Kombucha is an ancient, vegan, pro-biotic drink, naturally brewed from tea and sugar and a starter known as a scobe or the "mother mushroom." In truth the "mushroom" is a culture of healthy yeasts and bacteria, similar to those found in yogurt, traditional pickles, and natural vinegar. It has been made for thousands of years throughout Asia and Europe. Indeed, the very scobe used to brew my kombucha is of an ancient lineage, lost in antiquity.
Cultures producing this marvelous drink, from Russia to China and Japan, promote its health benefits, and reccomend daily moderate consumption for longevity and well being. Certainly, it is an active vegan probiotic, and can help maintain beneficail intestinal fauna; the key to good digestion.
But what you really need to know is LEONINE KOMBUCHA TASTES GREAT! I look forward to my daily bottle, and it makes me feel great too.
Leonine Kombucha uses organic black, green, and herbal teas, and certified fair-trade organic evaporated cane juice sugars. Ginger water, a splash of fruit juice, and other plant flavourings are used along with the teas to create new and exciting flavour "kombunations." I bottle in brown glass beer bottles, and allow the brew to lighly carbonate. Drink it straight, or on ice: "Leon Trotsky" style. It can also be mixed with juice, mineral water, jamaican ginger ale, or whatever else you like in a "koktail."
Being bottled you could keep it for a year, if stored in a cool dark place. If you don't drink the whole bottle, refrigerate after opening.
A word about "mother mushrooms." Since this is a live product, any cloudyness or sedement is natural, non-harmful and indeed a sign of quality. In some cases a baby scobe is generated after bottling. Always pour into a glass, so you are not surprised by this. To find a "mother mushroom" in your drink is considered a sign of great fortune in some cultures. It will resemble a translucent jelly, and is actually delicious and nutritious! If, however, you are not enamored of this macrocosmic form, simply fish it out and add it to compost or plant pot.
Want to brew your own? I also have starter scobes with liquid and instructions for sale. Enjoy and have fun.
Leonine Kombucha sells at the Vancouver Farmer Winter Markets 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM,
At the WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac St. (at Victoria) on:
Jan 16, Mar 13, Apr 10
Check out the Farmers Market website for details and exact locations, (I'm under prepared food):
http://eatlocal.org/
Come and try a free sample!
To inquire about purchases email: leoninekombucha@gmail.com
