Kombucha FAQ

 

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is an ancient fermented tea rich in probiotics and vital nutrients. The culture used in kombucha is called a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast). It is also a natural detoxifier, supporting a balanced immune system so the body may heal and thrive. Our ancestors used ferments to easily assimilate food, re-mineralize, and re-hydrate the body. Kombucha is sweet and tart with a natural effervescence. It is complemented by natural ingredients, such as fruits and herbs, for more flavorful appeal.

 

What is the caffeine content of your kombucha?

At this time we have not tested the caffeine levels of our brews. Kombucha generally has about 1/3 the amount of caffeine of the tea it is brewed with.* The fermenting culture naturally breaks down the caffeine. We are playing with a kombucha brew made with Rooibos tea that is naturally caffeine free (coming soon)!

 

What is the sugar content in SolaVita kombucha?

As with our caffeine, we have not had our sugar content tested for each flavor. We only use raw cane sugar and honey in the primary brew. We pull the primary brew at its peak of sweet tartness; this ensures the sugars have been converted by the SCOBY. All other sweetness is from the fruits and pure organic juices we use in the secondary fermentation.

 

What is the alcohol content of your kombucha?

Federal regulations require kombucha to test no higher than 0.05% alcohol. Our brews test lower than this requirement. Alcohol is a natural byproduct of the fermentation method that actually preserves the quality of the brew and helps protect it from harmful micro-organisms.

 

Are you non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan friendly?

Yes! All ingredients are certified organic and non-GMO. It is also naturally gluten-free. All our cane sugar brews are vegan. However, the Jun flavors are brewed with honey and therefore not a vegan beverage.

 

What are the health benefits of kombucha?

Kombucha is naturally rich in probiotics, antioxidants, B Vitamins, and many more. It cleanses and tonifies the skin and internal organs. This beverage naturally boosts energy and supports a healthy digestive system.

 

What is a SCOBY?

A SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) is the “mother” in our brews. When we make a fresh tea with sweetener, we pour it in the barrel and place a SCOBY on top to initiate the fermentation process. It feeds on the brew, converting the sugars and caffeine into the kombucha we all love.

 

Why do you use charred oak barrels?

In developing our model, we recognized traditional brewing uses wood to foster a healthy brewing space for a living fermentation culture. Barrels are often a byproduct in the brewing industry. We recycle and re-char these oak barrels for a unique taste. The SCOBY, or “mothers,” seem to love and thrive in the natural wooden environment. We much prefer the wooden barrels to other materials, such as metal or plastic, because they can alter the taste or interfere with the health of the SCOBY.

 

How do you flavor your brews?

After our primary fermentation in the barrels we pour 5 gallon batches of our brew for a secondary fermentation. We blend fresh fruits with dried herbs and/or organic pure juices to create our flavors. These are stirred into each batch by hand with positive thoughts and lots of love.

 

Do you ship?

At this time we do not ship our brews due to difficulties in preserving quality and freshness. You can visit our Locations page to find a retailer near you, or see us at the Telluride Farmers’ Market in the summer.

* Kombucha Kamp