Kombucha 101: What Does Kombucha Taste Like?

Kombucha tea is very popular in the United States, and if you've noticed, it's started to become prevalent on local restaurant drink lists and has started to fill the aisles of grocery stores. However, if you've been hearing a ton about the beverage but are still wondering, "what does Kombucha taste like?" you're not alone. In this blog post, we will discuss what Kombucha is, what it tastes like, and how to make your own at home.

What Is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been around for centuries. It's made by adding a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) to sweetened black or green tea. This mixture is then left to ferment for anywhere from one to four weeks. The result is a slightly sweet, slightly vinegary, somewhat carbonated beverage that is rich in probiotics and refreshing to enjoy.

What Does Kombucha Taste Like?

Kombucha has a unique, somewhat harsher flavor that is often described as tangy, sweet, and slightly effervescent. Some people compare the taste to sparkling apple cider or white wine. The longer the kombucha ferments, the more vinegary it will taste. You can also experiment with different types of tea, sweeteners, and fruits to create your own unique flavor combination. This means that there are essentially hundreds of different flavor combinations that you can try.

If the carbonated, stronger flavor profile of Kombucha isn't your favorite, no stress at all. There are plenty of other good-for-your-gut drinks on the market. Halfday Iced Tea tastes just like Snapple, Arizona Iced Tea, and your other long-time favorites, but better for you with plenty of health benefits. Each can is loaded up with 30% of your daily fiber and probiotics! 

 

What Are The Benefits Of Kombucha?

Besides being a delicious tasting beverage, there are many reasons that people choose to drink Kombucha over alternative drinks like soda or juice. This includes benefits such as: 

Great Source Of Probiotics

One of the most significant sources of probiotics is fermented foods like Kombucha. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help keep your gut healthy and improve digestion. Kombucha is a great way to get your daily dose of probiotics and support gut health because it contains live and active cultures that are released during the fermentation process. 

During this process, multiple acidic compounds and acids combine together to form what is known as glucuronic acid. This compound has been shown to possess detoxifying effects, making Kombucha an excellent drink for people who are looking to cleanse their system. 

Support Immune System

Kombucha is also rich in antioxidants, which are known to help boost the immune system. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage and can reduce inflammation. This makes Kombucha a great drink to have on hand when you're feeling under the weather or want to prevent getting sick.

Healthy Beverage To Drink

Unlike soda or other sugary drinks, Kombucha is a healthy alternative that you can feel good about drinking. It's low in calories, sugar, and caffeine and contains no artificial flavors or colors. Kombucha is also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, making it an excellent option for people with dietary restrictions. In addition, this beverage is the perfect way to hydrate and fuel your body.

Increased Energy Level

Many people who drink kombucha report feeling more energized after drinking it. This is likely due to the probiotics and antioxidants that are working together to support optimal health. So if you're looking for a drink that will give you an added boost, Kombucha is a great option.

How To Make Your Own Kombucha

If you're interested in giving Kombucha a try, you can easily make your own at home. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a SCOBY. You can find all of these items online or at your local health food store or create them from scratch. The general process includes the following steps:

Make Your SCOBY

The SCOBY or symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast is referred to as the "mother" because it is used to make future batches of Kombucha. It helps to protect your tea from harmful contaminants, ferment the tea you're making, and add good bacteria into the batch.

The ingredients you'll need to make your own include 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 cup unflavored Kombucha, four bags of black tea, rubber bands, cheesecloth, and a large glass container.

• Start by boiling the water in a clean pot.
• Next, remove the pot from heat and add the sugar into the water. At the same time, allow the tea to steep until the entire mixture cools down.
• Next, pour the tea into your glass jars and add store-bought Kombucha into each one.
• Once divided up, cover the top with cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band.

You'll need to place it in a room-temperature space that's dark for 1 to 4 weeks. You'll know it's ready once it forms a 1/4 inch SCOBY at the top. 

Create The First Fermentation

Once you've formed the SCOBY, you can then actually make the Kombucha. To do this, you're going to boil 14 cups of water and then remove from the heat and add the sugar, allowing it to dissolve. Next, you'll add 8-10 bags of black tea, allowing it to steep and cool until it reaches room temperature.

Next, you'll separate the mixture into jars and add the SCOBY on top. Cover it with a few layers of cheesecloth and secure with rubber bands. Again, let it sit in a room temperature, dark room for 6 to 10 days. Begin tasting the tea at 5 days to see how it tastes.

Second Fermentation Process

Once your first fermentation has finished, you'll strain out the floaties and remove the SCOBY from your tea. Next, the fermented tea should be placed into bottles with some type of sweetener (honey or sugar is great) and again sealed with a lid. After about 5 days, you'll have your first batch of Kombucha complete! The total process from start to finish will take around two to three weeks.

Top 4 Mistakes Made When Brewing Your Own Kombucha

With such a long process, it's easy to make a mistake or two when brewing your own Kombucha. Here are the top four mistakes people make when creating their own batch of Kombucha that you should try to avoid.

Not using sterile equipment

One of the most common mistakes is not using sterile equipment. This can easily contaminate your Kombucha and ruin the batch. Be sure to clean all of your equipment with hot water and soap before beginning the brewing process.

Not letting it ferment long enough

Another mistake people make is not letting their kombucha ferment for long enough. This can result in Kombucha that doesn't taste as good or is less potent. Be sure to let your batch ferment for the recommended amount of time in order to achieve the best results. 

Using The Wrong Container To Brew Your Kombucha

It's essential to use the right container when brewing your Kombucha. The ideal container is made of glass and has a wide mouth. This will allow the Kombucha to breathe and will prevent it from becoming contaminated. 

Adding too much sugar

The final mistake people make when brewing their own Kombucha is adding too much sugar. This can throw off the fermentation process and create a kombucha that is too sweet. Be sure to add the recommended amount of sugar in order to achieve the perfect batch of Kombucha.

Conclusion

If you're new to Kombucha, it's essential to know what it tastes like. There are many different flavors and variations of Kombucha, so it's best to experiment until you find one that you enjoy. Also, be sure to read up on the brewing process before starting and try not to make any of the common mistakes people make when trying to create their own batch. 

 

If you find that creating your own Kombucha is a little too tricky, you'll want to consider trying one of Halfday's delicious tonics. These tonics are made with all-natural ingredients, so you'll know what goes into each bottle. With a variety of flavors to choose from, there's sure to be one that satisfies your taste buds!