Whether you are a newbie or long term Kombucha drinker, this flavor combo will certainly blow your mind. The orange ginger Kombucha offers the citrus goodness of orange with a touch of spice from the ginger along with the pleasant tart savor of Kombucha. Not only is this drink bursting with flavors but also loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that can improve overall health. This beverage is great for all seasons and time whenever you need a little boost of energy.
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Health Benefits
Orange
Oranges are particularly rich in vitamin C which is scientifically proven to boost the immune system and lower blood pressure and cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. This fruit can fight inflammation and lessen the severity of symptoms of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Apart from vitamin C, oranges also have fiber that reduces high cholesterol and prevents cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, oranges contain calcium that is essential for keeping the bones strong and healthy.
Ginger
Ginger is a powerhouse of nutrients that help the body in many ways. It is especially high in gingerol which is known for its ability to aid in digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight flu and common colds. Incorporating ginger in your daily diet keeps your body protected from germs, soothes your sore muscles, ease arthritis symptoms, and lowers blood sugar. Moreover, ginger is known for its benefits in easing period pains and preventing cancer.
How To Make Orange Ginger Kombucha
Orange ginger Kombucha is probably one of the go to Kombucha flavors for many home brewers. This recipe is quick to do and doesn’t require any cooking at all. The ingredients are also easy to find and relatively cheap. But before you jump to the recipe below, take note that this recipe requires you to use Kombucha that has already completed its first fermentation.
Kombucha is a fermented beverage that undergoes two fermentation processes to achieve its distinct tart taste. These fermentation processes are the first fermentation or F1 and second fermentation or F2.
The first fermentation is done to convert the sweet tea into Kombucha with the use of the SCOBY or Kombucha culture. After the first fermentation, Kombucha undergoes the second fermentation for flavoring and carbonation. If you are new to brewing Kombucha, you may check our complete guide on second fermentation here.
Orange Ginger 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
- 5 Oranges ($0.49 to $0.56 per lb.)
- 6 tbsp Fresh ginger ($0.90 per 0.25 lb.)
Instructions
- Clean your bottlesHygiene is highly important inKombucha brewing so always start by cleaning your fermentation bottles with thebottlebrush kit and PBW cleaner. After cleaning, rinse, and dry your bottlesthoroughly before adding any ingredients.
- Prepare your ingredients Using your hand or juicer, squeeze out the juice from the oranges. With five oranges, you are likely to produce more or less 1 ½ cup of orange juice depending on the orange size. For the ginger, begin by peeling it with a small knife. Next, chop finely or grate the peeled ginger for more convenience.
- Add the orange juice and ginger into the bottleAdd ¼ cup of fresh orange juiceand 1 tbsp of grated ginger for each 16 oz. bottle.
- Fill your bottle with Kombucha liquid Position the funnel on the mouthof your bottle and pour in your Kombucha liquid. You can use a mesh straincolander to filter out the excess yeast before pouring in your Kombucha to thebottles. Make sure to leave about ½ to 1 inch of headspace on your bottles toachieve good carbonation. Give your Kombucha bottle a slight shake to mix the ingredients.
- Ferment Seal your bottles making surethat there is no opening for the carbon dioxide to escape. Place your bottlesin your fermentation station with room temperature that is between 60℉to 85℉.Allow your Kombucha to ferment for 3 to 14 days depending on the carbonationand your preferred taste. If you are having trouble with keeping thetemperature warm for your brew, you may use a heating mat.
- Store your finished Kombucha in the refrigerator Once your bottled Kombucha tastesperfectly sweet and tart for you, move and keep them in the refrigerator. Thecold temperature in the fridge can inhibit the fermentation and preserve yourdesired Kombucha flavor.
- Serve and enjoy Before serving Kombucha, you maystrain it to remove the unsightly residues from the yeast and flavorings.However, if you are not bothered by these residues, feel free to drink withoutstraining.
How to level up the taste
While orange ginger Kombucha is already delightful on its own, you can always level up its taste. You can do this by using pure ginger extract or juice instead of pieces as liquid flavorings easily mix with Kombucha liquid and tend to give Kombucha stronger flavors. To juice a ginger, you will need an electronic juicer.
If you have limited time to prepare the ingredients for this recipe, you may use store bought orange juice for more convenience. The additional sugar in the orange juice can also help encourage the yeast activity and upgrade the taste of your Kombucha.
Featured Product
This blood orange-carrot-ginger Kombucha from Health-Ade features orange and ginger flavor profiles. It also has carrots for additional savor and nutritional value. It is good for your gut biome and overall digestive health.
The Humm Probiotic Kombucha zero sugar blood orange offers the goodness of orange and Kombucha. It is guaranteed to carry billions of probiotics and is made with natural ingredients and flavorings.
