CAM-BOO-CHA

“MushroomTea” is the urban dictionary term spreading around town, but Kombucha (pronounced CAM-BOO-CHA) is it’s official title. An ancient Chinese tea made of live bacteria and yeast, Kombucha has been around more more than 2,000 years and was once even thought to be a tonic for immortality. While immortality might be in-question, it’s wide-spread health claims are numerous. Those who have jumped on the ‘Bucha’ band-wagon state that the pro-biotic helps aid in digestion, detoxifies the liver and other organs, supports the immune system, boosts metabolism and lowers cholesterol, among many other things. While official scientific reports have not yet confirmed these health benefits, the drink is quickly rising in popularity, especially here in Bellingham.

In April 2013, Chris McCoy opened his own Kombucha Brewery, Kombucha Town, in Bellingham (suite #603 on the top floor of the Herald Building). In this city of incredibly active, health conscious people, it’s no surprise the drink has grown a substantial following.

But what’s actually in it that is so good for you?

The brew comes from millions of microorganisms (including water, tea, sugar and a fermenting culture) that work synergistically together to form of a symbiotic colony of yeast and bacteria (SCOBY). The drink is brewed (or fermented) over the course of 7-31 days. The result? A raw, fermented, probiotic and naturally carbonated tea (2% alcohol) that tastes something between sparkling cider and champagne. The end product is loaded with organic acids, active enzymes, amino acids and polyphenol anti-oxidants. (Click to learn more about these health benefits).

Think you might want to give this “miracle brew” a try? Now you can, right here at Boundary Bay! We’ve partnered up with Chris McCoy from Kombucha Town up the street, and now offer their tea on tap in the Beer Garden. The tea from Kombucha Town has a refreshing and bittersweet, lemon-ginger taste. It’s recommended that if this is your first time trying Kombucha, that you consume it in moderation until you know how it reacts with your own body. While the health benefit claims are multitudinous, side-effects are possible (such as an stomach upset). Thus, its important you slowly introduce the beverage into your daily routine until your body grows accustomed to the drink.

Next time you’re at Boundary, head to the Beer Garden and look for it on tap. Try a schooner and let us know what you think!