Aerated drinks for youngsters have become craze of the day. Some go with alcoholics and others being aware of the side-effects go with carbonated drinks.
Aerated drinks have become an inseparable part of a youth's daily life in spite of obvious warnings of how it could lead to obesity and other ill-effects. However, health conscious people are well aware of its adverse effect on our cardiometabolic health (heart-related disorders and metabolic disorders such as diabetes). Hence, a healthy alternative has been long overdue. With an eye on the health of the next generation, 'Kombucha' a probiotic drink originating from the Chinese culture has arrived here to quench the insatiable thirst of the youth.
Kombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea drink commonly intended as a functional beverage for its supposed health benefits. It originated as a healing and digestive aid around 221 B.C. in China. Although the name is Japanese and literally means “kelp tea,” the beverage is actually a sweetened tea fermented by a bacteria and yeast culture that resembles a mushroom.
In keeping with the Indian palate, Kombucha has been organically reformed with some healthy inclusions in the city's Buddies Café. Says Sam, the co-founder of Buddies Kombucha, "The main ingredients are black tea, organic sugar and Scoby which stands for the “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast,” is an ingredient used in the fermentation and production of the 'Kombucha.' The black tea is fermented by storing it in a glass container, in a dark place at room temperature for about 10 to 11 days. It boosts energy, promotes longevity, cleanses and detoxifies, non-alcoholic, natural and rich in anti-oxidants. It also helps to cure digestive and gastric problems," adds Sam.
Buddies Café's 'Kombucha' has been certified by the Chennai Testing Laboratory to be a hundred percent healthy. 'Kombucha' catches the eye, due to its sparkle. It is known as the sparkling tea because of the spark it ignites on the tongue in the very first gulp. The Kombucha is available at the Buddies Café in four exciting flavors - raw, lime, ginger lime and pineapple.
"I'm reminded of Shakespeare who said, "Fair is foul and foul is fair." It does not taste too great and yet perfect in its own way," opines Sanjay who recently acquired a taste for Kombucha.
“I come here to taste different tea varieties. One day, I discovered Kombucha which has really helped settle my stomach. Just to let you know, though, I hate Kombucha. I think it's gross and overpriced, and generally not worth it to try as a drink. I felt that way until I tried this one, because this one is so delicious!” exclaimed Jessline, one of the regular customers at Buddies Cafe.
“As it is preserved cold for a long time, it sends a chill down the spine, literally. It is also served in a shot glassware which added to my curiosity and its 'vinegar kind of taste' lends it the complete effect. I basically recommend you to try it once, because the real Coimbatore Kombucha makes your day,” exults Rahul, another recent customers at Buddies Café.
“Kombucha is hygienically handcrafted,” reveals the CEO & Founder of Buddies Cafe, Nirmal Raj. "It is a growing craze in American and London societies. Understanding its health benefits, we have introduced it in Coimbatore for the first time," says the proud CEO. He adds, "It is recommended to drink only 500 ml at one shot. The price of the drink is only Rs.90 and doesn’t burden the common man's pocket.
In just three weeks after its launch in the city, we found Kombucha becoming a rage among the youth. Boys usually prefer the pineapple, while girls go with the raw flavour. And if you are wondering what the fermented floating particles in the bottle are, that's proof that it is live and original,” says Nirmal, with a sparkle in his eye.
Kombucha is now available only in the branches of Buddies Café, but will soon be made available in the open market to reach a wider audience.