By Shelley and Duane Aul
Owners/Operators of All About The ‘Booch, Maricopa County’s first kombucha microbrewery
Q: What is kombucha?
A. Kombucha (pronounced kom-boo-cha or as we like to say “’booch”) is an ancient effervescent fermented beverage that some say dates back to 221 BCE. While it has a long history, it’s not until more recently that it’s become very mainstream and you may have noticed it popping up everywhere!
‘Booch is made with tea, sugar, water, and raw kombucha culture (also referred to as the SCOBY). Raw or unflavored ‘booch is reminiscent of apple cider vinegar. Some brewers add fruits, juices, herbs, etc. to create different flavor profiles.
Q: What is a SCOBY?
A. SCOBY stands for Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast. The SCOBY is a living matter that drives the fermentation process. The sugar feeds the yeast, which creates CO2 and ethanol. The bacteria then consumes the ethanol to create the healthy benefits of the drink.
Q: Why should I drink kombucha?
A. We are firm believers that a healthy gut supports a healthy body and mind. And unfortunately, many of us have poor gut health due to the overconsumption of processed foods and sugars and the overuse of antibiotics (which kill the bad and good bacteria in our bodies). Drinking kombucha is one way to counteract the damage we have caused. ‘Booch contains live beneficial bacteria and yeasts (a byproduct of the fermentation process) and is a source of organic acids, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals. It also just makes for a nice alternative to soda.
If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, you should consult your doctor first before drinking kombucha.
Q: Can I make my own kombucha?
A. Yes! Making kombucha is actually pretty easy and inexpensive. The key ingredient that you need is the SCOBY that we talked about earlier. If you know someone who makes their own kombucha, they likely have a SCOBY they’d probably be happy to give you. You can also buy a SCOBY online or take a class, like the one we are hosting in September, to get you on your way. When brewing at home, the entire fermentation process can take approximately 1-2 weeks so you do need some patience. But the wait is definitely worth it!
Q: When buying kombucha, what should I look for?
A. If making your own kombucha seems overwhelming, you can certainly buy commercially made kombucha at your local grocery store. There are plenty of brands on the market. When buying kombucha, make sure it is not pasteurized. The pasteurization process kills all the good stuff in ‘booch! Also pay close attention to the ingredients (as with all food). Kombucha is a relatively simple drink and it does not require a laundry list of ingredients! You should also keep an eye on the sugar and alcohol levels. Some companies add sugar to the flavoring process. Because of the fermentation process, kombucha naturally creates trace levels of alcohol. Commercial brands should be below .5%. However, some brands sell higher alcohol kombucha (which also make for a nice healthier alternative to beer).
Kombucha Brewing 101
When: September 29 at 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Craft Nights, 10832 N 32nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85028
For more information and to register visit
www.facebook.com/AllAboutTheBooch
