Kombucha

Can I Make My Kombucha Any Flavor I Want?

Can I Make My Kombucha Any Flavor I Want?
Kombucha, the effervescent and tangy fermented tea, has taken the wellness world by storm. With its probiotic benefits and refreshing taste, it's no wonder that more and more people are trying their hand at brewing their own kombucha at home. But why should you consider making and flavoring your own kombucha?

Why Make and Flavor Your Own Kombucha?

  1. Cost-Effective: Brewing kombucha at home can be significantly cheaper than buying it from stores, especially if you drink it regularly.
  2. Control Over Ingredients: When you make your own, you have complete control over the quality and type of ingredients used.
  3. Customization: You can tailor the flavor and sweetness to your exact preferences.
  4. Experimentation: Making kombucha at home allows you to try unique flavor combinations that may not be available commercially.
  5. Reduced Packaging Waste: Homebrewing eliminates the need for single-use bottles or cans.
  6. Fun and Rewarding: The process of brewing and flavoring your own kombucha can be an enjoyable and satisfying hobby.
One of the most exciting aspects of homebrewing kombucha is the ability to experiment with flavors. But can you really make your kombucha any flavor you want? The short answer is yes! Let's dive into the world of kombucha flavoring and explore the endless possibilities.

The Fermentation Process

Flavoring kombucha usually happens during the second half of fermentation. After the initial fermentation, where the sweet tea is transformed into kombucha with the help of a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), you can add your desired flavors and let it ferment a bit longer to develop those flavors and carbonation. If you don't know how to make kombucha at home or need a refresher, you can learn how to make it here.

Choosing Your Kombucha Flavors

The beauty of making your own kombucha is that you can get as creative as you want with the flavors. Here are some popular categories and ideas to get you started:

1. Fruits

Fruits are a classic choice for flavoring kombucha. You can use fresh, frozen, or even dried fruits. Some popular options include:
  • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Citrus (lemon, lime, orange)
  • Tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, passion fruit)
  • Stone fruits (peach, apricot, cherry)

2. Herbs and Spices

Adding herbs and spices can give your kombucha a unique and sophisticated twist. Consider experimenting with:
  • Mint
  • Basil
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves

3. Flowers

Edible flowers can add a delicate and aromatic touch to your kombucha. Some options include:
  • Hibiscus
  • Lavender
  • Rose petals
  • Chamomile

4. Teas and Other Beverages

You can also infuse your kombucha with other teas or beverages for a complex flavor profile. Try:

Tips for Successful Kombucha Flavoring

While the possibilities are nearly endless, here are some tips to ensure your flavored kombucha turns out delicious:
  1. Start Small: When trying a new flavor, start with a small batch to see how it turns out before committing to a larger quantity.
  2. Sanitize Everything: Cleanliness is crucial in kombucha brewing to prevent contamination.
  3. Taste as You Go: During the flavoring process, taste your kombucha periodically to see how the flavors are developing.
  4. Strain Before Drinking: If you've added solid ingredients like fruit chunks or herbs, strain your kombucha before drinking to remove any debris, or blend if you want the thicker added ingredients.
In the world of kombucha brewing, the sky's the limit when it comes to flavoring. Whether you prefer fruity, herbal, floral, or even tea-infused flavors, you can customize your kombucha to suit your taste buds. So, grab your SCOBY, get creative, and start experimenting with your favorite flavors. Happy brewing!

By following these tips and exploring different flavor combinations, you can create a unique and delicious kombucha that reflects your personal taste. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative and try new things. Your perfect kombucha flavor is just a brew away!

The Best Way to Learn How to Make Kombucha

The Best Way to Learn How to Make Kombucha
Are you eager to dive into the world of homemade kombucha? This fermented tea beverage has gained immense popularity for its potential health benefits and refreshing taste. If you're wondering about the best way to learn how to make kombucha, you're in the right place. Let's explore some effective methods to master this ancient art of brewing.

Learning from Local Friends

Before investing in a formal course, consider reaching out to friends or local community members who already brew kombucha. Learning from someone you know can provide a personalized touch and immediate feedback. It's an excellent way to get hands-on experience and insider tips. Plus, it's a great opportunity to bond over a shared interest in fermentation and healthy living. However, if you don't have access to local experts or prefer a more comprehensive and structured approach, don't worry. There's an excellent alternative that many kombucha enthusiasts swear by: the "Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy" course.

Why Take the Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy Course?

This course is designed to simplify the kombucha-making process and provide you with all the necessary knowledge and skills to brew your own kombucha successfully. Here's why it's considered one of the best ways to learn:

Comprehensive Learning

The course covers all aspects of kombucha brewing, from understanding the basic ingredients to mastering the fermentation process. It provides step-by-step instructions, making it easy for beginners to follow along and achieve great results. You'll learn about the science behind fermentation, the role of different ingredients, and how to create unique flavor combinations.

Expert Guidance

You'll learn from experienced brewers who have perfected the art of kombucha making. Their insights and tips can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that your kombucha turns out delicious every time. This expert guidance is invaluable, especially when you're just starting out.

Hands-On Experience

The course includes practical sessions where you can apply what you've learned. This hands-on approach helps reinforce the concepts and techniques, making you more confident in your brewing abilities. You'll get to practice each step of the process, from preparing your SCOBY to bottling your finished kombucha.

Community Support

Joining the course gives you access to a community of fellow kombucha enthusiasts. You can share your experiences, ask questions, and get support from others who are also learning to brew kombucha. This sense of community can be incredibly motivating and helpful as you embark on your kombucha-making journey.

What You Will Learn in the Course

Ingredients and Equipment

  • Water: Learn about the importance of the type & temperature of your water
  • Tea: Discover the best types of tea to use
  • Sugar: Understand which sugar is preferred and how it feeds the yeast and bacteria during fermentation.
  • SCOBY: Learn all about the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) and its crucial role in fermentation.
  • Starter Tea: Understand the importance of your starter and its role in the process.

Fermentation Process

The course will guide you through the entire fermentation process, from the initial brewing of sweet tea to the final bottling and flavoring of your kombucha. You'll learn how to maintain the right temperature, monitor the fermentation progress, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Safety and Troubleshooting

  • Cleanliness: Ensure all equipment is thoroughly cleaned to prevent contamination.
  • Safety: Avoid exploding bottles (from carbonation!) with some practical tips.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent temperature to promote healthy fermentation.
  • Mold Prevention: Learn to identify and prevent mold growth on your SCOBY.

Mastering the Art of Kombucha Brewing

Taking the "Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy" course is undoubtedly one of the best ways to learn how to make kombucha at home. It provides comprehensive, expert-led instruction and hands-on experience, ensuring you can brew delicious kombucha with confidence. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course will guide you through every step of the process, making homebrewing kombucha an enjoyable and rewarding hobby.

5 Reasons to Drink Kombucha

5 Reasons to Drink Kombucha
Homemade Kombucha tastes SO GOOD.

Never heard of it? It's a fizzy beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a culture of wild yeast and bacteria. Many people I know replace soda with kombucha because it satisfies that craving for carbonated goodness, but is actually good for you!

The awesome part? When you homebrew it, you can customize the amount of fizzy carbonation, caffeine, flavor, and sweetness.

The 5 main benefits of drinking Kombucha: 💚
1. Cleansing and detoxing for the body.    
2. Immune system support -- gut health leads to immune system health!
3. Improved digestion -- probiotics. :)
4. Increased energy -- happy gut, more energy!
5. Increased metabolism -- happy gut, better processing of food.
triple berry kombucha

Drink kombucha but curious how to make your own?
I make my own and have put together a video course called Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy -- you can learn how to make your own too, for a fraction of what it costs to buy in the store. I walk you through each step from buying the ingredients & materials to how to decide which flavors to make!

Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy Course -- Coming Soon!!

Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy Course -- Coming Soon!!
Homemade Kombucha tastes SO GOOD.

Never heard of it? It's a fizzy beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a culture of yeast and bacteria.

The awesome part? When you homebrew it, you can customize the amount of fizzy carbonation, caffeine, flavor, and sweetness. It's not difficult to do once you learn what NOT to do (mistakes are easy, haha), and it's so much cheaper and fun! Win-win all around.

Stay tuned for 5 Reasons to Drink Kombucha coming soon. Add yourself to my blog updates so you don't miss it!

I mean, look at that beauty. Yummmmmmmm...

So why don't you jump in and try it?!



Here's how you can get in on my Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy course.

It's filled with practical how-tos for both fermentation cycles (or F3 if you want to really have some fun!), my favorite recipes for flavor, information about add-ins, how to do non-caffeine versions, which teas are okay (and not okay) to use for kombucha, and more.

You also get access to my support through the class and trouble-shooting questions for free. :) So if you've tried kombucha before and struggled, get some one-on-one help this go-around and find where your trouble spots are!

To be one of the first to get notified when the course is done and for a discount, contact me below and include "Kombucha Course Discount" in your message to get on my list when the course goes live.


This is my health story

 

I have always been sensitive. That's a word that has described me, my body in particular, my whole life. I have skin sensitivities to fabrics, bruise easily, I get cold easily, I tend to be on "alert" all of the time (no coffee needed here!), I'm a musician and very creative, and I don't even THINK about using any conventional personal care or other products that are scented... they bother my skin, and they bother my respiratory system too. I've never been able to use any scented products because of the discomfort and increased sensitivity they cause. I can't be around people who wear perfume or scented deodorant, because I can't breathe well and my head has discomfort. I can't go into a public bathroom that has been just cleaned because of the toxic chemicals they used to clean it. I can't enjoy candles or most lotions or makeup like most women I know because I'm sensitive to it.

During my first semester of college, I started to develop debilitating discomfort in my jaw, which I was later told is TMJD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, not just the kind of little twinge when you bite down on something too hard, but long-lasting aching, along with clicking and cracking. It was exacerbated by singing, gum-chewing, caffeine, and other things, and I was easily able to cut out all of the things listed on my doctor's list except for one -- singing. I was a vocal music education major, and singing was my livelihood (or at least soon-to-be), so I couldn't just not practice! I struggled so hard for 2.5 years through long choir rehearsals, voice lessons, practice sessions, and more. By the end of the day, it would be so bad that I'd almost be in tears. My roommates and boyfriend (and his roommates!), bless their servant hearts, would bring me freezing cold ice packs to numb my face enough so that I could fall asleep at least, though I would wake up in the night unable to fall back asleep due to other sleep issues I also was dealing with.

It seemed like a vicious cycle that I needed to stop. Maybe I needed to change majors and give up my dream of making music, of teaching others to make music too. Maybe I needed to pick something that didn't require so much singing and talking. Even smiling a lot bothered me, so maybe I needed to pick a major or job with less human interaction. But THAT idea broke my heart. I didn't enjoy any of the things I could think of! My boyfriend at the time (now husband!) and I had many conversations about what I should do... singing was part of the fabric of my BEING. I am MADE to sing. If you know me, you know that hardly an hour went by without me humming or singing some little tune. But my jaw bothered me so much most of the time that I needed to change SOMETHING. But what?

And that's when change came...

I found some natural and pretty simple solutions -- though simple doesn't always mean easy! It required a LOT of discipline and self-control on my part.

I'm blessed now to have so many versatile tools in my tool box for any emotion, body system, or issue I may be experiencing. So, where am I now? Healthier than I’ve EVER been. I have NO jaw issues anymore when I keep up my self-created protocol. I sleep through the night. I feel so much better now that I'm sleeping more and deeper. I've spent 4 years now working through the emotional issues I faced in early career, and I am so happy that I can now FEEL emotions without feeling completely run-over and frozen by emotions. I’m also happy to say that I have only had little illnesses since finding solutions, not the constant strep throat and other illnesses I was getting at least once per month before! And, that’s saying a lot as I was constantly around germs while working full time with 500+ elementary students. But once I started supporting my immune system, I stopped getting sick every couple of weeks. I can clean with the most amazing smelling cleaner without coughing. I can wear my own homemade "perfume" and get compliments, and not only does it smell good, it supports my body systems. I can use amazing smelling shampoo now! I can have twice as much energy for the day without drinking any coffee or sugary drink. When I started having these successes, I was at first in disbelief, and now in awe at all that God's created, I believe, and given us for our good. Now these are my first line of defense, my go-tos, the first thing I do when something is off, which is not very often anymore (usually just when the weather changes, ah MN life).


I look forward to living a beautiful life of freedom and feeling empowered every single day, enjoying the life I was meant to live. That life includes sharing my story of overcoming and helping you also find better, safer solutions to overcome your daily struggles.

Are you ready to live empowered to be your own best advocate? Let's chat.

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