Bruuing FAQs
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To make the original-flavored bruu base, we start with a blend of organic sencha green, black tea, and sugar carefully selected for their flavor and quality. This blend is then nurtured under a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) for six months. Think of the SCOBY as a "mother" that constantly refines the tea, transforming it into a kombucha powerhouse. Sugar is essential, acting as food for the SCOBY and contributing to the flavor, fizz, and overall enjoyment of bruusta kombucha.
During this six-month period, organic acids and polyphenols are created and the result is a rich, concentrated kombucha starter brimming with flavor and goodness.
- Organic Acids: The SCOBY's bacteria diligently produce organic acids, giving kombucha its signature tangy flavor and potential health benefits.
- Polyphenol Power: Polyphenols, natural antioxidants found in tea, become more concentrated during this extended fermentation. Antioxidants help protect your body from cell damage.
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Sugar is an essential food source for kombucha. Here’s why:
- Fuelling the SCOBY: Sugar is the primary food source for the yeast and bacteria in the SCOBY. They need it to thrive and do their jobs!
- Tangy Transformation: The yeast converts sugar into alcohol, which the bacteria then transform into those wonderful organic acids that give kombucha its tang.
- Fizzy Fun: Sugar also plays a key role in carbonation, creating those delightful bubbles.
- Balancing Act: As the kombucha ferments, it becomes more sour. Sugar helps balance this sourness, ensuring a delicious and refreshing final product.
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When you brew kombucha with bruusta, you won't see a SCOBY (that jelly-like disc that contains a variety of yeast and bacteria species) forming in your brew. Why? Because we've already done the hard work for you! The beneficial bacteria and yeast from the SCOBY are integrated into our bruu base during its 6-month fermentation process. So, while a SCOBY is essential for traditional kombucha brewing, it's not needed with bruusta – it's already built in!
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While traditional kombucha brewing often starts in an open container to allow the SCOBY's bacteria and yeast to access oxygen, bruusta takes a more modern approach.
Our unique process involves a closed system that carefully controls the environment throughout fermentation. This not only ensures safety and consistency but also allows us to optimize both the aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen) stages of fermentation.
Here's how it works:
- Initial Oxygen: Our bruu base already contains the beneficial bacteria and yeast, and they've had plenty of oxygen exposure during their 6-month fermentation under the SCOBY.
- Controlled Environment: Once you add the base to your bruusta unit, the closed system provides the perfect conditions for the remaining fermentation process, including carbonation and flavor development.
This modern, controlled approach allows us to achieve the same delicious and beneficial homebrew kombucha as traditional methods, but with added simplicity and reliability.
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All kombucha naturally has trace amounts of alcohol due to the fermentation process. bruusta kombucha is classified as "non-alcoholic" because it contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.
To give you an idea of how little that is, even a ripe banana can have up to 0.4% alcohol! This happens because bananas also undergo a natural fermentation process as they ripen.
So, while both kombucha and bananas contain a bit of alcohol, the amounts are so small that they're considered non-alcoholic.
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Kombucha has been called the “elixir of life” as it offers a range of potential health benefits, from gut health and immune support to detoxification and blood sugar control. Consumers have reported the below effects after consuming kombucha:
- increases energy
- improves digestion
- supports immune function
- enhances mental health (via the gut-brain axis)
- balances the internal pH
- helps controls hunger
- reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- enhances overall health and wellbeing
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Kombucha originated in ancient China (circa 220 BC) during the Qin Dynasty, where it was valued for its health benefits. The Chinese believed fermented products like kombucha promoted well-being and longevity. This belief stemmed from the presence of beneficial microorganisms and bioactive compounds in fermented products. Kombucha, with its unique composition, was considered a powerful health tonic and consumed during special occasions, symbolizing health and good fortune. While research continues on kombucha's health benefits, its historical roots emphasize its enduring appeal as a beverage associated with well-being.
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If you are new to Kombucha, we recommend introducing Kombucha slowly into your system: have 4-6 ounces before breakfast and then gradually increase your intake to 16 oz or more. We recommend listening to your body – some people enjoy one glass a day, while others drink three or more. It's all about finding what feels right for you and your lifestyle.
We would like to note that some people new to kombucha or those increasing their intake may experience detox effects like an upset stomach or loose stool. This is due to compounds produced during fermentation that may support liver detoxification.
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While bruusta kombucha is suitable for children, we recommend smaller servings than those for adults. A good starting point for kids is 2-4 ounces per day.
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Many women continue to enjoy kombucha during pregnancy and nursing, while others choose to pause. Since everyone's body is different, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider.
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bruusta is currently available in the United States. We are looking to expand globally in the near future. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter here to be the first to know when we expand overseas!
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An 8 oz serving of bruusta kombucha contains at least 1 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.
This specific strain has been extensively studied and is known for its potential benefits in promoting gut health and supporting the immune system.
While other beneficial bacteria may also be present in our kombucha, we guarantee at least 1 billion CFUs of L. rhamnosus GG per serving.
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The flavored bruu bases are crafted with the same care as our Original Mix, using only pure, natural ingredients to create vibrant, authentic flavors and extracts.
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The discarded sediment is completely safe to drink; it's primarily made up of natural yeast particles that haven't fully fermented, which is a normal part of the brewing process.
At this stage, the sediment won't mix back into the kombucha without affecting the natural carbonation. Feel free to discard it, drink it, or get creative with the suggestions below.
- In Baking: Use the sediment in place of yeast for baking to add a unique, slightly tangy flavor and boost the nutritional value of your baked goods.
- Garden Boost: Spread the sediment across your garden bed to enrich the soil with natural nutrients and promote healthy plant growth.
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Not to worry, your brew will be okay, Our release valve allows any extra CO2 to escape, preventing any pressure build up. You might notice a slightly stronger flavor or a bit more fizz if it ferments longer, but it will be perfectly fine to drink.
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While you don’t need to purchase another bruusta unit, we’ve crafted the bruusta buddy for continuous bruuing. With the buddy, you can have kombucha on tap every day of the year! See the bruusta buddy here
Go ahead, join the waitlist to be the first to hear what we've got bruuing.