KOMBUCHA 

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is said to have originated in China thousands of years ago. The simple ingredients of tea, sugar, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (known under the acronym “SCOBY”) undergo the process of fermentation resulting in a sweet and tangy effervescent beverage said to have been widely consumed and known as the “Tea of Immortality.”  Want more in depth information about the making and origins of kombucha? Check out the owners podcast, “Living Full Kombucha Podcast.” Also check out Kombucha Brewers International, a big hub of all things kombucha.

 

Why should I drink kombucha?

We are not here to prescribe anything or make health claims due to FDA regulations,

BUT we would love the opportunity to meet you in person to tell you about how it has made us feel personally. There is also a lot of information online available to you to research and make the best decision for you. One amazing place to visit for helpful information is the Kombucha Brewers International where they can point you to research.

What we can say though is that we drink kombucha because it is delicious! It makes a great alternative to sugary sodas and alcoholic beverages and it uplifts and connects us to the natural world around us.

 

What is the shelf life of kombucha?

First, when we talk about shelf life, we mean shelf life at refrigerated temperatures. It is important to keep your kombucha refrigerated, as kombucha is a living drink and high temperatures will restart the fermentation process, changing the flavor profile. As a fermented food, kombucha has a low pH level making it “shelf stable” as described above as the bacteria protects it from any other harmful microorganisms and contaminants. This is why other fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi do not go bad for a very long time. We guarantee our flavor profile for six months. After that, although completely good to drink, it’s flavor profile most likely will shift and be slightly more tart and acidic (thanks to fermentation). Also another important note- if your kombucha is not refrigerated for a long duration or at a high heat for long, the fermentation will try to begin again producing more CO2 and could cause a bottle explosion (rare, but could happen). All the more reason to drink your kombucha in a timely fashion and grab some more, right?

 

Is your kombucha alcohol free?

Kombucha contains trace amounts of alcohol (less than 0.5% ABV), and is a natural byproduct of the fermentation process as the yeast consumes the sugar producing trace amounts of ethanol that help preserve the brew and protects it from harmful microorganisms. The trace amounts of alcohol are similar to what you would find in unpasteurized fruit juice or even overripe bananas and are non-inebriating.

There is what is called “hard kombucha” on the market, which is a different brewing process, contains higher alcohol levels and is clearly marked. Our kombucha is not hard kombucha and we routinely test our kombucha to ensure this.

 

Why is there sugar in kombucha?

In order for fermentation to occur, the bacteria and yeast require food to begin the process. The food for bacteria and yeast is sugar. We do not add any sugar for flavoring purposes. By the time fermentation is complete there is significantly less sugar left in the brew and is now transformed into glucose which is more easily broken down and recognized in the body compared to sucrose. You cannot brew with artificial sweeteners like erythritol, xylitol, or even stevia as the bacteria and yeast do not recognize it as a food source. Some brewers use honey. We prefer to use sugar. Compared to other beverages, kombucha often has lower sugar overall.

 

How much should I drink?

Although kombucha is an adaptogen and can restore balance in compromised bodies, it is best to enjoy in moderation. Introducing 4 oz per serving, at least 2 times a day for the first week of consumption will ensure a balanced integration of all the living enzymes and beneficial acids.

 

Owner Lydia prefers to drink a bottle of kombucha after lunch for a pick me up, but kombucha works great as a digestive 20 minutes before eating a meal, or even first thing in the morning.

 

Can children drink kombucha?

Whether kids should or shouldn’t drink kombucha is a personal family choice. We do believe it is a great alternative to other high sugar drinks like sodas or even fruit juices. In addition, we believe that fermented foods are a great addition to any diet, both kids and adults alike and can increase one’s palette for sour foods. We have had many families with children of all ages try our kombucha and love it, but again we respect your personal family choice and encourage you to research and consult a health professional with concerns.

 

Is it vegan?

Yes, our kombucha is 100% vegan!

 

 

SHRUBS

 

What is a shrub?

A shrub is a non-alcoholic syrup made by combining fruit, vinegar, sugar, and often herbs. Shrub comes from the Arabic word “sharab” which means “to drink.” In the early 1400s these shrubs were said to be used as a way to preserve fruit without the use of refrigeration as well as make taking medicine taste more palatable.

 

How much do I use in a drink?

A little goes a long way and depends on which beverage you are making. To make your own soda shrub, we recommend 1 oz. In a cocktail or mocktail, it depends on the size of your drink. Anywhere between 0.25-1 oz is recommended, but there is no hard set rule–if you like more flavor, feel free to add more!

 

Do you use raw apple cider vinegar?

YES! We believe using only raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother) provides the best tasting experience as well as makes us feel our best. Again, we cannot make official health claims on here, but please do some research on introducing apple cider vinegar into the diet.

 

Does it contain alcohol?

No. Our shrubs do not contain alcohol.

 

How much sugar is in one serving?

Again, depending on how much you decide to use, 0.5 oz serving is between 6-8 grams of sugar. You can find individual nutritional facts under each respective flavor on the shrub recipes page.

 

Are shrubs vegan?

Yes. All of our shrubs are 100% vegan.

 

What is the shelf life?

Please keep your shrubs in the refrigerator once opened to maintain freshness and best taste quality. With it’s low pH, shrubs can last up to 1 year unopened and is shelf stable. Once opened, we recommend using within 9 months as the flavor and color begin to dull. Fun fact, fruit used to be preserved in apple cider vinegar before there was refrigeration, due to the low pH of the apple cider vinegar it prevented the fruit from spoiling and protecting it from harmful contaminants. Been awhile and not sure if your shrubs are good? Give them the smell test. If they smell like vinegar-they are good to drink. If they smell rotten, toss.