The Kombucha Journal + Kombucha Mailing List + Book + Funny Video!

I recently came across the website The Kombucha Journal by Kombucha Guru, Günther W. Frank. Not only is The Kombucha Journal available in 30 languages, but it also hosts a Worldwide Kombucha Exchange where you can find kombucha starters and also offer to share your mushrooms with others.

On the site I found a Kombucha Mailing List, which so far has been wonderful. However, the mailing list is quite active- so don't say you weren't warned!

I was so excited with all of these new discoveries, that I broke down and bought Frank's book "Kombucha, Healthy beverage and natural remedy from the Far East." I cannot wait to receive the book, and I will write posts about it when I do!

And through the kombucha mailing list, I also found out about the video, Kombucha and You. The video is extremely entertaining, and I would highly recommend it for a good laugh! Although, it illustrates more of what you shouldn't do with your kombucha mushroom than what you should. :)

Factors Affecting Your Brew

photo source: http://www.happyherbalist.com/timeandtemp.aspx

I just love this chart from Happy Herbalist, which shows how various elements in kombucha tea are affected with time. As fermentation time increases,

• The acidity of kombucha tea increases
• The pH, sugar content, and alcohol content of kt decrease

With more fermentation time, the yeasts will have more time to convert the sugars → alcohol + CO2 (a waste product that is released into the air), decreasing the sugar content.
Meanwhile, the bacteria will have more time to convert the alcohols → beneficial acids, increasing the acidity, and lowering the pH and alcohol content of the kombucha.
Furthermore, the warmer the environment, the faster the kombucha will brew- which is something to keep in mind in the colder, winter months and the hotter, summer days. Finally, another factor that speeds up the fermentation process is adding more starter tea when brewing.

Kombucha Around the World

So apparently I have a new found love for maps, and could not help but create another Google Map with the locations of your oh-so-dear kombucha companies! The link to the map is here.

Whether you purchase kombucha tea or brew your own, it's fun to see where the brands are coming from. And for you locavores out there, the kt's origins may also be another factor to consider!

*Note* - I am looking for more kombucha companies to add to the map! If you know of a company that I have not included, whether it's in the U.S. or elsewhere, please feel free to leave a comment, send me an e-mail, or get in touch with me in some way, and I will update the map accordingly!

Thanks, and enjoy!