Kombucha is favourite drink of many people. It is believed to have originated from the Asian continent but is enjoyed all over the world today. The Drink is a simple beverage made from sweetened tea that has been fermented by special bacteria and yeast. The symbiotic relationship involved in the fermentation is commonly known as SCOBY which is an abbreviation of symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. Instructions on how to make kombucha have to be followed strictly if contamination is to be avoided.
The culture of this beverage is composed of a genus of acetic bacteria known as Acetobacter and one or more yeasts forming what is called a zoogleal mat. The symbiotic relationship is such that the yeast produces alcohol which contributes to production of acetic acid, this helps in limiting the alcohol content in the drink while increasing acidity. The acidic environment is unsuitable for bacterial spores and most airborne moulds, as such, contamination is minimised.
In the process of making the drink, yeast and bacteria also play other roles; they produce other important substances such as enzymes, organic acids, polyphenols and amino acids. Though precise quantities depend on the type of fermentation method used, the exact measure of each of these components can be determined by lab analysis. Some of the organic acids that are created include, among others, acetic acid, lactic acid, glucoronic acid and ethanol.
One of the major agents confirmed to be present in this beverage is glucoronic acid, as evidenced by the presence of its conjugates in urine. Glucoronic acid is normally used by the liver for detoxification. An additional extrinsic amount would largely supplement this particular liver function.
Some of the requirements include a cup of water or tea (depending on personal preferences), white or brown sugar, cane juice and molasses. Pasteurised honey may be added if it is available. You need to add the honey carefully to avoid destabilising the culture medium. Synthetic sweeteners such as stevia, lactose and xylitol should not be used.
Once you have all these requirements, the next thing that you need to do is to choose a sweetener. Black tea is the most commonly used for this but green tea, lemon balm and white tea are also used. These sweeteners also help in the fermentation process. Addition of sugar should precede addition of the culture medium. Do not add either herbal or oily tea as these are likely to disturb the culture.
The preparation is then given time to for transfer of gas while it is covered with a close weave cloth to prevent contamination by mould, dust and other bacteria. In every fermentation process, a liquid gas boundary is created and a new layer of SCOBY is formed on this interface. Not only does the surface area provide suitable environment for yeast propagation but also for aerobic bacteria to settle on the surface while anaerobic bacteria occupy the bottom region.
What are the health benefits of kombucha? As mentioned earlier, it has the ability to detoxify the body. In addition, it contains glucosamines which are used in prevention and treatment of joint pain. It being a probiotic beverage, it also helps in digestion and general gut health. The drink also aids in boosting the immune system. Armed with such comprehensive notes on how to make kombucha, good results are guaranteed.
The culture of this beverage is composed of a genus of acetic bacteria known as Acetobacter and one or more yeasts forming what is called a zoogleal mat. The symbiotic relationship is such that the yeast produces alcohol which contributes to production of acetic acid, this helps in limiting the alcohol content in the drink while increasing acidity. The acidic environment is unsuitable for bacterial spores and most airborne moulds, as such, contamination is minimised.
In the process of making the drink, yeast and bacteria also play other roles; they produce other important substances such as enzymes, organic acids, polyphenols and amino acids. Though precise quantities depend on the type of fermentation method used, the exact measure of each of these components can be determined by lab analysis. Some of the organic acids that are created include, among others, acetic acid, lactic acid, glucoronic acid and ethanol.
One of the major agents confirmed to be present in this beverage is glucoronic acid, as evidenced by the presence of its conjugates in urine. Glucoronic acid is normally used by the liver for detoxification. An additional extrinsic amount would largely supplement this particular liver function.
Some of the requirements include a cup of water or tea (depending on personal preferences), white or brown sugar, cane juice and molasses. Pasteurised honey may be added if it is available. You need to add the honey carefully to avoid destabilising the culture medium. Synthetic sweeteners such as stevia, lactose and xylitol should not be used.
Once you have all these requirements, the next thing that you need to do is to choose a sweetener. Black tea is the most commonly used for this but green tea, lemon balm and white tea are also used. These sweeteners also help in the fermentation process. Addition of sugar should precede addition of the culture medium. Do not add either herbal or oily tea as these are likely to disturb the culture.
The preparation is then given time to for transfer of gas while it is covered with a close weave cloth to prevent contamination by mould, dust and other bacteria. In every fermentation process, a liquid gas boundary is created and a new layer of SCOBY is formed on this interface. Not only does the surface area provide suitable environment for yeast propagation but also for aerobic bacteria to settle on the surface while anaerobic bacteria occupy the bottom region.
What are the health benefits of kombucha? As mentioned earlier, it has the ability to detoxify the body. In addition, it contains glucosamines which are used in prevention and treatment of joint pain. It being a probiotic beverage, it also helps in digestion and general gut health. The drink also aids in boosting the immune system. Armed with such comprehensive notes on how to make kombucha, good results are guaranteed.
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