Kombucha is a fermented tea that is made by adding a culture of bacteria and yeast to sweetened tea. It has been claimed to have various health benefits, although most of these claims have not been backed up by scientific research. Some of the potential health benefits of kombucha include:

1. May improve digestion: the fermentation process that produces kombucha creates probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help improve digestion and support the immune system.
2. May help with weight loss: some people believe that kombucha can help with weight loss, although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
3. May have antioxidant properties: kombucha contains antioxidants, which are substances that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
4. May help with mental clarity: some people claim that kombucha can help improve mental clarity and focus, although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of kombucha, and it should not be relied upon as a sole source of nutrition or treatment for any medical condition. As with any dietary supplement, it’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before adding it to your diet.

Before we get to the gummy recipe, this is how you can make kombucha at home:

Ingredients

• 4-6 tea bags or 2-3 tablespoons loose-leaf tea
• 1 cup white sugar
• 8 cups water
• 1 kombucha starter culture (also called a SCOBY)
• 1 cup starter liquid (store-bought kombucha or previously made batch)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat and add the tea and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let the tea steep for about 10-15 minutes, then remove the tea bags or strain the loose-leaf tea.
2. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature. Once it has cooled, transfer it to a large glass jar.
3. Add the starter culture and starter liquid to the jar. Cover the jar with a cloth or coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band.
4. Place the jar in a warm, dark place (around 70-80°F is ideal) and let it sit for seven to ten days.
5. After seven to ten days, taste the kombucha. If it tastes too sweet, let it continue to ferment for a few more days. If it tastes to your liking, remove the starter culture and transfer the kombucha to bottles or jars.
6. Store the bottles in the refrigerator to stop the fermentation process. The kombucha is now ready to drink!

Note: It’s important to keep your kombucha-making area clean and to use sterilized equipment to avoid contaminating your batch.

Finally, here’s a recipe for homemade organic kombucha probiotic gummies:

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic kombucha
• 2 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin
• 1-2 tablespoons Manuka honey (to taste)

Instructions

1. Pour the kombucha into a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
2. Heat the mixture over a low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin has fully dissolved.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the honey to taste.
4. Pour the mixture into a silicone gummy bear mold or any other mold of your choice. If you don’t have a mold, you can pour the mixture into a small dish and cut it into squares once it has set.
5. Place the mold in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until the gummies have fully set.
6. Pop the gummies out of the mold and enjoy!

Note: You can also add fruit juice or puréed fruit to the mixture for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness level as needed.

Note: if you’d rather not use gelatin, check out the Vegan Gummies recipe for alternatives to animal-derived gelatin.