Kombucha has been making waves in the beverage world, touted for its tangy taste, effervescence, and potential health benefits. But what exactly is this fizzy elixir, and why is tea such an integral part of its creation?

Tea is a key ingredient in the creation of Kombucha, and over the years, we’ve been asked by our customers what the right tea to buy to use in their own home brewing is, so today we’ll dive into the many choices you have when it comes to brewing Kombucha at home.

What is Kombucha?

If you haven’t tried it yet, Kombucha is a fermented drink made from sweetened tea that has been cultured with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). During fermentation, the SCOBY consumes the sugars in the tea, transforming them into organic acids, enzymes, vitamins, and probiotics.

The result is a tangy and slightly sparkling drink with a distinct flavour profile that can range from tart and vinegary, to fruity and floral.

Kombucha is considered to be a great probiotic, so it’s a great choice for those wanting to boost digestion.

The Role of Tea in The Kombucha Brewing Process

Tea serves as the foundation of kombucha, providing the essential nutrients and flavours needed for fermentation. The caffeine and tannins present in tea act as nourishment for the SCOBY, supporting its growth and promoting the fermentation process.

Tea also contributes to the flavour profile of kombucha, imparting subtle notes of sweetness, bitterness, and acidity to the finished brew. Different types of tea, such as black, green, white, or herbal, can help create more unique flavour profiles, allowing for endless experimentation and creativity in your at home kombucha brewing ventures.

We aren’t experts on the actual brewing process of Kombucha, so check out his guide on How to Make Kombucha for the sciencey stuff.

How to Pick Tea For Brewing Kombucha

Choosing the right tea is crucial for brewing delicious and flavorful kombucha at home. Here's a brief guide to help you select the perfect tea for your homemade brew:

Black Tea

Black tea is a classic choice for kombucha brewing, prized for its robust flavour and rich tannins. Opt for high-quality loose-leaf black teas, such as  Assam,  Darjeeling, or  Ceylon, for a bold and full-bodied brew.

Green Tea

Green Tea: Green tea lends a delicate and grassy flavour to kombucha, with subtle vegetal notes and a mild sweetness. Look for green teas like Sencha, Gunpowder, or Lung Ching for a light and refreshing brew.

White Tea

White tea offers a subtle and nuanced flavour profile, with delicate floral and fruity notes. Choose young and minimally processed white teas, such as silver needles or Pai Mu Tan, for a subtle and mellow kombucha.

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas provide endless possibilities for flavour experimentation in kombucha brewing. Choose caffeine-free herbal blends like chamomile, hibiscus, or rooibos for a caffeine-free and aromatic brew with unique flavour profiles.

Create Your Own Mix

Get creative and experiment with custom tea blends to create your own signature kombucha flavours. Mix and match different types of tea, herbs, spices, and fruits to craft a brew that's uniquely yours. You could even try one of our fusion black or green teas  that already have some fan favourite flavours imparted, like Blood Orange, Japanese Lime Green, or Stockholm Blend.

Get experimental and play around with different tea bases, add-ins, and other brewing techniques to create your own exciting Kombucha - you sure can’t buy that experience at the shops!