Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented drink made from sweetened tea, fermented with a culture of yeasts and acetic acid bacteria (the tea fungus, or SCOBY). Acids, traces of alcohol and carbon dioxide are formed. The drink tastes slightly sour, lively and, depending on preparation, sweet or tart.

In shops, kombucha drinks are often flavoured with fruit, ginger or herbs. The residual alcohol content in many products is below 0.5 percent ABV but can be higher in home production. Health-related claims for kombucha are legally restricted. The drink should be stored chilled because fermentation continues in warmth and pressure can build up in the container.