Disclaimer
The ideas, concepts, and opinions expressed in this book are intended to be used for educational purposes only. This book is provided with the understanding that author and publisher are not rendering medical advice of any kind, nor is this book intended to replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury.
It is imperative to use good judgment when consuming kombucha and never to consume any kombucha that looks, tastes, or smells unpleasant. Further, before consuming kombucha or any other fermented or cultured food, you should receive full medical clearance from a licensed physician. Author and publisher claim no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly because of the use, application, or interpretation of the material in this book.
Author Bio
Why Kombucha? Well, because it tastes good, it makes me feel good, and my incredible family that I share my life with LOVE it! I was searching for ways to improve our gut health and stumbled across an article on how to make Kombucha at home. Being a stay at home dad at the time I decided this could be something fun and a great sensory activity for the kids and I. So we took a trip to the shops, bought what we needed and the rest is history!
Years later I now realise the potential health benefits of this very easy to make elixir and really want to teach people to start making it themselves. For lots of little info gems follow our Kombucha story on Instagram @kombuchamt :D
Table of Contents
An Introduction to Kombucha
Fermentation and gut health History of Kombucha What is Kombucha? A scoby? What’s that?
Kombucha, broken down
Beneficial bacteria Yeast Organic acids Vitamins and minerals Caffeine & L-Theanine content Alcohol content
Health benefits of Kombucha
Seven evidence-based health benefits
Ingredient selection for brewing Kombucha
Tea Sugar Water Starter tea A scoby Ingredients Equipment Procedure
Equipment selection for brewing Kombucha
Fermenting containers and spigots Covering your container Useful extras
Brew your first batch of Kombucha
Shopping list Equipment Procedure
Start your first continuous brew Kombucha
Shopping list Equipment Procedure
Everyone loves flavoured Kombucha
How do I alter the final flavour of my Kombucha? Why should I flavour my Booch with a second fermentation? What you need to think about when beginning the second ferment! Steps to start your second fermentation
Potential problems and troubleshooting
Mould Insects Black (dead) scoby No sign of fermentation Potential side effects of drinking Kombucha Safe consumption of Kombucha
Alternate versions of Kombucha
Kombucha Beer and Kombucha Ale Kombucha Wine and Kombucha Champagne Kombucha Coffee
Bonus information
Scoby hotel Creating and Incorporating a flavour POWERHOUSE – The Ginger Bug! Ingredients Equipment Procedure What makes Ginger healthy? Fermenting Kombucha vinegar and it’s various uses Creative ways to use extra scobys
Recipes/ Flavour combo ideas
Salad dressings Marinades Sauces Family favourite treats Scoby jerky
An Introduction to Kombucha
What is Kombucha, where did it come from and how do I make it? I will answer these questions and more in the following guide! The complete guide to home brewing Kombucha!
Fermentation and gut health
Consuming a wide array of fermented foods and drinks is a great way to increase the diversity of your gut microbiome. Obviously, this book is going to focus on the benefits contained in a delicious glass of ice cold Kombucha, but there are many fermented food and drink options out there, all with their own unique make up of bacteria and yeast that can benefit your body in one way or another.
Gut health is one of my favorite things to discuss as I believe it is one of the most influential components of our body, and it can affect one’s health in drastic ways, for better or worse. The average human microbiome contains up to 2kg of bacteria and yeasts, most of it in the stomach. There are more bacteria in our guts, then there are cells in our entire body, to be more precise up to 90% of our cells can be bacterial, quite amazing when you think about it. The only way we can really change which bacteria and yeast is present is by consuming the correct food and drinks. The more nutrient dense and healthy our food is, the more beneficial bacteria we have in our gut and body. Generally speaking, the good guys like to eat healthy food. Peoples food cravings can be swayed in a large way by their gut microbiome.
The gut is now being called our second mini-brain as research is showing that hormones like serotonin are produced mainly in the stomach, up to 90% of production. Serotonin is a feel-good hormone that is very important in mental health. Our guts contain a lot of the same neurotransmitters as our brains and even contains more neurons then our entire spinal cord. These neurons make up the enteric nervous system and allow the gut and brain to communicate via the gut brain axis. This communication controls things such as appetite and food desires.
A huge reason as to why I am passionate about gut health is that recent studies have shown a direct link between
