Brew kombucha at home the Oichi way.
Brewing kombucha is a wonderfully rewarding process that's equal parts science and creativity. With just a handful of simple ingredients, a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), and a little patience, you can create a naturally sparkling, live fermented drink that's full of character.
The First Ferment
Every great kombucha starts with the first fermentation. This is where sweetened tea – we like to use green tea – is combined with your SCOBY and starter liquid. Over the course of around a week, the live culture gets to work, transforming the sugar into a delicious balance of natural acidity, gentle sweetness, and beneficial organic acids.
This stage is where the magic really happens. Temperature, time, and the health of your SCOBY all play an important role, and every batch develops its own unique personality. Once your kombucha reaches a flavour you enjoy, it's ready for the next step.
The Second Ferment
The second fermentation is where you can really let your creativity shine.
After removing the SCOBY and reserving some kombucha as starter liquid for your next batch, you can bottle your kombucha with fresh fruits, herbs, flowers, spices, or botanicals. During this stage, the remaining live yeast gently ferments the natural sugars from your added ingredients, creating extra flavour and natural carbonation.
There are endless combinations to explore. Our classic go to flavours include: Hibiscus and Rose, Lime, Ginger & Mint and Lemon, Ginger and Tumeric. In our kits, we share our Hibiscus & Mint recipe, combining delicate floral hibiscus with cooling mint to create a beautifully refreshing kombucha that's as vibrant in flavour as it is in colour. Once you've mastered the basics, we encourage you to get creative by experimenting with your own fruits, herbs, flowers, and spices. We'd love to hear about the flavour combinations you discover and see where your kombucha journey takes you.
One of the best things about brewing kombucha is that no two batches need to be the same. Once you've mastered the basics, don't be afraid to experiment with seasonal ingredients from your garden, favourite fruits, or herbs you've foraged or grown yourself.
Brewing kombucha is a journey of discovery, and every bottle is an opportunity to create something uniquely yours. Start simple, trust your taste buds, and most importantly, enjoy the process.
If you're inspired to give it a go, our Oichi Kombucha Starter Kits make it easy to start brewing at home, with everything you need for your very first batch.
Happy brewing!