Easy

Kombucha Recipes

Echo Bay Books

© 2014
All rights reserved

Published by Echo Bay Books
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The information contained herein cannot replace or substitute for the services of
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representatives or contractors be liable for any damages, including special or
consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the
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under any circumstance.



Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents
Introduction
Part One: Kombucha Health Guide
What is Kombucha?
History
Health Benefits
Health concerns reported to be improved by kombucha include:
Types of Acids and Cultures Found in Kombucha
All about SCOBY
Types of tea used for Kombucha
Black Tea
Oolong Tea
Green Tea
White Tea
Cautions
Brewing Kombucha
Drinking Kombucha Tea
Part Two: Kombucha Food Recipes
Brewing Your Own Kombucha
Flavoring Suggestions
Fruit n’ Kombucha Popsicles
Kombucha Tea Ice Cream Float
One Ingredient Granita
Salad Dressing
Berry Kombucha Smoothie
Summertime Tea Sangria
Easy Chocolate Cupcakes
 One Bowl Vegan Citrus Kombucha Cake
Part Three: Kombucha Skin and Hair Care Recipes
Olive Oil Skin Care Cream
Rosewater Kombucha Face Toner
Aloe Kombucha Face Toner
Soothing Bath Cleanse
Clay Mask
Hair Toner
One Last Thing
Bonus Content
Free Chapter of Easy Kefir Recipes
General Information
What Is Kefir?
Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake with Chocolate Kefir Glaze
Want More Kefir Recipes?

Introduction
Part One: Kombucha Health Guide

What is Kombucha?
Kombucha (pronounced com-boo-cha) is a fermented sweet tea made from a
symbiosis of bacteria and yeast cultures, widely used to treat a range of ailments.
The tea has a tart and refreshing taste with a natural carbonation from the
cultures.

The wonder tea is brewed by combining black, oolong, white, or green tea with a
SCOBY – a flat mushroom-like culture containing a number of yeast and
bacteria. It’s this SCOBY, also referred to as the mother, which turns the tea into
kombucha. The SCOBY digests the sugars in the tea, creating acids, vitamins,
and enzymes that are vital to the body’s health and wellness.

Kombucha has amazing antioxidant properties and a unique probiotic
component that is said to help heal and diminish a number of ailments, from
acne to cancer. The tea contains a host of vitamins and minerals.

You may have heard Kombucha been referred to as Manchurian tea, Kargasok
tea, tea fungus, or a number of other names depending on the region. But
regardless of what it is called, kombucha is gaining fast popularity in the last few
years due to its revered healing properties and its strangely addictive tangy taste
that has millions of drinkers hooked. Kombucha fans describe the taste as
ranging from apple cider vinegar to sweet fizzy champagne, depending on the
type of tea that has been used and how long it has been fermented.

Beyond ingesting, kombucha tea is now used as a vital ingredient in many foods
and health and beauty products. Many companies use kombucha in their drinks,
keen to pass the nutritional and health benefits along to customers in other
forms.

In this guide, you’ll find information about the history, uses, and risks associated
with kombucha, as well as recipes for food, drinks, and beauty-related products.

Once you open your eyes to the possibilities of kombucha, an exciting world
awaits with infinite possibilities to brew, drink, eat, and heal with this wonder
tea.

History
The exact origin of Kombucha is unknown, although many legends and myths
exist about its founding. But we do know that kombucha tea originated in China,
and has been linked to a “Tea of Immortality” drank in 221 BC during the Tsin
Dynasty.

From its first and early uses in China, kombucha traveled to Eastern Europe,
Russia, and Japan, where it was drank for many centuries. Doctors heralded the
drink’s healing properties after World War II to treat patients for a number of
disorders, ranging from high blood pressure to skin conditions.

Today, kombucha tea is gaining steady popularity as a health elixir in both
Western and Eastern cultures, with enthusiasts eager to keep benefiting from
kombucha’s long-touted healing properties.

Health Benefits
Many claims are made about the notorious health benefits from ingesting this
immunity-boosting tea. From bringing the body back to balance, to staving off
cataracts, these are just some of the countless health benefits attributed to
nature’s wonder tea.

While the health benefits of kombucha have yet to be researched fully, and
studies so far have failed to substantiate most health claims, there is a wealth of
anecdotal and experimental evidence from people who have been drinking the
tea for many centuries that uphold the tea’s reported benefits.

The antiseptic qualities and organic acids found in kombucha tea can balance the
body and skin’s ph, resulting in clear complexions, and making the tea’s benefits
stretch farther than merely consuming the beverage. By applying kombucha
topically, a range of ailments can be healed, as well.

Health concerns reported to be improved by
kombucha include:

Increase in energy levels
Metabolic disorders
Allergies
Cancer
Digestive problems
HIV
Chronic fatigue
Digestive problems, like IBS
Skin problems, like acne
Arthritis
Candidiasis
PMS
Aging symptoms, like wrinkles
High blood pressure
Baldness
Memory loss
Chronic pain
And many more

Like many health drinks, the results of kombucha can be best achieved when
combined with other healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet and
exercise. You can find unique beauty and hair care recipes in Part Three of this
book.

Types of Acids and Cultures Found in Kombucha

Kombucha tea and the kombucha SCOBY are home to a world of acids and
cultures. The bacteria and yeast in kombucha help create the flavor and fizz
that’s so uniquely addictive, in addition to the health benefits of the drink.

Although the exact bacteria and yeast are different in every batch of the tea,
these are some of the common strains of cultures and acids found in kombucha.
Here’s a brief look at some of the many acids and cultures found in common
batches of the tea:

Acids:
Glucuronic Acid
Lactic Acid
Acetic Acid
Usnic Acid
Oxalic Acid
Malic Acid
Gluconic Acid
Butryic Acid

Cultures:
Saccharomyces
Candida stellata
Acetobacter
Brettanomyces
Gluconacetobacter
Lactobacillus

All about SCOBY
The flat leathery pancake that is SCOBY is the key to brewing kombucha, and
holds the bacteria and cultures needed to make the infamous health drink.
But what exactly is a SCOBY and how does it work?

SCOBY (pronounced skoh-bee) is a yeast mat or near lichen, and a home for a
ton of healthy bacteria and yeast. Commonly referred to as a “mushroom” or
“mother”, the SCOBY floats on top of the tea and is the most vital step in the
fermentation process. Although it is not actually a mushroom, but rather a yeast,
it is referred to as a mushroom for its close resemblance to the fungus. Each
batch of kombucha will create a new SCOBY, which can be saved, passed along
to friends and family,
or discarded.

If you need to discard your SCOBY, it can be composted or added to the soil in
your garden. Planting your SCOBY is a great way to add health to your garden
without wasting the amazing living properties of the mushroom.

To save your new SCOBY for future uses, or to keep it alive until you can pass it
along, keep it in the fridge in a jar of sweet tea. Feed it more sugar every now
and then so it has lots to eat.

Types of tea used for Kombucha

Black Tea
Black tea is the strongest tea of the four types commonly used for kombucha.
Naturally caffeinated, black tea provides a strong base and wonderful flavor to
kombucha.

Most black tea varieties are fine, however it’s best to avoid flavored types, such
as Earl Grey. The oils will interact with the acids and cultures and your tea will
turn out less than desirable.
Oolong Tea
Popular among tea connoisseurs, oolong tea sits somewhere between black and
green tea on the scale. Ripe with antioxidants, drinking oolong can have many
great benefits to the body and mind.

Green Tea
Green tea is well known for its role played in healthy diets and lifestyles for
thousands of centuries, and is a popular choice for kombucha tea drinks, as well.
Rich in flavonoids, green tea is linked to weight loss and a decrease in heart
disease, in addition to many other health benefits.

White Tea
White tea is lightly oxidized tea made from buds or young leaves, and has
enjoyed a surge in popularity in the last few years due to an awareness of white
tea’s health benefits. These health benefits include antibacterial and antiviral
advantages. Don’t let the name fool you, though - although the leaves are white,
the tea is a light sepia when brewed.

Cautions
When dealing with a fermented beverage, especially one that can be brewed at
home, extra steps must be taken to ensure the tea is safe for consumption.

Kombucha tea must maintain an ideal PH level of 2.8 – 3.4 to be safe.

Kombucha SCOBYs must be from reputable sources and checked frequently for
mold, mildew, or other contamination, which will usually be visible.

Kombucha tea should not be brewed is ceramic or lead contains, as the high
acidity of the tea can cause them to leak into the drink and cause contamination.

The tea contains less than 0.5% alcohol, but is not considered an alcoholic
beverage. Yet users should be aware it does have a small amount in case they are
sensitive or on certain medications that may interact.

Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV
or cancer, must be especially careful to ensure kombucha tea is right for them.
Additionally, certain medications may interact negatively with the tea.

As with any lifestyle change or medication, it’s best to discuss with your doctor
if kombucha tea is right for you and your health.

Brewing Kombucha
The fun and convenience of brewing kombucha at home is what makes many
long-time fans of the drink. Brewing your own tea allows you to control the
ingredients (and flavor), test for safe PH levels, and save a lot of money. Every
batch of kombucha is like your very own science experiment you get to eat and
drink!

Kombucha is made by brewing a sweet tea and allowing it to ferment for a week
with the SCOBY. Each batch of kombucha tea creates new flavors, some quite
sweet and others more vinegary. As you brew more kombucha, you’ll learn
which tea combinations you enjoy the most. Brewing your own kombucha is an
exciting journey, and you will enjoy experimenting with this living beverage and
health product.

You can find a number of recipes to brew your own kombucha, as well as fun
recipes to bake and cook with it, and recipes for skin and health care in the last
two chapters of this book.

Drinking Kombucha Tea
When beginning to drink kombucha tea, many people can be sensitive and react
to the new acids and cultures being introduced to their systems. This is normal,
and the initial reaction will lessen with each dose and eventually die down
completely as your body adjusts to the tea.

It is best to start with only 2 oz a day of kombucha, and only 1 oz if you are
particularly sensitive. Eventually, as your stomach adjusts, you can work your
way up to drinking 16 oz or more per day with no issues.

If you experience anything beyond stomach rumbles, and slight bowel cleansing,
stop drinking kombucha and consult with your health care professional.




 Part Two: Kombucha Food Recipes
These recipes vary in their use of kombucha, using the tea as a critical
component or a flavor enhancement. Hopefully these recipes will
introduce you to the wide range of uses for kombucha tea, and many
ways to include it in every meal and snack. Enjoy experimenting by
making your own kombucha tea, and cooking with different flavors!
In this section you’ll find:
Brewing Your Own Kombucha
Flavoring Suggestions
Fruit n’ Kombucha Popsicles
Kombucha Tea Ice Cream Float
One Ingredient Granita
Salad Dressing
Berry Kombucha Smoothie
Summertime Tea Sangria
Easy Chocolate Cupcakes
One Bowl Vegan Citrus Kombucha Cake


 Brewing Your Own Kombucha

Brewing your own kombucha tea is a fun and fascinating process – and it’s a lot
easier than it sounds! This is a tried and true method for brewing your own batch
at home.

Ingredients:
3 ½ quarts (14 cups) filtered water (NOT tap water – the chlorine will
hurt the bacteria and yeast)
1 cup sugar
5 tea bags (black, oolong, white, or green)
1 SCOBY
½ cup kombucha tea
Directions:
1. Clean your hands and equipment thoroughly.
2. In a large pot, boil the water, then remove from heat. Add the
sugar and tea bags, letting steep for 15 minutes. Discard the
bags. Allow to cool (this can be left overnight).
3. Pour the tea mixture into a clean glass jar (or multiple jars, if you
have more than one SCOBY), and gently place the SCOBY
inside. Add the previously brewed kombucha tea. Fasten a cloth
over top. The cloth will allow the mixture to get air and keep out
bugs eager to eat your tasty tea.
4. Store in a dark, reasonably warm place for a week, until a new
SCOBY begins to form on the old one, the flavor has enough
tang, and the PH balance reads below 4.0.
5. Kombucha tea can be stored in glass jars, preferably with a lid
that will help preserve the natural carbonation. It is very
important to keep your kombucha in glass, as metal and ceramic
containers can contaminate the drink.

 Flavoring Suggestions

One of the great things about kombucha is the option to add flavors to the
finished fermented tea. It’s very easy to do, just remember to keep an eye on the
PH levels.

Fruit and Fruit Juices
To add flavors, you’lll need to create a ratio of about 80% kombucha to 20%
fresh, dried, or frozen fruit slices or juice.

Herbs
To flavor with herbs, you’ll need to experiment to get the right flavors for your
taste – start small with a few sprigs and work your way up from there.

Extracts
For vanilla or almond flavors, initially add 1/4 teaspoon per cup, adding more if
a stronger flavor is desired.

Flavor Inspiration
Blueberries
Fresh peach
Citrus, like lemon or orange
Ginger
Chai
Pears and almond
Cranberry juice
Apples and cinnamon
Coconut and pineapple

 Fruit n’ Kombucha Popsicles

A refreshing and tart treat, these fruit popsicles are a healthy alternative to
sugary varieties found in the grocery store. Try different flavored kombucha to
pair with fruit for exciting new flavor combinations.

Ingredients :
4-6 popsicle molds
2 cups kombucha
Chopped fruit (suggestions: strawberries, kiwi, peach, lemon, orange)

Directions :
1. In a large bowl, mix tea with fruit, then freeze in molds
according to manufacturers directions.


 Kombucha Tea Ice Cream Float

Floats bring back wonderful memories of childhood summers, but the drinks are
often loaded with chemicals and preservatives. This healthy take on ice cream
floats is sure to please both young and old.


Ingredients:
1 cup kombucha tea, preferably peach
1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Directions:
1. Pour the tea into a large drinking glass, and gently place the ice
cream on top. Fizzing will occur, so watch out!
2. Serve immediately.

 One Ingredient Granita

This one-ingredient granita is refreshing and a perfect palate cleanser for after
heavier meals.

Ingredients :
3 cups kombucha tea, any flavor

Directions :
1. Pour kombucha into a freezer-friendly 8x8 baking pan, and place
in the freezer. Stir every 20 minutes to form a slush-like
consistency, until ready to serve.

 Salad Dressing

Excellent over fresh greens, with beets and goat cheese, this tart salad dressing
will help aid digestion.

Ingredients :
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup kombucha tea, extra aged
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
1 glove garlic, minced

Directions:
1. Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl. Either serve immediately,
or keep in a jar or bottle for up to one week.

 Berry Kombucha Smoothie

This berry smoothie packs a double dose of probiotics with kombucha and
yogurt. Any berries can be used, making this recipe a great way to use up
leftovers – and an even better way to start the day.

Ingredients :
¼ cup berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
½ cup kombucha tea, flavored if desired
¼ cup yogurt (optional)
1 banana

Directions :
1. Mix all ingredients on high in a blender. Serve immediately.

 Summertime Tea Sangria

A boozy summertime classic, this sangria is infused with kombucha tea,

providing carbonation and a healthy twist.

Ingredients :
1 bottle red wine
2 cups kombucha
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1 large apple, chopped
1 cup orange juice
1 cup cranberry juice
1 large orange, chopped

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher, stir, and serve chilled.

 Easy Chocolate Cupcakes

This recipe is a fun low-fat twist on box cake, and so easy anyone can make it.
Try experimenting with kombucha tea flavors to create unique flavor
combinations.

Ingredients :
1 box cake mix, chocolate
10 ounces kombucha tea

Directions:
1. Preheat oven according to package directions and line a cupcake
tin with liners. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix and tea, stirring
thoroughly – no lumps should remain. Spoon batter 2/3s full into
each cupcake tin and bake according to package directions.

 One Bowl Vegan Citrus Kombucha Cake

This cake has the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, and actually gets
better with age. Flavored kombucha tea and lemon zest gives it a special citrus
twist.

Ingredients :
1 ¾ cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/3 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tsp lemon zest
1 cup kombucha tea, preferably citrus flavor

Directions :
1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. In an 8x8 pan, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, zest, and salt.
3. Make three wells in the mixture. Pour vanilla in one well,
vinegar in another, and oil in the last. Pour the kombucha over
the wells and whisk well with a fork.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cake is a deep golden color and
a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
 Part Three: Kombucha Skin and Hair
Care Recipes

These skin and hair care recipes harness the power of kombucha,
leaving hair and skin soft and healthy. Say goodbye to expensive and
chemical-laden salon products – kombucha tea is all you need!

In this section you’ll find:

Skin Care Cream
Rosewater Kombucha Face Toner
Aloe Kombucha Face Toner
Soothing Bath Cleanse
Clay Mask
Hair Toner

 Olive Oil Skin Care Cream

This completely natural moisturizer will make your skin soft and
supple. This can be made in batches and stored for one week at a time
for stress-free moisturizing.

Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp kombucha tea
2 tsp vitamin e oil
1-2 drops essential oil

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together and store in a bottle or jar in a cool
dark place. Massage into face after cleansing and toning, and
wipe of excess oil.

 Rosewater Kombucha Face Toner

Rosewater’s classic scent and toning properties team up with
kombucha in this natural toner to leave you with clean and even skin.

Ingredients :
10 parts rosewater
1 part kombucha

Directions :
1. Mix together and pour into a small bottle, store in a cool dry
place. Gently smooth over skin after washing. If skin is sensitive
dilute with water.

 Aloe Kombucha Face Toner

This toner is designed to smooth and detoxify skin. Ideal for the face,
but it can be used to clear the chest and back, as well.

Ingredients:
½ cup kombucha
¼ cup aloe vera juice
3-4 drops Vitamin E oil

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together, and store in a bottle in a cool dark
place. Gently rub over face after cleansing.

 Soothing Bath Cleanse

This relaxing bath elixir leaves your skin silky smooth and your soul
cleansed and relaxed. Try experimenting with various essential oils to
create different moods and results.

Ingredients:
1 cup of kombucha
1/4 cup of aloe
1-3 drops of essential oil

Directions:
1. Toss ingredients into a warm/hot bath, soak, and enjoy soft and
healthy skin.

 Clay Mask

A miracle treatment for unruly skin prone to breakouts, this mask will
penetrate pores, draw out impurities, and heal skin thanks to the
probiotics of kombucha.

Ingredient s
1/2 cup Kaolin clay
2 tbsp Kombucha tea

Directions :
1. Mix together clay and kombucha into a paste. Apply to face and
allow to dry, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

 Hair Toner

A simple remedy for fried, dried and parched hair. Simply rinse hair
with kombucha after shampooing – no need to condition!

Ingredients:
1 cup kombucha tea

Directions:
1. Massage kombucha tea into clean wet hair in the shower,
starting at the roots. Allow to soak for a few minutes, then rinse
until water runs clear.
2. If your scalp is sensitive, dilute with 1 part water.


 One Last Thing
We would love to get your feedback about our book:

If you enjoyed this book or found it useful, we would be very grateful if you
would post a short review on Amazon. Your support really does make a
difference and we read all of the reviews personally, so we can get your
feedback and make our books even better.

If you would like to leave a review, all you need to do is follow this link and
leave your review!

Kombucha Review Page

Wait! There’s more, as a thank you we are giving you a free chapter
from one of our best selling books. Just flip to the next page to check
out our exclusive bonus content!

Bonus Content
 Free Chapter of Easy Kefir Recipes
Thanks for purchasing Kombucha Recipes! We would like to offer you a free
introduction and recipe to one of our other books. If you would like to try some
more easy recipes you can get them by clicking on the cover below

General Information
What Is Kefir?
Kefir is an enzyme-rich fermented milk product, similar in taste and texture to
yogurt. Made from kefir grains, which closely resemble cauliflower opposed to
grains like quinoa or flour, kefir contains a multitude of microorganisms, yeast,
bacteria, and protein.
Kefir is made by combining kefir grains with milk (either goat, sheep, or cow),
and letting it sit for 12 hours or more. After fermenting, the kefir is strained, and
the grains are reused in future batches. The milk that remains after straining is
drinkable kefir, full of billions of cultures that will improve your health. The
world of kefir contains lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and many vitamins, including
vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin D, and folic acid.
Popular in Europe and Russia, kefir is linked to many health benefits, and the
subject of many studies supporting its claims. Easy to make, and even easier to
digest, kefir can help balance digestive systems and decrease the symptoms of
many conditions, from allergies to HIV. Because of its texture and unique tangy
taste, kefir can easily be incorporated into baking and cooking, as you’ll see in
the recipe section (Part 2).
With increasing popularity in North America, kefir is now readily available on
grocery store shelves, and is easy and affordable to make at home. In this book,
you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the history, health benefits, and how-
tos of kefir, including instructions on how to make it yourself.
Once you try this amazing health elixir, a whole new world of possibilities exists
!


Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake with Chocolate Kefir
Glaze

A moist and indulgent cake with the added health benefits of kefir. The glaze on
the following page pairs perfectly with the rich vanilla.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup kefir
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350F, and grease and flour a bundt pan.
2. In a medium sized bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda,
and salt. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and
fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time. Scrap down the bowl of
the mixer as needed. Beginning with the flour, alternate the flour
mixture and kefir in three parts (flour, kefir, flour), beating
slightly between each addition. Scrap the sides of the bowl, and
gently fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Pour batter into the bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-
55 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the
center comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan, then remove to a
wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
 Want More Kefir Recipes?
Click on the cover below to get more Kefir recipes!