#GUTPOSITIVE
How SCOBY Taught Us To Love Ourselves
“What is that?”
My friend is pointing to a large apothecary-looking glass bottle in my hand as I sip from it, which, I will admit, does indeed look like I lifted it from a laboratory at random and just started drinking from it. It doesn’t help my case that you can actually hear the fizz snap-crackle-pop on the surface of the brightly colored liquid inside.
“Kombucha,” I reply, to a blank stare.
You may be uninitiated, or you may be a long-time member of our fanatically addicted group (seriously, we bond hardcore over this stuff), but either way, for my friend quoted in the conversation above, and for you, dear reader, you’re about to learn why you’re wise to drink this colorful, painstakingly made concoction – even if you’ve never tasted it before.
1. You Love Your Gut
Yes. You heard me right. You do. And if you don’t, you should. We, here, at Seek North are #gutpositive, no matter what it looks like. Recent research has shown your gut health has effects not only on your digestion, but things like your immune system. While you may not have the six-pack you always dreamed of, if you love your gut, it will love your whole body back.
Kombucha is made from a loving bacterial creature called a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast), and from the fermentation process of this SCOBY, along with tea and/or various types of herbs, spices, flowers or juices, a large amount of probiotic bacteria are released. The very writer of this article, boldly bearing my belly brimming with beautiful bacteria, keep my severe catalogue of IBS symptoms in check with a daily dose of the stuff. I discovered the magic about 10 years ago, traded in my cupboard full of over-the counter chalky white and 70’s- pink liquids, and never looked back since, or needed to.
2. Tea Is Awesome
While picking up and sipping your fizzy, newfound curiosity, you might not immediately think of anything that you’ve known as tea, but yes, that’s exactly what it is. Tea is probably one of the healthiest beverages that will ever pass your lips. Tea contains a litany of healthy compounds, but one of the most famous of these are antioxidant powerhouses known as polyphenols. These polyphenols protect against the oxidative stresses put on the body by daily living and surely fun, but unhealthy, habits.
The SCOBY is fermented in a base of either green, black, or oolong tea, and while it doesn’t come out looking like your typical cuppa, it still carries all the peppy polyphenols right along with it.
3. Kombucha Has Antimicrobial Properties
One of the most incredible pieces of research to emerge is that kombucha may even contain some antimicrobial properties. We sadly aren’t smart enough to be able to fully explain how a fungus turns itself into an antimicrobial drink (SCOBY fairies?), but we can tell you what we do know.
Kombucha’s fermentation process releases acetic acid, which is the very same acid found in common vinegar that my mother used to clean with. In some studies, kombucha showed large inhibitory zones against various bacteria and fungi, most notably, the infamous Candida fungus. It’s not fully clear what causes this, or how strong the effect is within your bottle, but it’s thought to be present, and due, at least in part, to the acetic acid released.
4. It’s Green, Honest, Pure, and Raw
Not only is tea one of the healthiest beverages on earth, but try and beat this: Our kombucha is completely raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized, so all of the benefits remain completely unadulterated. You can even see some of those beneficial yeast particles right on the bottom.
But don’t shake it! That’s a mistake you only make once.
We’re pretty picky too, so our SCOBYs are all organic, and non-GMO. If that wasn’t enough for you, we not only are vegan, gluten, and lactose free, but the raw materials used to make your awesome drinks are from only vegetable and fruit based origins, all the way to the yeasts.
And just as when you take care of your gut, it takes care of you, if you take care of the planet, it takes care of everybody. By keeping our carbon footprint small, our business decisions sustainable, our ingredients natural, and all of our materials biodegradable, and/or recyclable, we are here to help you take care of you, and our planet. Bacteria live here too, you know?
5. It’s Just Yummy
No science here. No ecology lessons, no studies. This stuff just simply has more yum factor than all the billions of probiotic bacteria in it could shake a stick at - if yum factor were quantifiable and bacteria had hands #science.
Our brewers think about this stuff non-stop. Seriously, it’s annoying. Somebody help them. In all their obsession, though, they’ve come up with some insanely inventive concoctions. There’s the flowery and fruity Apple Hibiscus Lavender, a lavish, hoppy Pineapple Elderflower matrimony, and the stunning, yet simple floral Jasmine. Yes, just jasmine. Because the Queen of All Flowers doesn’t need any help to seduce you. Apple Ginger, zingy tropically spicy Hibiscus Ginger, and Blueberry Pomegranate Lemon pop up all season too, and are the perfect way to keep a little summer in your cold, angry heart as you swear at all the New York snow.
So, now that you’re officially a kombucha expert, stop by Dean and Deluca New York at NY Times Building, Madison Ave, or Soho and tell the awesome staff how much you love this stuff!
OUR CHALLENGE: We encourage all Kombucha fans to share their commitment to health by taking part in our #gutpositive challenge.
WIN FREE KOMBUCHA: Join the #gutpositive movement for chance to win a free case of Seek North Kombucha. Tag five friends in any of our @seeknorth Instagram posts and hashtag #gutpositive. Three winners will be announced January 1, 2019.