Turmeric, Lemon & Ginger could be our most powerful kombucha yet.
Find out what makes this liquid gold brew a functional powerhouse as we take a turmeric deep dive. And you won’t even end up with bright yellow fingers.
Turmeric is a fascinating plant with a long history of use both as a spice and for its potential health benefits.
Turmeric (scientific name: Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and is native to Southeast Asia, particularly India. The part of the plant that’s commonly used is the rhizome, which is the underground stem that looks similar to ginger. Slice into a turmeric rhizome and you’ll find a bright golden yellow flesh with a warm, earthy flavour and a slightly bitter edge.
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine (like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) due to its wide range of purported health benefits. It is also a staple in Indian cooking.
Functional benefits of turmeric
The primary active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which is responsible for its functional benefits.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Turmeric can help manage and reduce inflammation, which is why it’s often recommended for conditions like arthritis.
• Antioxidant effects: Curcumin is a potent antioxidant, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage. This can slow down aging processes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Supports brain health: Some studies suggest that turmeric may help improve brain function and could play a role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Curcumin is thought to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the growth of new neurons.
• Digestive health: Turmeric is commonly used to aid digestion. It can help reduce symptoms of indigestion, bloating and wind. Some studies have also suggested that turmeric could help with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Improved joint health: Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric can be very helpful for reducing symptoms of joint pain and stiffness, particularly in osteoarthritis.
• Mood and mental health: Some studies suggest that turmeric may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The anti-inflammatory effects are believed to play a role in this.
The kombucha effect
We’ve wanted to make a Turmeric kombucha for quite a while. We all know the probiotic benefits of kombucha and when you add turmeric to the mix, you’re getting an extra boost of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
91̽»¨ helps support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (gut flora). Adding turmeric, especially for its curcumin content, can amplify the health benefits, particularly related to reducing inflammation, supporting digestion, and improving overall immunity. The combination of probiotics and curcumin creates a synergistic effect that may enhance your digestive and immune system health.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Boost: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which means when added to kombucha, it may help reduce inflammation in the body, boost your immunity, and even support brain health. If you have conditions like arthritis, turmeric’s anti-inflammatory action may complement the gut-health benefits from kombucha.
Ìý
Finding the flavour balance
Turmeric has an earthy mildly spicy flavour with a slightly bitter edge. Our Head Brewer, Rupert, experimented with many recipes before he perfected our Turmeric, Lemon and Ginger kombucha.
- Ginger: Cousins, ginger and turmeric are often combined in Eastern food cultures. Both have anti-inflammatory properties and add a zingy, warming flavor.
- Citrus: We added organic Sicilian lemon juice to balance turmeric’s earthiness and create brightness on the palate.
Black Pepper: Piperine (found in black pepper) enhance the absorption of curcumin and adds an unexpected spicy kick to this vibrant kombucha.
