​Why it's time to discover Kombucha

At Wares of Knutsford, we've noticed an increase in customers looking for kombucha jars, so we thought we'd take a closer look at this interesting drink, its health benefits and easy ways that you can make it yourself. Store-bought kombucha can be expensive, but it's actually quite easy and affordable to make at home, especially if you stock up on the right supplies first.

What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented tea, made with a live culture that transforms the sugary tea into a fizzy, live health drink packed with beneficial bacteria. This bacteria supports the gut microbiome, which is now believed to be vital in supporting your entire immune system. Kombucha naturally has an acidic finish and a gently sweet flavour, because it's low in sugar and calories. The key to its creation is the use of a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) and sugar. The SCOBY eats the sugar and transforms it into a beneficial drink!

Although kombucha is suddenly fashionable, it's nothing new, in fact, its use dates back over 2,000 years. It can be made with black or green tea and both give a slightly different result. Black tea is quicker to ferment but green tea gives a light, delicate finish. It's also possible to add other flavours such as ginger, lemon or fruit, by adding dried fruits.

What are the benefits of drinking kombucha?

Research suggests that over a thousand British bars now stock this drink, reflecting its status amongst the health-conscious. Kombucha is believed to have a number of powerful benefits. These include:

- Naturally occurring probiotics that support your gut's microbiome and help your digestion and overall wellbeing
- Antioxidants, that are naturally contained in tea in the form of polyphenols. These are believed to support your heart
- Vitamins and minerals
- A healthier alternative to high-calorie or sugary carbonated drinks.
- Possible weight loss benefits, due to the polyphenols
- Possible antibacterial and antimicrobial properties
- Possible control of candida; something that is being researched

Can I make kombucha at home?

Yes, it's perfectly possible to make kombucha at home! It's also far cheaper to make at home than buying commercially and you only need basic equipment such as large glass jars and a pan.

The ingredients to make a basic kombucha tea drink are water, tea, sugar, a SCOBY and a starter tea. The starter tea is usually a cup reserved from your previous batch or the liquid that your SCOBY arrives in.

To make your kombucha, line up some large glass jars or specific kombucha jars with easy lid release to let the gases escape. Mason jars work well for this type of fermented drink. Check that the SCOBY and its liquid are free from any mould because this will spoil your drink.

Steep a tea bag in 250 ml of freshly boiled water and let it sit for ten minutes. Remove the tea bag and pour in 750ml of cold filtered water.

Add the SCOBY and the starter tea to the jar, with at least 5cm of space to spare for gases to release. Cover the jar with an elastic band and a paper towel or cloth to prevent any fruit flies from entering, but allow the drink to breathe by not sealing the jar. At this point, you just need to leave it at room temperature for 6-8 days. The ideal temperature is above 21 degrees. A good place to put your Kombucha jars is in a cupboard away from direct sun.

You can sample your drink after a few days to determine when it matches your personal taste. It will lose its sweetness after around six days and most people wait for around nine days or even 12 days before they drink it.

You could also choose to ferment your brew in a secondary stage of fermentation with the SCOBY. This will make it fizzier and also allow you to make hard kombucha if you are thinking of making an alcoholic drink. This could be something lovely to serve in large glass jars at a party or a wedding!

Stock up on the perfect storage jars

We sell a wide range of large glass jars which are ideal for kombucha jars. Choose from jars or bottles to suit your preferences and store them labelled in a cool place once your drinks are ready. You can simply remove the SCOBY and leave it for your next round of kombucha making. Our large glass jars also look lovely in a pantry or on a shelf in your kitchen, beautifully labelled. You'll find that your kombucha can take on different colours as you experiment with different recipes and you can create an interesting talking point in your home for any guests when you display your creations!