Make Your Own Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that has gained popularity in recent years due to its health benefits and unique flavor. If you're a fan of kombucha and would like to try making your own at home, you're in luck! It's surprisingly easy and fun to do, and you'll be able to customize the flavors to your liking. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your own kombucha:

1. Gather your supplies To make kombucha, you'll need a few basic supplies: a large glass jar (at least 1 gallon), a breathable cloth cover (such as cheesecloth or a coffee filter), rubber band, organic black or green tea, sugar, a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) and some starter liquid (previously brewed kombucha).

2. Make the sweet tea Boil 4 cups of water in a pot, and add 4-6 bags of organic black or green tea (or use loose leaf tea in a tea ball). Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then remove the tea bags or tea ball. Add 1 cup of sugar to the tea and stir until it dissolves. Add 8 cups of cold water to cool down the tea to room temperature.

3. Add the SCOBY and starter liquid Once the tea has cooled to room temperature, pour it into your glass jar. Add the SCOBY and the starter liquid to the jar. The SCOBY will float on top, and that's okay!

4. Cover and ferment Cover the jar with a breathable cloth cover and secure it with a rubber band. Place the jar in a warm, dark place where it won't be disturbed for at least 7 days. Ideally, the temperature should be between 68-78°F.

5. Taste and bottle After 7 days, use a straw to taste the kombucha. It should be slightly sweet and tangy. If it's too sweet, let it ferment for a few more days. If it's too sour, reduce the fermentation time next time. Once you're happy with the taste, remove the SCOBY and some starter liquid and set it aside in a separate container. You can use it to start your next batch of kombucha. You can then bottle the kombucha in airtight bottles and store it in the fridge.

6. Flavor and enjoy! You can enjoy your homemade kombucha as is, or add flavorings during the second fermentation. This is when you add fruit, herbs or spices to the bottles and let them ferment for another 1-3 days before refrigerating. This will create a fizzy drink with a unique flavor.

Making your own kombucha at home is a fun and rewarding experience. It's also a great way to save money, as store-bought kombucha can be quite expensive. With a little practice, you'll be able to make a delicious and healthy drink that you can enjoy anytime!