The whole truth about the tea mushroom, or the ideal fermented drink

Walking around the grocery store, you can unexpectedly discover the "tea mushroom". Do not think that it consists of some magic mushrooms. Even after trying once, you can not forget this tea drink, because it is not only delicious, but also has many health benefits.

Let's take a closer look at this product and find out why you should use it on a regular basis.

What is a tea mushroom?

A tea mushroom is a living drink that is produced by fermenting tea and sugar with a culture, in fact, a tea fungus (which is actually zooglue - the result of a symbiosis of acetic acid bacteria and yeast). It looks like a giant floating mushroom. If properly cooked, the taste can resemble a combination of carbonated apple cider and champagne.

The origin of the tea fungus still causes controversy and debate. However, for the first time its use was recorded in China in 211 BC. E., Where it was described as "tea immortality". However, the very name "tea mushroom" was invented, it is supposed, in Japan in 415 AD. A Korean doctor named Komba used this tea to treat the emperor. To name the healing broth, he added "cha" to his name. So now you can hear the name "kombucha".

Then the drink moved to Russia, where it was called "black kvass", and then spread throughout Europe. But during the Second World War, interest in him was extinguished. After the war, the German doctor Rudolf Shkelnar used a tea fungus for the treatment of cancer, as well as metabolic disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Today, the tea fungus is known all over the world for its ability to improve the condition of patients.

What is this culture?

A tea mushroom is a culture that resembles a beige mushroom, or perhaps a pancake. As already mentioned, this is a symbiosis of bacteria and yeast. The culture is placed in sweetened black or green tea. And it is here that magic begins. You get a drink filled with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and organic acids. As zoogloe digests sugar, it produces various medicinal organic acids, including glucuronic, gluconic, lactic, acetic, oily, apple and usnic, as well as B and C vitamins, amino acids and enzymes.

Since this culture digests sugar in tea, the drink has a sweet taste, but practically does not contain harmful sugars.

Each tea mushroom forms a new symbiosis on the surface of the liquid. It can be divided and cook another useful drink.

Why should you drink a tea mushroom?

The tea mushroom has excellent taste and refreshing properties, but that's not all. In its composition there are probiotics, which contribute to the health of your intestines. In addition, they do not allow the development of candida in the body, increase absorption of nutrients, fight inflammation and bloating. All this contributes to the clarity of the mind, stabilizing the mood and purifying the body.

How can you make your own mushroom?

Although the tea mushroom can be found on the shelves of a variety of grocery stores, the price per bottle is quite high. It is much more profitable to prepare this healing drink yourself, besides it is very easy. You will need:

• 3.5 liters of filtered water;
• 1 cup of sugar;
• 8 bags of black or green tea;
• 1-2 cups of special tea for the preparation of kombuchi (it can be purchased in specialized stores);
• 1 zoogloea (a tea mushroom);
• Glassware (sterilized);
• Wooden spoons for stirring (never use iron);
• gauze;
• Rubber tape to protect the fabric.

What do we have to do?

1. Prepare sweet tea. To do this, you need to pour 2 tablespoons of loose tea (or 8-10 bags) with hot water.
2. Add a glass of organic sugar.
3. The tea should cool down to room temperature, as the zoo-cola does not survive in hot water.
4. Pour the tea into a large glass jar, not filling it up to the end by about 20%. This place should be left for a special liquid.
5. Place the zoogloea in the tea mixture.
6. Cover the jar with gauze and fasten with an elastic band.
7. Put the jar in the kitchen in a warm place, but avoid direct sunlight.
8. The fermentation process takes place in seven days. After that, you can check the fungus. The taste should be tart, but still sweet.
9. Pour the tea into separate glass bottles with sealed lids and store them in the refrigerator.
10. As the fermentation process continues, you can prepare another batch.
11. To add flavor to the tea, you can add fresh fruit or spices such as turmeric or ginger.