On January 15, we celebrate National Booch Day a day to enjoy unwind and sip on their favourite tea however, there are several flavours and types of teas available in the market similarly if you haven’t tried the kombucha tea then you must give it a try because this tea is full of probiotics and vitamins that are meant to elevate your health.
History of National Booch Day
Going in Depth on this topic, the origins of tea were since the year 2737 BC when the Chinese Emperor, Shen Nong, discovered the miraculous tea. Where, it is also said that the tea was created by accident when the Emperor was merely boiling water, when a leaf from a wild tree drifted into his pot, furthermore brewing the first tea. Moreover, the emperor loved tea and its flavour so he decided to introduce it to the people who lived near him so this was how tea was invented. After the tea was spread out to Japan, Russia, and finally the Western world.
Did you know that, the tea was given the name Kombucha after a man named Dr. Kombu brought the beverage to the Japanese Emperor Inyoko during his travels? After that, the tea became famous, and the term “cha” was added to Dr. Kombu’s name. Moreover, the term “cha,” means “tea” in Japanese. Based on the myths of ancient times, the tea was presumed to give samurais a great deal of energy during battle.
In the year 1990 when the tea finally reached Europe, it gained instant popularity due to its rumoured health benefits. For those who haven’t tried the tea, the tea is a unique mixture of sweet and sour. It is also often compared with wine and apple cider. The tea is created from a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).
The beverage brand KeVita saw it as a perfect business opportunity and decided to launch their brand of Kombucha tea. Later on in the year 2019, January 15, the National Booch Day was founded by the same company.
| 221 B.C. (The Magic Tea) | Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi invents the tea and calls it “The Tea of Immortality.” |
| 1913 (The Cure) | Kombucha cures an epidemic in Germany. |
| 1960s (Get Groovy) | The tea is famous in American households and is called “Groovy Tea.”. |
| 2016 (The Big Buy) | PepsiCo purchases kombucha maker, KeVita for $200 million. |
5 Fun Facts You Need To Know About Kombucha
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Ingredients of kombucha- Do you know that, since the tea is fermented, it is also mildly alcoholic?
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Only glass containers to brew the tea- However, acids in kombucha could leach toxic chemicals from ceramic containers.
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Sales in 2014- Kombucha tea sales went over $400 million.
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Kombucha allergies in people- These include head and neck pain, or nausea and vomiting, and even jaundice!
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Also, do you know that tea for the young Health professionals don’t recommend that children below four years drink kombucha.
Homemade Kombucha – Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 cups water
- 8 bags black or green tea (or 2 tablespoons loose tea)
- 1 SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast)
- 1 cup starter tea (from a previous batch or store-bought kombucha)
- 1 glass jar (1-gallon size is ideal)
- A cloth or paper towel and rubber band
How to make:
- Boil 4 cups of water and then you need to add the sugar to the boiling water, stirring until it’s fully dissolved.
- After that you need to add the tea bags or loose tea and let it steep for about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea.
- Add 4 cups of cold water to the tea mixture to help it cool down.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature. It’s important to avoid adding the SCOBY to hot tea as it can harm it.
- Pour the cooled tea into your glass jar.
- Add the starter tea.
- Gently place the SCOBY into the jar.
- Cover the jar with a cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band. This allows the kombucha to breathe while keeping out dust and insects.
- Place the jar in a warm, dark place (around 70-85°F or 21-29°C) for 7 to 14 days. The fermentation time can vary depending on the temperature and your taste preference. A shorter fermentation results in a sweeter kombucha, while a longer fermentation makes it more tangy.
- Start tasting the kombucha after 7 days. Use a clean straw to sample it. Once it reaches your desired flavour, it’s ready for the next step.
- Remove the SCOBY carefully and place it in a clean container with some kombucha from the jar for the next batch.
- Pour the fermented kombucha into bottles, leaving a bit of space at the top. You can add flavours like fruit, herbs, or spices at this stage if you like.
- Seal the bottles and let them sit at room temperature for 3-5 days for carbonation to develop. After that, refrigerate them to slow down fermentation and enjoy!
Conclusion
National Booch Day on January 15, 2025, is a perfect day to celebrate kombucha and celebrate its unique flavours and health benefits. Whether you’re brewing your own kombucha at home or exploring new flavours from local shops, it’s a day to appreciate this tangy, effervescent drink even you can host a tasting party, experiment with different recipes, or simply enjoy a chilled bottle can make the day special.
FAQs
How is kombucha made?
Kombucha is made by brewing tea with sugar, allowing it to cool, then fermenting it with a SCOBY and starter tea in a warm, dark place. The fermentation process usually takes 7 to 14 days, after which it can be flavored and bottled.
What is a SCOBY?
A SCOBY is a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast that ferments the sweetened tea to produce kombucha. It looks like a jelly-like disc and is essential for the fermentation process.
Is kombucha good for you?
Kombucha contains probiotics, which can be beneficial for gut health. It also has antioxidants and may offer various health benefits, though it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
How long does kombucha last?
Unopened kombucha can last several months when stored in the refrigerator. Once opened, it should be consumed within a week for the best flavor and carbonation.
Can I flavour my kombucha?
Yes! You can add fruit, herbs, or spices to your kombucha during the bottling process. Common flavors include ginger, berries, and citrus.
Also, read more about National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day – January 15, 2025
