Kombucha: How to Make It at Home, Benefits, and Where to Buy It
Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage, rich in probiotics and antioxidants, increasingly popular in Italy. In this guide, you’ll find everything: how to make it at home step by step, health benefits, the best craft brands, and where to buy it online.
Buy craft kombucha on Maltese — shipping in 24-48h throughout Italy
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is tea fermented thanks to a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast). The fermentation produces a slightly sparkling, tangy drink naturally rich in probiotics, B vitamins, and organic acids. The alcohol content is generally below 0.5% vol.
Benefits of kombucha
- Natural probiotics — support intestinal flora and digestion
- Antioxidants — derived from tea, fight free radicals
- B vitamins — produced during fermentation
- Low calorie content — a light alternative to sugary soft drinks
- Naturally sparkling — satisfies the craving for bubbles without alcohol
How to make kombucha at home: step-by-step guide
Ingredients needed
- 1 SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast)
- 1 liter of filtered water
- 8 g of black or green tea (about 4 tea bags)
- 100 g of white sugar
- 1 large glass jar
- A clean cloth and a rubber band
- 100-200 ml of ready kombucha (starter)
Procedure
- Boil the water and add the tea. Let it steep for 10 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
- Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Let cool to room temperature (below 30°C).
- Pour the sweetened tea into the glass jar, add the starter, then the SCOBY.
- Cover with the cloth and secure with the rubber band. Let ferment in a dark, ventilated place for 7-10 days at 20-25°C.
- After 7 days, taste it: it should be slightly sour and sweet. When the flavor satisfies you, strain and bottle it.
- Second fermentation (optional): add fruit or juice to closed bottles and leave for 2-3 days at room temperature to increase fizziness.
Tips for optimal results
- Always use clean utensils — avoid metal contact with the SCOBY
- Ideal temperature: 20-25°C. Below 18°C fermentation slows down significantly
- Do not use flavored tea for the first fermentation — it can damage the SCOBY
- Store finished kombucha in the refrigerator
Craft kombucha: the best brands on Maltese
If you don’t want to make it at home or want to discover high-quality craft kombucha, Maltese offers a curated selection of artisanal producers:
- Melly's Kombucha — Italian brand specializing in various flavors: ginger and lemon, lime and mint, grapefruit and basil. Craft fermentation, natural ingredients
- Kombucha Ginger and Lemon — refreshing and digestive, perfect as a non-alcoholic aperitif
- Kombucha Lime and Mint — fresh and lively, ideal for summer
- Kombucha Grapefruit and Basil — aromatic and original, for those who love complex flavors
Discover the full kombucha selection on Maltese →
Frequently asked questions about kombucha
Is kombucha good for you?
Yes — consumed in moderation, kombucha provides probiotics, antioxidants, and B vitamins. It supports digestion and intestinal flora. It’s not a medicine but a great alternative to industrial soft drinks.
Does kombucha contain alcohol?
Yes, but in minimal amounts: generally between 0.2% and 0.5% vol., naturally produced by fermentation. It is legally considered non-alcoholic (under 0.5% vol.) and is suitable for most people.
How long does kombucha last?
Craft kombucha keeps in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. The longer it rests, the more acidic it becomes. Store-bought kombucha has an expiration date on the label.
Homemade vs purchased kombucha: which to choose?
Making kombucha at home is rewarding but requires time, equipment, and care. Purchased craft kombucha guarantees consistent quality, certified ingredients, and a range of flavors hard to replicate at home. To start, we recommend tasting craft kombucha first to understand your preferred profile.
Where to buy craft kombucha online?
On Maltese you’ll find a curated selection of Italian craft kombucha with shipping in 24-48h throughout Italy.
