What is Kombucha?

At the most basic, kombucha can be best described as a fermented tea drink. Like beer, it is brewed and created over several weeks. Unlike beer, the drink has no distinguishable alcohol and is loaded with healthy benefits.

As defined by Seeds of Health, kombucha is a living health drink made by fermenting tea and sugar with a kombucha bacterial culture. The origin of kombucha has been lost to history, as Seeds of Health points out, but it is believed to have come from the Far East, with the first documented use of the drink coming from about 221 B.C.

Kombucha is a tasty, slightly carbonated drink loaded with benefits. According to Healthline, the drink has a number of benefits. These benefits include being full of probiotics, antioxidants and the ability to improve heart and liver function. Kombucha is brewable with any kind of tea, and each variety offers a different end result. Add in different ingredients and brewing techniques, and the end result is a wide array of possible drinks.

The health benefits of Kombucha are so great professional sports teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, have kombucha breweries near the facility to aid in players’ recovery after intense practices and games.

You can find bottles of pre-made kombucha in any major grocery store, but the best kombucha you will find, just like beer, will be found at small, local breweries.