reduce the risk of contamination. You will need:

• One Kombucha culture starter kit (order online or pick up at your local health food store)
• Four green or black tea bags or four tablespoons of green or black loose tea
• Two tablespoons of vinegar (distilled white or apple cider)
• Two liters of cold water
• Cheesecloth
• Rubberband
• Strainer
• Large jug, pitcher, or carafe

Using a kettle or pot, steep tea bags in hot water for 10 -15 minutes. Strain tea into a large jug, pitcher, or carafe and add two liters of cold water and wait 5 -10 minutes to let cool. Hot water will cause the Kombucha cultures to dissapate. Follow instructions included in the Kombucha culture starter kit. Add Kombucha culture to jug containing tea, cover with cheesecloth, and secure with a rubberband. Store in a dark, warm, dry area (cupboard, pantry, etc.) for at least seven days. After seven days, a large culture mass will surface. Remove the mass and save for your next batch of Kombucha. Strain the remaining contents into a large bottle and Kombucha is ready to drink.

Alone, Kombucha has a very bitter and sour taste. Some ideas for sweetening and flavoring are White Peach nectar (or any fruit nectar preferred), honey and ginger, fresh fruit and Agave nectar, or simply cane sugar.

For more information about Kombucha tea, visit these links:
www.kombucha.org
www.getkombucha.com
www.organic-kombucha.com