What is Kombucha?

According to Wikipedia:

"Kombucha is a fermented tea that is often drunk for medicinal purposes. There are scientific studies that support the health benefits of Kombucha that show it to be antimicrobial, anticancer, to havehepatoprotective qualities, and to be antioxidative among other benefits. Kombucha is available commercially and can be made at home by fermenting tea using a visible, solid mass of yeast and bacteriawhich forms the kombucha culture which is often referred to as the "mushroom" or the "mother"."

Sounds delicious, no?

Seriously though, I luuurves me some Kombucha.

It makes me feel good.

Immediately.

And naturally.

Part of that reason is that, being fermented, Kombucha contains traces of alcohol. Not enough alcohol that anyone should worry. It is perfectly safe for anyone- including children and adults who for whatever reason don't drink alcohol. However, there is definitley something in the drink that makes you a bit more....relaxed. In a good way.

On top of that, the long term health benefits of Kombucha are phenomenal. People claim that it has been the driving force in fights against all kinds of cancers...and even the word "cure" has been thrown out there a few times. While most nutritionists will tell you not to drink anything with your meals, including water, the exception to this is, yes, Kombucha, which actually aids digestion rather that hindering your stomach acids.

With that said, it's for sure an acquired taste. Upon your first drink, it will taste vinegar-y and odd. I encourage you to try different flavors in order to find your favorites. Mind are guava and ginger. After a while you will, as I have, grow to love the flavor. It is naturally effervescent, which satisfies when I am craving something bubbly.

I don't think conventional grocery stores sell Kombucha drinks yet. You will have to check health and specialty food stores. Or you can make you own quite easily...if you don't mind "mother mushroom" bacteria sitting in a jar on your counter for 3 months....