What is kombucha?

What is kombucha?

It’s certainly not new—in fact, the drink dates back centuries— but it’s still relatively unknown to many people. Uiltje therefore proud to live up to its name and present a new drink from a truly Dutch kombucha producer:YAYA Kombucha!

So what exactly is kombucha?

Kombucha is a “brewed” soft drink with a centuries-old tradition. The drink is made from sweet tea, which undergoes a natural fermentation process. Exactly: fermentation is the process by which beer is also made. The big difference is that fermentation in beer produces alcohol and carbon dioxide, while this hardly happens at all during the fermentation of kombucha. Fermentation is one of the most common methods used in preparing our food and drink, although many people aren’t aware of it. But it’s also used in soy sauce, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread, for example. Coffee and chocolate are also partially fermented to allow for further processing of the beans. Fermentation is, so to speak, a source of life. And it’s also good for you!

The tea used can be either green or black tea, and sugar is always added to help the yeast do its work. You can read more about exactly how that works below. It’s important to know that this production method actually creates a healthy alternative to soda: kombucha is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help strengthen the immune system. Kombucha also contains beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that may support the immune system by reducing inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria.

Where does kombucha come from?

It is highly likely that kombucha originated in China, where it was called an “elixir of immortality.” For centuries, kombucha was made and enjoyed in large parts of Asia. It wasn’t until about sixty years ago that kombucha was introduced to Europe: hippies, who discovered themselves and many other things in Asia, brought it back because of its healthy and tasty qualities. The drink only became truly wildly popular about ten years ago, when more and more people became interested in healthy alternatives and a healthier lifestyle.

How is kombucha made?

The base for kombucha is therefore green or black tea. Sugar is added to this, and the mixture is then left to ferment for several weeks. Unique to kombucha is the fungus, which takes the form of a flexible sphere. It is called a SCOBY, and is a symbiotic culture of acetic acid bacteria and yeast. It looks like a fungus floating in the liquid: somewhat slimy, and almost otherworldly. The scoby is also rich in vitamin B, antioxidants, and probiotics. The scoby causes the kombucha to ferment and gives it a tingly, fresh-tart flavor somewhat reminiscent of vinegar.

You can think of kombucha as a “functional soft drink”: there are health benefits to drinking it. Plus, you can enhance this refreshing thirst-quencher with various flavorings, such as ginger, hops, yuzu, and passion fruit. The result is a 100% organic soft drink, where fermentation serves as the natural preservative. Curious? DiscoverYAYA kombucha for yourself in the flavors Passion Fruit,Mate,Ginger, or Yuzu!