Where did Kombucha originate?
The legends and myths surrounding the tea drink are as extensive as the various flavor variations. The Western world is sometimes still a bit unfamiliar with the tea drink. In other parts of the world, the beverage with its unusual name and diverse effects has long been no secret. There is agreement that Kombucha originated in East Asia, Japan, or China.
“Kombucha – a tradition that becomes a healthy legend.”
For one, a Chinese legend states that the fermented tea drink originated around 247 BC - 221 BC. However, the Japanese doctor Kombu might also be the namesake. The name Kombucha could also be derived from a Japanese seaweed tea "Kombu" - seaweed + "Cha" - tea = "Kombucha". Possibly, Japanese samurai in the 10th century AD also refueled with Kombucha for the next battle. According to one legend, the samurai already carried the miracle drink at their hips back then.
What is Kombucha?
Simply put: It is a fermented tea drink. With the help of a tea fungus, various sweetened tea varieties, e.g., black tea, are fermented. The so-called tea fungus (also called Scoby) is a symbiosis of various microorganisms, bacteria, and yeasts. During fermentation, tea and sugar are metabolized into a refreshing drink in a short time. This not only tastes super delicious but is also very healthy.
The tea drink offers a delicious, naturally carbonated, sweet and sour alternative to lemonades or other soft drinks. During fermentation, various vitamins and organic acids and many other important nutrients can be formed.
An overview of the health-promoting ingredients that can be formed during Kombucha fermentation:
- Amino acids
- Antibiotic substances
- Succinic acid
- Butyric acid
- Caprylic acid
- Decanoic acid
- Various yeast and bacterial 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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