logo Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:12:51 GMT

The Big Book of Kombucha


Synopsis


2016 Silver Nautilus Book Award Winner Brew your own kombucha at home! With more than 400 recipes, including 268 unique flavor combinations, you can get exactly the taste you want - for a fraction of the store-bought price. This complete guide, from the proprietors of Kombucha Kamp, shows you how to do it from start to finish, with illustrated step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips. The book also includes information on the many health benefits of kombucha, fascinating details of the drink's history, and recipes for delicious foods and drinks you can make with kombucha (including some irresistible cocktails!). "This is the one go-to resource for all things kombucha." - Andrew Zimmern, James Beard Award-winning author and host of Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods

Hannah Crum, Alex LaGory

Summary

Chapter 1: What is Kombucha?

* Introduction to kombucha, a fermented tea beverage
* History and origins, tracing its roots to ancient China
* Health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and boosted immunity

Example:
* Anecdote of a personal experience with kombucha and its positive impact on overall well-being

Chapter 2: How to Brew Kombucha

* Step-by-step guide to brewing kombucha at home
* Ingredients and equipment needed, such as black or green tea, sugar, and a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast)
* Timing and temperature considerations for optimal fermentation

Example:
* Detailed description of the brewing process, from sanitizing equipment to bottling and carbonating

Chapter 3: Flavoring and Carbonating Kombucha

* Techniques for flavoring kombucha using fruits, herbs, and spices
* Natural carbonation methods, including bottling with sugar (second fermentation) or using a carbonation kit

Example:
* Recipe for a refreshing blueberry-ginger kombucha with instructions on adding flavor and creating fizz

Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Kombucha

* Common issues encountered while brewing kombucha, such as mold or slow fermentation
* Causes and solutions for these problems, including adjusting pH levels or rebalancing the SCOBY

Example:
* Case study of a failed batch of kombucha with troubleshooting tips to identify and correct the issue

Chapter 5: Beyond the Basics

* Advanced techniques for brewing unique kombucha flavors
* Experimenting with different tea bases, sugars, and fermentation times
* Creative uses of kombucha, such as in cocktails, marinades, and desserts

Example:
* Recipe for a boozy kombucha cocktail with honey, lime, and vodka

Chapter 6: Brewing Kombucha on a Larger Scale

* Considerations and adjustments for brewing larger volumes of kombucha
* Equipment, sanitation, and temperature management
* Marketing and distribution of kombucha for commercial purposes

Example:
* Interview with a successful home brewer who has transitioned to commercial kombucha production