SOMA Jun Kombucha


Love love love love!!!!  This drink is amazing.  First time I have ever had Jun.  While vising my sister in Vancouver WA, we were at a Chuck's grocery store.  They were having a taste testing. I tried it and fell in love with the drink.  I wish my local grocery had Jun.  Now that I am making Kombucha, I need to try my hand at Jun.

 


http://www.symplefoods.com/

Homemade Peach Kombucha


See the full article on line.  I love Dr. Josh Axe!!!  This is from his site.

"7 Kombucha Health Benefits

In research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food 2014, researchers from the University of Latvia say the following about the health benefits of kombucha:
It is shown that [kombucha] can efficiently act in health preservation and recovery due to four main properties: detoxification, anti-oxidation, energizing potencies, and promotion of boosting immunity.
We agree! In fact, according to research there are five main health benefits of kombucha..
1. Detoxification
The detoxifying capacity of kombucha is immense. A perfect example is in its ability to counteract liver cell toxicity.
In one study, the liver cells were protected from oxidative injury and actually maintained their normal physiology, in spite of being exposed to a toxin! According to researchers, this was “probably due to its antioxidant activity and could be beneficial against liver diseases, where oxidative stress is known to play a crucial role.”
2. Digestion
Naturally, the antioxidant prowess of this ancient tea counteracts free radicals that create mayhem in the digestive system. However, the greatest reason kombucha supports digestion is because of its high levels of beneficial acid, probiotics and enzymes.
Some research has shown kombucha’s ability to prevent and heal leaky gut and stomach ulcers. No surprise to us, in some instances it’s even proven to be as effective as drugs like Prilosec, which are commonly prescribed for heartburn, GERD and ulcers.
Kombucha can also help heal candida yeast from overpopulating within the gut because it helps restore balance to the digestive system. Kombucha is a great way to fight candida because it contains live probiotic cultures that help the gut to repopulate with good bacteria while crowding out the candida yeast. Kombucha does have bacteria, but these are not harmful pathogen bacteria, instead they are the beneficial kind (called “apathogens”) that compete with “bad” pathogen bacteria in the gut and digestive tract.
One thing to mention here is that candida or other digestive problems can sometimes be complicated issues to fix and symptoms might actually get worse before getting better. This doesn’t mean that kombucha isn’t effective or is exacerbating the problem, just that gut problems aren’t always a straight path to healing and at times some patience or trial and error is needed.
3. Energy
Kombucha’s ability to invigorate people is credited to the formation of iron that is released from the black tea during the fermentation process. It also contains some caffeine (although in very small amounts) and b-vitamins, which can energize the body.
Through a special process known as chelation, the iron released helps boost blood hemoglobin, improving oxygen supply to tissues and stimulating the energy-producing process at the cellular level. In other words, by helping the body create more energy (ATP), the ancient tea can help those who regularly drink it stay energized.
4. Immune Health
The overall effect that kombucha has to modulate the immune system is best seen in its ability to control free radicals through antioxidant measures.
Clinically proven to decrease oxidative stress and related immuno-suppression, a powerful antioxidant known as D-saccharic acid-1, 4-lactone (DSL) was discovered during the kombucha fermentation process that’s not found in black tea alone.
Scientists suspect that DSL and the vitamin C present in kombucha are its main secrets in protecting against cell damage, inflammatory diseases, tumors and overall depression of the immune system. Also, we know the probiotics found in kombucha support the immune system.
5. Joint Care
Kombucha can help heal, repair and prevent joint damage in a number of ways. Kombucha is loaded with glucosamines, which increase synovial hyaluronic acid production. This supports the preservation of collagen and prevents arthritic pain. In the same way it supports joint collagen, it also supports collagen of the entire body and reduces the appearance of wrinkles on the skin.
6. Cancer Prevention
Kombucha is also beneficial for cancer prevention and recovery. A study published in Cancer Letters found that consuming glucaric acid found in kombucha reduced the risk of cancer in humans.
President Reagan even reportedly drank kombucha daily as part of his regimen to battle stomach cancer.
7. Weight Loss
Data from a study in 2005 showed evidence that kombucha improves metabolism and limits fat accumulation. Though we need to see more studies before we can confirm these results, it makes sense that kombucha supports weight loss since it’s high in acetic acid (just like apple cider vinegar is) and polyphenols, which are proven to help increase weight loss."

https://draxe.com/7-reasons-drink-kombucha-everyday/

I am having a blast making Kombucha!  I love trying different blends.  I know parents say don't play with your food.  BUT- I say play with your tea.  Be creative!


I got some free gallon jars from a local restaurant!   YAY


I wanted to start and I could not wait until I had another scoby, so I ordered one on line.  I know it sounds weird, but I checked her out first. (The scoby comes with a cup of already made Kombucha- it is part of the starter)

I have my organic black tea and my peach iced tea bags (8 total for a gallon)

I have my one cup of sugar (for 1 gallon)

The water comes to a boil, I take it off the burner and I stir in the sugar and then add the tea bags.  I do this at night and then I let the mixture cool over night.  In the morning I add the scoby.

I put the gallon of tea in with the scoby and a cup of already made kombucha.  When you share a scoby ALWAYS share a cup of the tea too.

Now I am letting all my blends sit for 7-10 days.  My house is cooler, so I will check along the process, but I may let them go 14 days.


Once the taste is where I want it to be I take out the scoby and a cup of the kombucha for another batch.  I add juice for my second fermentation- this causes the carbonation.  I like Organic apple and Raspberry, peach, and also organic grape.  To this peach blend I added grape.


I got my bottles on Amazon.  But, you can sue any kind of glass bottle that seals for your second fermentation.  I have used old glass Kombucha bottles from Kombucha I have bought at the store too.

Once it has sit for about 7 days it is ready to drink and share!!!!!


Petra House, Vancouver Washington



Arabic Tea
 
 
I love to visit Petra House while I am in Vancouver WA seeing my sister and her family.  They have amazing Mediterranean food and Arabic tea. I went this time with my niece and nephew.
 
 

Washing our hands



 
Getting our tea poured, she pours from up on high- that give the bubbles.
 
My niece and I love tea!  The Arabic mint tea is so fresh and alive tasting


 
 
The food is incredible!!!!  Handmade pita- ahhh, the food!!!
 


Ohio Tea Co


 
I am a big fan of the Ohio Tea Co.  It has been around almost two years.  I first visited at Christmas with my mom, sisters, and niece. I was so excited to talk to the owner and found him very informative and knowledgeable.  And better yet, easy to talk to.  He was not one of those know it alls that makes you feel dumb, but he was happy to tell the good and bad of a product and share his insight. 
Well, I was out for my birthday and decided to stop in for visit number two.  I was shocked when I walked in the door and the lady behind the counter said, "Kerrie, I know you from your blog."  I was surprised, since I had never met this lady before in my life.  I love getting recognized- lol!
Turns out she was the wife of the owner.  I again talked tea with them and ventured out to try Matcha, something I have never been brave enough to make on my own.  She was helpful with the products and because of an upcoming Matcha night they were having, they gave me 30% off all the Matcha items I purchased!!!
 
 

checking out the teas


Looking at the Matcha selection.  I bought the raspberry Matcha and hand-made local bowl to drink it from.

Every month you get a free sample, this is the one I selected.
 
Apple + Rosehip + Pineapple + Coconut pieces, Hibiscus petals, Natural flavors. **Allergen Alert - Coconut Contains Sulphites,
 

Local hand-made items....very tempting!!!


So many fun varieties. These mugs were on sale for $6.99




I think this is my next months selection.

Time change feeling guilty


 
 
The boss sends this email, on the Monday after the time change.


I think so many people asked him where our coffee was, that he sent an email telling the entire office he would buy Starbucks for them!!!  What a guy!  He came back with over 15 different specialty brews.  I got a Chai Latte.  It was very tasty.  it has been a long time since I had a Starbucks Chai Latte, I forgot how good they could be!!!


 
 
 

Ingredients

Milk, Water, Chai Tea Concentrate [An Infusion Of (Water, Black Tea, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Natural Flavours, Star Anise), Sugar, Honey, Ginger Juice, Natural Flavours, Vanilla, Citric Acid].
 

tea with my snowman!!!!


We finally got some snow and before it melted I ran out and made a snowman!  Or to be PC- it was a snowlady.


We shared some tea together



 
I love snow, purple, hats, and tea!  So this is a snow me!


STEEP TIMES and WATER TEMPS FOR HOT (Loose Leaf) TEA:

Hope you find this helpful....
 

Black tea: 5 minutes, water temp between 200 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit

Chinese Green tea: 3-4 minutes, water temp between 170 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit

Japanese Green Tea: 30 sec - 2 minutes, water temp between 170-185 degrees

Sencha: 2 minutes, water temps between 175-190 degrees Fahrenheit

Gyokuro : 3 minutes, water temps between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit

Genmaicha: 1 minute, water temps between 175-190 degrees Fahrenheit

Oolong: 3 minutes, water temp between 190 to 200 degrees

White tea: 4-6 minutes, water temp between 160 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit

Flavored White: 2 minutes, water temp between 160 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit

Pu-erh: 3-7 minutes, water temp between 205 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit

Yellow tea: 3 minutes, water temps between 160 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit

Rooibos tea: 6-7 minutes, water temp between 205 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit

Honeybush Tea:5-8 minutes, water temp between 205 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit

Chai tea: 5 minutes, water temp 200 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit

Herbal tea: 5 - 6 minutes, water temp between 200 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit

Mate tea: 5-6 minutes, water temp between 180 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit

Tisanes tea: 7 - 9 minutes, water temp between 200 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit

Blooming tea: 3-4 minutes, water temps between 175 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit re-use bloom 4-5 times

Matcha Tea: water temp between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit