Kombucha is the craze right now. From the original black tea
kombucha to the local brewery-invented flavors, this trendy fermented tea has
become all the rage. It contains probiotics and has many health benefits, so I
am not surprised that it’s become so popular.
I first became acquainted with this refreshing beverage when
my cousin from Bend, Oregon gave my sister and me some Humm kombucha this
summer. After taking my first sip of pomegranate lemonade Humm from Bend, I was
swept off my feet. Since then, I have taken to trying and enjoying different
kombucha flavors and brands. Humm continues to be my favorite.
Finding the right
brand
Being from Washington, I try to support locally made
kombucha as much I can. Popular brands include Bellingham Kombucha Town and Townshend
Brew Dr. While these brands are both tasty, Humm is the best in my opinion.
I have read about many flaws in California-brewed Synergy, which
is probably the most well known brand. I have noticed that this brand has not
taken to brewing in dark glass. I have also read that they add many vitamins and
other ingredients that are not natural for kombucha.
Another frequent complaint about kombucha is that sometimes
it can taste too vinegar-y. The longer the kombucha is brewed, the more sugar
it loses and the stronger the flavor of vinegar becomes. I hate to say this
because I reside in Bellingham, but Kombucha Town’s brew is a little too
vinegar-y for my taste. I have noticed that they sell their product in cans,
which may also be a contributor to the vinegar flavor – this is just a guess. I
can assure you that most kombuchas do not taste like vinegar, so if you happen
to taste a brand that does have that flavor, try another one.
From my experience and in my opinion, to get the most
natural health benefits and the best flavors, smaller local breweries are the
way to go when looking for a good glass of kombucha.
Fun ways to enjoy
kombucha
Straight up, from the glass. Or, even better, from a growler
(I own two – one from Kombucha Town and one from Humm).
The graveyard. I used to enjoy mixing sprite and orange soda
when I got fountain drinks. Now I enjoy mixing blueberry mint and pomegranate
lemonade kombucha (both made my Humm). The local Haggen sells kombucha on tap
so sometimes when I go to refill my growler, I put two flavors in to give it
some extra pizzazz. You could also buy single-serving bottles and mix them
together. Check grocery stores near you to see if they sell kombucha on tap.
Or, look for local breweries near you.
The kombucha Italian soda. Think Red Bull Italian soda but,
healthier and tastier. Take your favorite kombucha to a coffee shop and ask
them to make you an Italian soda with it, the same way that they would make one
with Red Bull. I took my pomegranate lemonade Humm to Starbucks and had them
make me one with added raspberry syrup and cream. If you like sweeter drinks or
think the flavor of kombucha is weird, try this because it really dilutes the
kombucha flavor but you’re still getting the same health benefits.
As a mixer or a hangover cure. Does this even need to be explained? (Thanks to Lexi Ortiz for this idea).
May you find your
favorite kombucha! Happy hunting :)
