When it comes to health food products, I’ll try just about anything with a peculiar name and well-designed package. So imagine my excitement when I came across these colorful glass bottles filled with Clearly Sparkling Fermented Kombucha Tea. While somewhat familiar with the nutritional benefits of Kombucha, I decided to finally taste what traditional Chinese medicine refers to as the “Tea of Immortality.”
Clearly Kombucha tea consists of a fermented blend of Kombucha culture (often referred to as a “mushroom” but is actually a symbiotic colony of beneficial yeast and bacteria), whole leaf green tea, ginger and organic evaporated cane juice. Naturally I questioned how sugar fit into a nourishing detox drink, however my skepticism was short-lived as I learned the organic evaporated cane juice actually acts as an energy source for fermentation during the brewing process.
Why fermentation? With a barely-there .10 percent alcohol content, the natural fermentation process is meant to enrich the antioxidant-rich green tea with organic acids and micronutrients. The result is an effervescent refreshment low in sugar, caffeine and calories (only five to 40 calories per serving).
In addition to the original blend, the handcrafted tea is available in four inspiring flavors: rich black currant, crisp Asian pear, energizing tangerine and a peppery ginger berry. I enjoyed the clean taste of Asian pear, however it was the fruity, robust flavor of black currant that kept me coming back for more. And while not generally a fan of bubbly drinks, I was convinced to reconsider, as each sparkling sip of this artisan tea was both refreshing and tasty.
While this energy-boosting, body-cleansing refreshment may not bring immortality, Clearly Kombucha is sure to benefit your mind and body (especially your taste buds) for the long-term.
Related:
The Beauty of Green Tea
