Fermented Tea Benefits and Easy EasyRecipes for Kombucha and Pu-erh Tea

 s

Fermented tea Kombucha

Kombucha is a fizzy, slightly tangy drink made from fermenting sweet tea with a culture of bacteria and yeast (called a SCOBY). It’s loved for its unique flavor and potential health benefits, like supporting digestion and gut health. 

The Source of Kombucha Tea:

Kombucha tea’s sources date back nearly 2,000 years since it was first brewed in China. Slowly, its multiple health benefits, as well as its unique sweet and sour taste, made this tea popular in countries like Japan and Russia. In the 20th century, this drink became popular in European countries and the United States.

Kombucha contains some healthy ingredients that are thought to be good for your stomach and are often used for weight loss.

Benefits of Drinking Fermented Tea Kombucha:

Kombucha, a fermented tea, is not just a trendy drink—it’s contained with potential health benefits! Here’s what makes it so unique:

1. Delicious Tea:

As kombucha slowly ferments, several enzymes present in it break down the sugars over 7 to 10 days, turning the tea into a mildly sour, carbonated, and refreshing drink.

2. Kombucha is the Best Drink for the Gut:

Kombucha generally contains many acids, vitamins, and some hydrolytic enzymes that are beneficial for the gut.

Its organic acids and enzymes can improve digestion and relieve bloating.

3. Kombucha Reduces Cancer Risk:

Kombucha also helps reduce the risk of cancer. The bacteria inside it prevent the growth of cancer cells.

4. Kombucha Weight Loss:

Green tea is said to be best for weight loss. It’s a wrong comparison, though. But when you make kombucha from tea, it keeps your gut healthy and helps you lose weight too.

5. Rich in Probiotics:

Kombucha contains beneficial bacteria that can sustain a healthy gut, improve digestion, and boost immunity.

6. Detox Support:

The fermentation process makes glucuronic acid, which may help the body remove toxins.

7. Contain With Antioxidant:

Kombucha contains antioxidants that can help decreases inflammation and fight free radicals, improving overall health.

8. Boosted Energy:

With natural B vitamins and a touch of caffeine, kombucha can provide a gentle energy lift.

9. Immune Support:

The probiotics and antioxidants in kombucha may improve immune function.

Learn more about fermented tea kombucha:

For an in-depth look at kombucha’s benefits, check out this study: 

• Harvard Health article on Kombucha.
• PubMed Central

Enjoy kombucha as part of a balanced diet and see how it can work for you!

How to make fermented tea kombucha drink at home?

Kombucha tea is made in a variety of ways, but some of the essential ingredients used in making kombucha are yeast, sugar, and black tea. The mixture is left to ferment for several weeks. Kombucha bacteria include lactic acid bacteria, which act as natural probiotics.

During the fermentation process, these bacteria and acids combine to form a layer on top of the liquid, known as a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast). This layer is then gently scooped out using a spoon to prepare kombucha.

Step-by-step processes for making  homemade fermented kombucha

Ingredients:

• 8 cups (2 litres) of water
• 2–3 tablespoons of loose tea or 4 tea bags (black, green, or a blend)
• 1 cup (200 grams) of sugar
• 1 SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast)
• 1–2 cups of starter kombucha (from a previous batch or store-bought raw kombucha)
• Large glass jar (1 gallon capacity)
• Cloth or coffee filter (to cover the jar)
• Rubber band
• Non-metallic spoon
• Bottles for storage

Instructions:

• Boil 8 cups of water and dissolve 1 cup of sugar in it.
• Add the tea and steep for 5–10 minutes (depending on the tea’s strength).
• Remove the tea bags or strain out loose tea leaves. Let the tea cool to room temperature.
• Pour the cooled tea into a clean glass jar.
• Add the starter kombucha to create an acidic environment that discourages harmful bacteria.
• Carefully place the SCOBY into the tea.
• Cover the jar with a breathable cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
• Place the jar in a warm, dark place (70–85°F or 21–29°C) for 7–14 days.
• Taste after 7 days: shorter fermentation results in sweeter kombucha, while longer gives a tangier flavor.

Some popular kombucha flavors include:

1. Lemon Ginger Kombucha

A zesty and spicy kombucha with fresh lemon and ginger. This drink is excellent for digestion and gives you a refreshing, energizing boost.

Homemade Recipe:

1. Brew 8 cups of water with 4-6 bags of black tea, add 1 cup of sugar, and cool it down.
2. Add 1 cup of raw kombucha (starter), then carefully add the SCOBY.
3. Let it ferment for 7-10 days.
4. Add the juice and zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger.
5. Bottle it, let it sit for 2-3 more days for carbonation, then chill and enjoy!

2.  Tea Kombucha

A lighter, more delicate kombucha made with green tea. It has a milder taste and offers antioxidants that improve your overall health.

Homemade Recipe:

1. Brew 8 cups of water with 4-6 green tea bags, add 1 cup of sugar, and let it cool.
2. Add 1 cup of store-bought kombucha (raw) and your SCOBY.
3. Ferment for 7-10 days.
4. Enjoy as is or add a few lemon slices for extra flavor!

3. Pineapple Kombucha

Sweet and tropical, pineapple kombucha adds a fun fruity twist to the usual tangy taste. It’s great for a refreshing drink that also helps gut health.

Homemade Recipe:

1. Brew 8 cups of tea (black or green) and mix 1 cup of sugar in it.
2. Let the tea cool, then add 1 cup of kombucha and the SCOBY.
3. Ferment for about 7-10 days.
4. After fermenting, blend 1 cup of pineapple chunks and mix it into the kombucha.
5. Bottle, let it carbonate for 2-3 days, and enjoy chilled!

4. Apple Kombucha

Apple kombucha has a mild, sweet, and tangy flavor that’s perfect for a light and crisp drink. It’s a great option for those who prefer fruit flavors.

Homemade Recipe:

1. Brew 8 cups of tea (black or green), dissolve 1 cup of sugar, and cool it down.
2. Add 1 cup of starter kombucha and the SCOBY.
3. Let it ferment for 7-10 days.
4. After fermentation, add 1 cup of fresh apple juice or apple slices.
5. Bottle and allow it to carbonate for a few days before refrigerating.

5. Kombucha Tea Ginger

This is a simple ginger kombucha, known for its spicy, slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for digestion.

Homemade Recipe:

1. Brew 8 cups of tea, blend 1 cup of sugar, and let it cool.
2. Add 1 cup of starter kombucha and the SCOBY.
3. Ferment for 7-10 days.
4. After fermentation, add 1-2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger.
5. Bottle, let it carbonate for 2-3 days, then chill and enjoy!

6. Grape Kombucha

Grape kombucha has a rich, sweet flavor and is perfect for those who love fruity drinks. It’s refreshing with a natural sweetness from the grapes.

Homemade Recipe:

1. Brew 8 cups of tea, mix 1 cup of sugar, and let it cool.
2. Add 1 cup of raw kombucha and the SCOBY.
3. Let it ferment for 7-10 days.
4. After fermentation, add 1 cup of fresh grape juice or mashed grapes.
5. Bottle, let it sit for 2-3 more days for carbonation, then refrigerate and enjoy!

Tip: Always be careful with fermentation times. If you leave kombucha too long, it can become too sour, but if it’s too short, it might not be fully fermented.

What is Pu-erh Tea?

Pu-erh tea is a type of fermented tea from China known for its earthy flavour and smooth taste. Unlike regular tea, it gets better with age, like fine wine. It’s famous for helping digestion, boosting energy, and supporting overall health.

Simple Homemade Recipe for Pu-erh Fermented Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of pu-erh tea leaves (or 1 pu-erh tea bag)
• 1 cup of hot water (not boiling, about 190°F or 90°C)

Steps:

1. Put the tea leaves in a teapot or cup, add a little hot water over them, stir for a few seconds, and then drain the water. This step “wakes up” the leaves and cleans them.
2. Add fresh hot water (about 1 cup) to the tea leaves. Let it steep for 2-4 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
3. Pour the tea into your cup and sip slowly. You can steep the same leaves multiple times; the flavor changes slightly with each brew.

Optional Add-Ons:

• A slice of lemon for freshness.
• A bit of honey for sweetness.
• Ginger for a spicy kick.

Pu-erh tea is a calming, healthy drink that’s easy to make and perfect for relaxing moments or after a heavy meal.