kombucha

which of the many kombucha's is the best?this kombucha post comes from a request.

i say high country kombucha.

which flavors? i like em all.

why high country?

• it comes in amber glass to protect the live bacteria culture from UV/light damage
• it is the only mass produced authentic kombucha, with Z. kombuchaensis bacteria,
  instead of lactobacillus acidophilus("meaning acid-loving milk-bacterium" - wiki)
  
  • lactobacillus acidophilus is still good, but less authentic,
  • check probiotic content listed on the bottles.
  • the newer bottles, not pictured above, say authentic on the top of the label.

• amber glass + authentic kombucha culture = more effective kombucha.
  
  • you don't have to drink as much of it to feel better.
    i have friends that drink kombucha daily,
    but i only have like 1 or 2 bottles a week cause it's not cheap! around $3.50/16oz bottle.
  • with high country kombucha, i'll just have a few sips when i'm feeling super beat, have to be awake in the morning, dehydrated, or anything like that.

• it's 100% organic, not all kombucha are.
• it's made with the ancient himalayan recipe, with high colorado mountain spring water instead of himalayan, which is then reverse osmosis filtered.
• GT's kombucha, and their synergy brand, have trace amounts of alcohol content due to fermentation, and a small bit of caffeine, high country doesn't.

that's the essential information,
from here i would suggest exploring different kombucha for yourself and reading their labels.
i've only really seen it at whole foods bowery, so if you want to read more, or don't know what kombucha is, click to read more:

other options:

GT's millenium kombucha

• probably the most widely available brand. in a lot of bodegas, it's the only brand they carry.
• their synergy series, is fruit juice added to the kombucha, these are the gateway kombucha, if you're scared of the taste, try a fruit flavored one.

whole foods bowery sells katalyst brand kombucha on tap, upstairs, out of kegs.

• the 2 flavors are blissberry and ginger devotion, you can mix them.
• daily kombucha happy hour is from 4pm-5pm.
• you can buy a cup,
• you can buy a glass growler.
  
  • you buy the empty glass first, and pay for a fill every time you fill it.
  • buy an empty amber glass beer growler from the beer store downstairs, for light protection, and got it filled with kombucha upstairs.
  • the growler's cheaper per 16oz. i bought it when i knew i was having a super hectic weak, and wanted a lot of kombucha. otherwise i just buy the 1 or 2 bottles of authentic high country.

what is kombucha?

kombucha is a raw live fermented tea.

raw as in not cooked or pasteurized.

live as in containing live probiotic bacteria, which may have strands floating around when you drink it.

it's an ancient beverage, which has grown in popularity a lot lately.

you can read about it all over the internet, and the health benefits by searching on google, wikipedia, and the various brands that produce it commercially.

it's made with tea, sugar, water, and kombucha culture, and can be fermented at home.

it's naturally carbonated from the fermentation, and tastes vinegar-y.

the health claims are along the lines of:

• antioxidants, electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids, polyphenols, essential nutrients, probiotics,
• rejuvenating, natural caffeine free energy drink without the crash, hangover cure.
• supports digestion, metabolism, immune system, appetite control, weight control, liver function, body alkalinity, anti-aging, cell integrity, healthy skin and hair.
• some even say cancer-curing, sharpens eyesight.

regardless of these claims, i drink it because it's natural, not filled with harmful synthetic chemicals like typical soda is, and feels great immediately.