Where did kombucha originate?
Just as extensive as the various flavor variations are the legends and myths surrounding this tea beverage. The Western world is still somewhat unfamiliar with the tea beverage. In other parts of the world, the drink with its unusual name and diverse effects has long been no secret. There is widespread agreement that kombucha originated in East Asia, Japan, or China.
“Kombucha – a tradition that becomes a healthy legend.”
First, a Chinese legend says that the fermented tea beverage originated around 247 BC - 221 BC. However, it's also possible that the Japanese doctor Kombu is the originator. The name Kombucha could also be derived from a Japanese algae tea , "Kombu" - algae + "Cha" - tea = "Kombucha." It's possible that Japanese samurai in the 10th century AD also used Kombucha to gain strength for their next battle. According to legend, even then, the samurai wore the miracle drink on their hips.
What is kombucha?
Simply put: It's a fermented tea beverage. Various sweetened tea varieties, such as black tea, are fermented with the help of a tea fungus. The tea fungus (also called a SCOBY) is a community of various microorganisms, bacteria, and yeasts. During fermentation, tea and sugar are quickly metabolized into a refreshing beverage. This not only tastes delicious but is also very healthy.
This tea drink offers a delicious, naturally carbonated, sweet and sour alternative to lemonade or other soft drinks. Fermentation can produce various vitamins, organic acids, and many other important nutrients.
An overview of the health-promoting ingredients that can be produced during the fermentation of kombucha:
- Amino acids
- Antibiotic substances
- succinic acid
- Butyric acid
- Caprylic acid
- Decanoic acid
- Various yeast and bacteria species and enzymes
- acetic acid
- Folic acid
- Glucaric acid
- Glucuronic acid
- Gluconic acid
- Catechins and other polyphenols
- Niacinamide
- Octanoic acid
- Oxalic acid
- Pangamic acid
- Phenethyl alcohol
- Probiotic lactic acid bacteria
- Propionic acid
- Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin K
- citric acid
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