ENTER THE SCOBY
yeast infections. This acid is what gives kombucha its tangy flavour. Acetic acid is helpful to balance pH and stabilize blood sugars, and has even been known to improve heart health.
Next, the SCOBY (or Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast), which resembles a thick gelatinous pancake, is added to the tea, along with a cup of a previous batch of ‘buch. This is when the magic happens. Over the course of the next week to ten days, the SCOBY, a living organism, works its magic: digesting sugars and replacing their sweetness with a tart, tangy punch and some delightful carbonation to boot. Once complete, the brewer can add flavour and bottle it up to further ferment and marry the flavours. And what about your SCOBY? Well, the brewing process produces a new baby SCOBY (which looks like a thick white film on top of the original "mother"), so you can split them up and find the baby a new home, or keep it with its mom for the next batch.
A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO SODA OR BEER
Natural effervescence gives ‘buch a lovely bubbliness- great for folks who are looking to replace their pop addiction with something healthier. And for people who tend to reach for a beer to unwind, kombucha is an even better choice. With bitter flavours like ginger and hops, or sweeter blends like blueberry, cherry, or strawberry, kombucha can easily replace most brews and mixed drinks. Here on PEI, we’re so fortunate to have local ‘buch brewers Heart Beet Organics whose taps can be found in most local craft beer bars and taprooms, as well as numerous stores and restaurants. This accessibility makes kombucha a realistic and reliable drink of choice, even when out on the town. Heart Beet has also opened their own kombucha bar this year – the Farmacy + Fermentary on Great George Street – offering a rotating selection of their well-known kombucha flavours, as well as local cider, and their house-made shrubs and other unique mixed drinks. The ambiance is warm, inviting, and relaxing, and their food is incredible, and filled to the brim with a wide variety of additional fermented creations. So if you’re looking to try something new, or have ever been interested in kombucha, PEI is one of the best places to explore your curiosity. Grab a bottle at your local market or craft beer store, or stop by the Farmacy today to taste what all the fuss is about.
Sounds weird, am I right? Well, yeah, it kind of is. So why do we drink kombucha?
GUT HEALTHY, ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL
All fermented foods have gut health benefits, and kombucha is no different. Through the fermentation process, lactic acid, which has a probiotic function, is created, and works to stimulate the immune system and enhance antimicrobial activity. These characteristics alone make kombucha an excellent addition to your routine. As the SCOBY works its magic, it also creates acetic acid (a natural acid also found in vinegar), which can kill microorganisms such as harmful bacteria, viruses, and
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