Keep your gut microbiome balanced and your immune system strong with this citrus blend Kombucha recipe. It features orange and lemon, which are two of the healthiest citrus fruits, in one health-boosting Kombucha drink that is particularly beneficial for the gut. The result is a delicious cooling citrus blend Kombucha that boosts energy and is perfect for the chilly months of winter as it helps build strong immunity against colds and flu.
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Health Benefits
Orange
Oranges are high in vitamin C which is a powerful nutrient that strengthens the immune system and lower blood pressure. Eating oranges can help fight inflammation and lessen symptoms of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer as well. Furthermore, the fiber content of oranges may reduce high cholesterol and the chances of cardiovascular diseases. Oranges may also help in maintaining bone health because of their calcium content.
Lemon
Lemon is a good source of immunity-boosting vitamin C. This fruit also has soluble fiber and plant compounds that are helpful in weight loss and relieving digestive issues. Adding lemon to your foods and beverages may lessen the chances of acquiring serious diseases such as heart disease, anemia, kidney stones, and cancer as well.
How To Make Citrus Blend Kombucha
Citrus blend Kombucha is easy to make and doesn’t require any cooking. This citrus blend Kombucha recipe only requires three ingredients namely orange, lemon, and Kombucha that has finished the first fermentation.
Kombucha is a healthy fermented beverage that mainly undergoes two fermentation processes namely first fermentation (F1) and second fermentation (F2). During the first fermentation of Kombucha, the sweet tea is converted to Kombucha by the Kombucha culture or SCOBY. After completing the first fermentation, Kombucha undergoes second fermentation for flavoring and carbonation. If you are new to brewing Kombucha, you may check our complete guide on second fermentation here.
Citrus Blend Kombucha Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Homebrewing kit This is for 1st fermentation
- 1 Heating mat This is for 1st fermentation
- 1 Boochsleeve This is for 1st fermentation
- 1 Bottlebrush kit To clean your bottles
- 6 Bottles (16 oz.) or 2 Growlers (½ gallon)
- 1 Funnel For the 2nd fermentation process
- 1 Mesh strain colander For the 2nd fermentation process
- 1 PBW cleaner To clean your bottles
- 1 Juicer optional, if you want to juice your flavorings
Ingredients
- 1 gal Kombucha
- 3 Oranges ($0.49 to $0.56 per lb.)
- 3 Lemons ($0.72 per lb.)
Instructions
- Clean your bottlesDilute the PBW cleaner as instructed on the product’s label.Next, scrub your bottles with your bottlebrush kit and diluted cleaner. Then,rinse and dry your bottles thoroughly before adding any ingredients.
- Prepare your ingredients Using your hand or juicer, squeeze out the juice from theoranges and lemons. Mix the juices and divide your mixed flavoring into sixportions.
- Add one portion of flavoring into each bottleAdd one portion of your flavoring into each bottle. Feelfree to add or lessen the amount of flavoring in each bottle depending on yourtaste preference.
- Fill your bottle with Kombucha liquid Position the funnel on the mouth of your bottle and pouryour Kombucha liquid slowly into the bottle. You may strain the excess yeast ofthe Kombucha liquid before bottling using a mesh strain colander or a smallersieve. Leave about ½ to 1 inch of headspace in your bottles to achieve goodcarbonation. Give your Kombucha bottle a slight shake to mix the ingredients.Set aside the remaining Kombucha liquid and use it as a starter tea on yournext brew.
- Ferment Close your bottles tightly to prevent carbon dioxide fromescaping. Store your bottled Kombucha at a fermentation station at roomtemperature that is between 60℉ to 85℉. Fermentyour Kombucha for 3 to 14 days depending on the carbonation and your preferredtaste. If you are having trouble keeping the temperature warm for yourferments, you may use a heating mat.
- Store your finished Kombucha in the refrigerator Once your bottled Kombucha reaches that perfect sweet andtart blend for you, move and keep them in the refrigerator. The coldtemperature in the refrigerator can inhibit the fermentation and preserve yourdesired Kombucha flavor.
- Serve and enjoy As you serve your bottled Kombucha, you may see floatingresidues from the yeast. If these residues make you uncomfortable, feel free tostrain them before serving.
How to level up the taste
Citrus blend Kombucha is a refreshing drink that is great for boosting the immune system. It is also delightful on its own, but if you want to level up its taste, here are some things you can do.
Instead of freshly squeezed oranges and lemons, you may use store-bought juices for more convenience. The additional sugar in commercial juices can help encourage yeast activity and give Kombucha a stronger taste.
You may also add rosemary to your citrus blend Kombucha for a piney scent and flavor. Simply add 1 medium sprig of fresh rosemary to each bottle. Adding lemon zest can enhance the citrus aroma and taste of this citrus blend Kombucha as well. To add lemon zest to your citrus Kombucha, zest one to two lemons in your mixed flavoring before you divide it into six portions.
Featured Product
The Live Citrus Rush Kombucha features citrus flavors from lemon and lime. It contains relatively low sugar and claims to be USDA organic, non-GMA, gluten-free, and vegan. It has a smooth taste perfect for newbie Kombucha drinkers as well.
This Ginger Lemon Kombucha from Health-Ade is USDA organic and vegan. It has lemon and ginger that gives it a unique flavor profile of citrus and spice. Furthermore, it is non-GMO, low sugar, and gluten-free.
If you like oranges, then you will love the Humm Bloody Orange Kombucha. This Kombucha claims to have zero sugar and is keto-friendly and certified organic.
