Simply put, kombucha is a fermented tea. A live culture of bacteria and yeast is added to a base of organic sweet tea. We typically do a 30 day fermentation to minimize the amount of residual sugars and maximize the healthy acids and probiotics present. Authentic & raw kombucha is a nutrient rich functional, fermented food containing naturally occurring probiotics, antioxidants, B-vitamins, and enzymes that contribute to a healthy gut (where 70% of your immune system is!) and body.
Frequently Asked Questions
We only have an estimate of the total nutritional info and carbs per bottle at this time, which is around 12-18g of sugar per 16oz bottle – depending on flavor. Below is some additional information about where the carbs come from in our kombucha as well as a bit about the brewing process!
During the brewing process, the sugar as well as tannins, caffeine, etc from the tea are mostly consumed by the live culture and converted to healthy acids, tons of B-vitamins, and more probiotic cultures. There is a small amount of residual sugar left – but we ferment fairly dry (30 days) and the majority of the sweetness is from the fruits that are added to flavor. Nothing we use to flavor has added sugars, only the natural sugars present in the fruit. There are kombucha companies out there that will add sugar post-fermentation or add other sweeteners such as stevia, etc. to sweeten it back up after fermentation. But we like to keep it simple 🙂
We do reuse bottles! The most effective and immediate way to recycle is to simply sanitize and reuse containers! We love that our bottles can be used over again and again, keeping them out of trash and recycling systems. It’s so encouraging to see how many care about reducing waste and caring for our planet by bringing bottles back for reuse.
You are welcome to drop them off in front of the door of our brewery in Easthampton at any time convenient for you! Our address is 69 Ferry St. #14 Easthampton, MA 01027
You can also bring them to us at any of the following farmers markets
Easthampton Market – Sunday 10-2
Northampton Market – Tuesday 1:30 – 6:30
Amherst Market – Saturday 7:30 – 1:30
Most of the caffeine in the organic green and black tea used is fermented out – but some residual caffeine remains. Typically as much as a decaf coffee.
Due to the live cultures present, we recommend refrigerating your kombucha to prevent further fermentation. If left out at room temperature – kombucha won’t “go bad” but it will become very vinegary tasting over time. It can also create unsafe pressure inside the bottle as the fermentation process produces a fair amount of CO2. Nobody wants a booch bomb…
We strive to provide a premium raw kombucha locally with very unique flavors. Our kombucha is crafted consciously and authentically in small-batches, by hand, and using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. We do not pasteurize, use artificial or synthetic ingredients, added sugars, or otherwise compromise this amazing ancient beverage.
Our bottle reuse system is also very unique – providing a way for customers to help keep waste out of trash and recycling systems – while minimizing the amount of energy and resources used to produce new bottles. Our planet is not only awesome – it can be easy to forget it’s our home. We want to do our part to help take care of it.
You can find our kombucha at many amazing local retailers in the Pioneer Valley as well as the Berkshires. The easiest way to find where our kombucha is available is to visit our store locator lifebooch.com/find