Can Kombucha Go Bad

Can kombucha go bad

In this brief guide, we will address the query “can kombucha go bad?”, we will also discuss what kombucha is and what is its shelf life.

Can kombucha go bad?

Yes, kombucha can go bad. Especially when not consumed within six to eight months, and this will depend on the way kombucha was bottled and stored. As kombucha is a fermented product its shelf life tends to be longer than non-fermented products.

If you store your kombucha as it is advised, you will not have any trouble if you consume it within six to eight months. Keep in mind that taste can be affected as well, so try to drink your kombucha as near the opening date.

What is kombucha made of?

Kombucha tea is a beverage that has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years. But what is kombucha? It is a drink that is made of tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. What a yummy combination!

So, whenever you drink kombucha you are ingesting a broth full of bacteria and yeast. The sugar is added to give bacteria and yeast something to eat, that way their growth will be relevant, and kombucha will be better.

After fermentation occurs you will get a liquid rich in vinegar and some other chemical compounds. Kombucha is a popular beverage that provides you with probiotics that have been associated with improving gut health.

How is kombucha made?

Kombucha is a product of fermentation that can provide you with a mix of probiotics to improve your gut health. Kombucha is made of brewed tea and sugar, then the culture of bacteria and yeast will be added.

A brief explanation of the process for making kombucha is:

Infuse tea leaves into boiled water, and add around 5 to 15% of sugar to the infusion.

Let it brew. After 10 minutes you will need to remove the tea leaves.

The infusion will be placed in a cool environment and then the bacteria and yeast cultures will be added. Sugar will work as the main food source for these bacteria.

Let fermentation occur, but before covering the recipient with a clean cloth and let it incubate at room temperature for 7 to 10 days.

After a week, and some days, your kombucha is fermented. Do not let fermentation last longer than 10 days, as this can lead to an acidic product, like vinegar.

What is the best way to store kombucha?

To make kombucha last longer with the same original features, there are some tips you need to follow, such as:

Keep it stored at low temperatures. The perfect temperatures for kombucha are about 24 to 26°C. If your house is very warm, you will need to find a spot that prevents the spoilage of your kombucha

Avoid any direct light. As kombucha contains yeast, UV rays can make them stop the fermentation process, so that is why it is recommended to cover your kombucha recipient with a clean and porous cloth.

Stay away from any contaminants. Kombucha is more likely to contaminate when placed near garbage, compost, fruit bowls, or kimchi. Try to keep your kombucha as far as possible from these contaminants, or you may get kombucha mold.

Do not fill the bottles, leave a space of 1 to 2 cm to allow some air in the bottle.

Can kombucha be stored at room temperature?

Yes, if you can not keep your kombucha refrigerated, a room temperature also works to keep your kombucha drinkable for up to 2 years! But if you have already opened the bottle, then only 10 days are the recommended period to end the whole content of the bottle.

The bad thing about storing kombucha at room temperature is that carbonation can easily occur, so watch out for carbonation buildup as it can damage your fermented beverage. Always make sure your kombucha is sealed as it should be.

Does kombucha have any health benefits?

As kombucha is a fermented beverage that contains probiotics, it can have some health benefits for you. However, most of the suggested benefits are not scientifically supported.

Nevertheless, it is known that probiotics can help achieve a correct digestive process, and help avoid constipation.

If you want further guidance on this subject, please click here.

Can everyone drink kombucha?

Most people can drink kombucha without any side effects, but for some people, kombucha can lead to several symptoms, such as:

Kombucha can exhibit high-calorie content. Which may not be the best for human health.

Bloating and altered digestive process. If you drink too much kombucha you may feel bloated, as we are talking about a carbonated beverage.

Too much added sugar. To make kombucha attractive to customers, some flavors may be developed with a lot of sugar, and in excess, it can cause some harm to your health.