Funny thing happened…

Recently, while working from home during quarantine and on a search committee for the university to hire our new campus dean - at one point during our meeting, I was asked if I was drinking a beer during the interview. I laughed, although I wasn’t surprised by the question - I’d been asked before as well as gotten weird looks while driving when someone passed me as I was taking a sip from my brown, amber colored, adult beverage-like bottle.

Nope, it wasn’t beer! It was homemade Kombucha!!

I’ve always got a batch brewing!

Look at those naturally occurring bubbles!

It is a very healthy alternative to soda - it hits the spot when I am craving something sweet and I don’t feel any guilt drinking it or giving it to my kids!

The kids absolutely love it and they are the ones who come up with the most flavorful creations.

Many times when I know I’ll be in situations where I can’t eat my best or am temped to drink sugary adult beverages, I will bring along a few bottles. No one notices and I feel good about what I’m drinking.

What is Kombucha?

Simply put… Kombucha is bubbly, fermented sweet tea! Bubbles = fermentation. Think of it like a really healthy soda but only better!

The sugar content is nothing to fear - it feeds the yeast and bacteria during the fermenting process which breaks down into fructose and glucose resulting in a lower glycemic impact on your body. The sugar content then reduces by 50-70% over 7-14 days of fermentation, resulting in 4-6 grams of sugar per serving.

Ok, so why drink it?

Because illnesses start in your gut!

80% of your immune system is located in your gut and promote healthy bacteria in the gut. According to the Big Book of Kombucha by Hannah Crum & Alex LaGory, drinking Kombucha can help support and relieve the following issues.

Support healthy liver and kidney functions to detoxify your body from free radicals which cause cell damage (cancer), by taking fat soluble toxins (typically what is found in processed foods) and turn them into water soluble toxins making it easier for your liver to flush them out
Boost your metabolism
Adds in healthy cell regeneration
Improves digestion & bowl functions
Heals eczema
Speeds healing of ulcers
Relieves headaches and migraines
Reduces the reoccurrence and size of kidney stones
Reduces blood pressure
Helps clear up candidiasis (yeast infections)
Reduces stress

Kombucha is filled with acids and enzymes, which are referred to adaptogens (the ability to adapt) that strengthen the immune system. This is a great way for your body to maintain internal balance which is needed for a strong and cold fighting immune system! (www.yeabucha.com).

It tastes amazing - you can create hundreds of thirst quenching flavors!

I’ve been making it at home for over 3 years now.

The great thing about making Kombucha yourself is the flexibility and creativity you can have flavoring it. Although we tend to stick with the fruit and herbal combinations, you can create savory, medicinal and create super-food infused flavors.

Here are just a few of our favorite flavor recipes for the second fermentation process to make 1 gallon of Kombucha.

Blueberry Lavender (George loves lavender and blueberries and he hit it out of the park with this combo).

1 Tbs dried lavender

1 Cup blueberries

Apple Pie (bring on autumn)

1 cup diced apple

1 Tbs chai spice blend (recipe is found in the book I recommend in the my buyers guide below)

Peach Vanilla (peach soothes a sour stomach and promotes good digestion)

1/2 cup chopped peaches (fresh or frozen)

1 vanilla bean split (or a good pinch of ground vanilla)

Strawberry-Thyme Lemonade (modern day pink lemonade)

1/2 cup chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen)

2 Thyme sprigs

2 Tbs of fresh squeezed lemon juice

It’s time to make your own Kombucha!

Trust me. It’s easy!

And if you’ve had the Kombucha you can purchase in the store and don’t like it, you’re in good company - I don’t care for the store-bought brands. There is nothing better than homemade!!

You have no excuse - I’ve made this easy for you!

Everything you need is included in this buying guide I’ve created for you.

Besides the tea and sugar, you don’t have to buy these again after the first time, unless you want to up your production.

The cost is pennies per bottle compared to the $4/bottle in the store.

Are you ready? Give it a try and fuel your body with healthy goodness! It’s time to live your best life.

Claim your guide here!

I pray God is with you and blesses you and your family!

Gina

Quench your thirst with this healthy drink