KOMBU is revolutionizing the art of kombucha brewing with its state-of-the-art design and functionality. Tailored to craft authentic kombucha at a fraction of the cost of store-bought alternatives, KOMBU transforms the traditionally cumbersome process into an effortless and enjoyable experience. Kombucha, a delightful and healthful fizzy tea, is made using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) that promotes beneficial acids and probiotics. Essentially, it’s a soda that’s actually good for you. With more people embracing DIY projects at home, the popularity of home-brewed kombucha is on the rise. Yet, the conventional methods can feel intimidating and resemble a science experiment gone awry on your kitchen counter. KOMBU was created to address this universal challenge for kombucha enthusiasts. The primary issue with traditional home-brewing setups is their inconsistency and messiness. Despite the surge in kombucha’s popularity, the brewing process has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Since the Qin Dynasty, over 2200 years ago, kombucha has been brewed in a simple jar covered with fabric. KOMBU aims to bring this ancient practice into the 21st century with a modern, purpose-built device that delivers consistent results and looks stunning on your countertop. Our patented design ensures a better brewing experience, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
KOMBU enhances the brewing process with a dual-stage fermentation system. The first stage transforms sweet tea into plain, unflavored kombucha. This stage takes place in a glass jar with a lid designed to allow airflow while keeping contaminants out, a process known as aerobic fermentation. This stage typically lasts 7-10 days. In the second stage, natural sugars such as fruit, juice, or spices are added to flavor and carbonate the kombucha. This anaerobic fermentation, which takes 3-5 days, occurs in closed-top bottles that allow CO2 to build up, creating the desired fizziness. Understanding fermentation is key to mastering kombucha brewing. During fermentation, yeast consumes sugars, producing CO2, tangy acids, and trace amounts of alcohol (usually less than 0.5%, classifying it as non-alcoholic). To start brewing, you need tea, sugar, and a starter liquid containing SCOBY. If you’re new to brewing, you can kickstart your process with a bottle of store-bought kombucha. Alternatively, you can obtain a SCOBY from a friend or purchase one online. The beauty of kombucha brewing lies in its continuous nature; each batch produces a SCOBY that can be used for the next, ensuring an endless supply of homemade kombucha.
KOMBU prioritizes the use of high-quality, durable materials to ensure that your brewing experience is both safe and effective. The device maintains the ideal fermentation environment with a low heating, temperature-controlled system. An ambient air sensor ensures the perfect temperature (24-28°C / 75-82°F) is maintained, crucial for optimal fermentation. Each side of the system operates independently, allowing for separate control of heating and timing functions. When the fermentation period is complete, the system automatically enters standby mode, ensuring convenience and peace of mind. KOMBU’s user-friendly controls and minimal analog buttons make it easy to set and monitor the brewing process. The LED day timer can be adjusted in 24-hour increments for up to 7 days, signaling the end of the fermentation period with a chime and blinking light. For added convenience, our IoT app allows you to control and monitor KOMBU from your mobile device. You can set timers, track temperatures, and receive notifications, ensuring your kombucha is always brewed to perfection.
The history of kombucha dates back over 2200 years, where it was consumed for its medicinal properties and referred to as “The Tea of Immortality.” Today, kombucha is celebrated for its health benefits, particularly its ability to support a balanced microbiome, which is essential for overall well-being. The fermentation process enriches kombucha with probiotics, active enzymes, organic acids, amino acids, and polyphenols, all of which contribute to its health-promoting properties. Probiotics in kombucha provide beneficial bacteria that support digestive health and enhance various aspects of well-being. Polyphenols, found naturally in tea, red wine, and dark chocolate, are powerful micronutrients known for their ability to fight free radicals. Fermentation also increases the antioxidant content in kombucha, boosting its health benefits. The organic acids, including acetic, lactic, and gluconic acids, contribute to its tangy flavor and help protect the digestive system. Additionally, kombucha offers an energy boost through B vitamins and small amounts of caffeine, making it a refreshing and revitalizing beverage.
Kombucha brewing allows for endless creativity in flavoring. Starting with natural sugars like cane sugar, honey, or fruit juices, you can experiment with a variety of herbs, botanicals, spices, and extracts to create unique and exciting flavor combinations. This aspect of brewing is not only fun but also allows you to customize your kombucha to suit your personal taste preferences. Despite the myth that kombucha is high in sugar, the yeast consumes most of it during fermentation, resulting in a low-sugar, tangy beverage that is both delicious and healthful. Enjoy guilt-free sips of your homemade kombucha and explore the endless possibilities with KOMBU.