Easy Kombucha Recipe: How to Make This Healthy Drink at Home

This basic kombucha recipe is perfect for beginners who want to start making fermented tea at home. The process is simple and requires only a few common ingredients that you can find at most grocery stores.

Ingredients:

- 8 cups of filtered water

- 4 tea bags (black or green tea)

- 1/2 cup white sugar

- 1 SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast)

- 1/2 cup starter tea from previous batch

Equipment Needed:

- 1 large glass jar (1 gallon size)

- 1 clean cloth or coffee filter

- 1 rubber band

- 1 wooden spoon

Instructions:

1. Boil the water in a large pot on your stove.

2. Remove from the heat and add the tea bags. Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes.

3. Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until it completely dissolves.

4. Let the sweet tea cool to room temperature. This step is very important because hot tea can kill the SCOBY.

5. Pour the cooled tea into your clean glass jar.

6. Add the SCOBY and starter tea to the jar with the sweet tea.

7. Cover the jar with a clean cloth or coffee filter. Secure it with a rubber band.

8. Place the jar in a warm, dark place away from direct sunlight.

9. Wait 7-14 days for fermentation. Taste it after one week to check if you like the flavor.

10. When ready, remove the SCOBY and save some liquid for your next batch.

If you cannot buy a SCOBY, you can grow your own at home. This process takes longer than making kombucha, but it is a good way to start if you cannot find a SCOBY in stores.

Ingredients:

- 7 cups filtered water

- 4 tea bags (black tea works best)

- 1/2 cup white sugar

- 1 bottle of plain, unflavored store-bought kombucha

Instructions:

1. Boil the water in a large pot on your stove.

2. Remove from the heat and add the tea bags. Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes.

3. Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until it completely dissolves.

4. Cool the sweet tea completely to room temperature.

5. Pour the cooled tea into a clean glass jar.

6. Add the entire bottle of store-bought kombucha to the sweet tea.

7. Cover with a cloth and secure with a rubber band.

8. Place in a warm spot away from sunlight and wait 2-4 weeks.

9. Check weekly for a thick, rubbery layer forming on top. This is your new SCOBY.

10. When the SCOBY is thick (about 1/4 inch), you can use it to make kombucha.

After spending time making your own kombucha, you want to make sure it stays fresh and tastes great. The way you store kombucha depends on whether you want to drink it right away or save it for later. Temperature and container type both play important roles in maintaining the quality of your fermented tea.

For short-term storage, keep your finished kombucha in the refrigerator in glass bottles or jars. The cold temperature slows down fermentation and keeps the drink from becoming too sour. Glass containers work better than plastic because they do not absorb flavors or smells. You can store kombucha in the refrigerator for up to one month without problems.

Kombucha offers several health benefits that make it more than just a tasty drink. These benefits come from the fermentation process and the healthy bacteria and compounds found in the tea.

1. Contains Probiotics

Kombucha has good bacteria that help your digestive system work better. These probiotics can improve gut health and may help with digestion problems. They also support your stomach health naturally.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

The tea used in kombucha contains antioxidants that protect your body from damage. Green tea kombucha has especially high levels of these helpful compounds. These antioxidants fight free radicals in your body.

3. May Support Heart Health

Some studies show that kombucha might help improve cholesterol levels. The antioxidants in the drink may protect your heart from disease. Regular consumption could help maintain healthy blood circulation and heart function.

4. Could Help Control Blood Sugar

Research suggests that kombucha made with green tea might help manage blood sugar levels. This benefit may be especially helpful for people with diabetes. The fermentation process creates compounds that support blood sugar control.

5. Supports the Immune System

The probiotics and vitamins in kombucha can help strengthen your immune system. A healthy gut often means better overall health and disease resistance. Your body can fight off sickness more effectively with regular consumption.

6. May Have Antibacterial Properties

The acids produced during fermentation can fight harmful bacteria in your body. This natural protection helps keep you healthy and prevents infections. Acetic acid in kombucha works like a natural antibiotic against bad bacteria.

7. Provides B Vitamins

Kombucha contains important B vitamins that your body needs for energy and proper function. These vitamins support your nervous system and help convert food into energy. B vitamins also help your brain work better daily.