Organic Raw Kombucha Tea (v,o,sf,gf)

Kombucha: a New & Refreshing Beverage Sensation

Allergen Info: vegan, soy-free, organic, gluten-free

Health Benefits: supports digestion, metabolism, immune system, appetite control, weight control, liver function, body alkalinity, anti-aging, cell integrity, and healthy skin & hair

Product Information:
Kombucha is a handmade Chinese tea that is cultured/fermented for 30 days. This process enables essential nutrients to form, including active enzymes, viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols. The fermentation process may also result in less than 0.5% alcohol content.

The GT's company that makes Kombucha says that these nutrients combine to "create an elixir that immediately works with the body to restore balance and vitality". GT began selling the tea after it helped his mother who was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. For more information, visit the website: www.GTSkombucha.com

PRODUCT REVIEW:
The eye-catching packaging and list of health benefits are what inspired us to pick up the first bottle of Kombucha (Organic Raw in Original flavor) from our local Wegmans. Upon first sip, I was caught off-guard by the sparkling sensation on my tongue. There are bubbles in there! It immediately reminded me of a sparkling asian pear alcohol that I used to drink, and I was an immediate fan. I realized that my asian alcohol was probably created in much the same way that this tea is, but the fermentation process of the tea is cut short so no more than 0.5% alcohol is in the beverage. It is unlike any other tea drink I have every tried. In addition to the effervecent kick, it is tart and a bit like light apple cider vinegar. I will say that this may be an acquired taste for some. It is certainly a fun drink - it must be cold and is probably best enjoyed by sipping, since the bubbles inhibit any urge to gulp the bottle down.

There are other flavors available, and although I was a quick fan of the Original flavor, the Multi-Green that we purchased the subsequent day was more than my palate could handle. I have never been a fan of spirulina, so the multi-green and I were bound not to get along. However, this flavor is undoubtedly healthy for you, so if you are a spirulina and algae fan, I encourage you to give it a shot. As for me, I think I will stick to the less green options like the cranberry Synergy drink that has 5% fruit juice mixed in.

I found the company website to be very interesting and informative, and I would encourage you to visit it and learn more. I found it interesting that the tea is really "living" and because of that, each bottle is unique. The flavor and sparkle from one bottle to the next can differ, making it an adventure each time you open a bottle. There may also be "floaters" in your drink - but don't freak out - they are healthy for you and a sign that your bottle is very much alive and ready to help you get balanced! Although I have not used this for appetite suppression or weight control, the company does say that adding the tea to a meal could decrease hunger, or you could use it to replace a meal altogether, enabling you to feel satisfied and balanced without feeling like you are starving.

I am thoroughly enjoying my Kombucha tea and the wonderful and immediate effect it seems to have on my body. After each sip, I feel a bit more alert and refreshed. This may be attributed to sparkling bubbles, or the tea's ability to restore my vitality and balance as the company says, either way I like it. I am very pleased to find such a unique item on the shelves of my local Wegmans. I encourage you to pick one up and experience the new and unique sensation that Kombucha has added to the beverage aisle.