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Do you remember that feeling of pure satisfaction when you crack open a cold can of soda on a hot summer day? The refreshing fizz and instant gratification are the epitome of convenience. What if your favourite fermented beverage, kombucha, could offer the same level of on-the-go enjoyment?
Traditionally, kombucha has found its home in glass bottles. So, this raises the question: Can kombucha be canned and still retain its quality and health benefits? This blog is a guide to the world of canned kombucha, exploring its safety, practicality, and benefits. Come, let's liberate kombucha from its glass prison!
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that has gained popularity for its unique taste and potential health benefits. It is made by culturing sweetened tea with a living matrix of bacteria and yeast called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), which transforms the simple tea into a tangy, bubbly drink.
The fermentation process in kombucha takes place in two phases:
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First fermentation: The first fermentation lasts 7 to 14 days. Tea leaves are steeped in hot water, and sugar is added to create a nutrient-rich environment ideal for fermentation. The SCOBY is then introduced, and yeast within the SCOBY ferments the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Further, the bacteria convert this alcohol into organic acids, such as lactic and acetic acid. These reactions give kombucha its signature tangy taste and various probiotic benefits.
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Second fermentation: After the first fermentation, the kombucha is transferred into sealed bottles, where it undergoes additional fermentation for 2 to 4 days. Sealing the beverage traps carbon dioxide, which in turn carbonates the drink, adding to its fizzy sensation. During this phase, there's room for customisation—flavours can be introduced using fruits, herbs, or spices, allowing for a personalised brew.
Now you know what makes kombucha uniquely delicious. Next, let's dig into why storing it right is key to keeping that distinct flavour intact!
Importance of proper kombucha storage
If kombucha's taste had hit the right notes, you've probably experimented with making the drink at home. But has the excitement led you to brew several batches? How would you store it and enjoy its refreshing goodness for longer? Here's why storage is crucial to keep your homemade kombucha fresh and safe:
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The presence of active cultures: Kombucha, especially in its raw and unpasteurised form, is teeming with active living cultures. If left unchecked, these cultures can continue to ferment the drink. This can lead to excessive carbonation, potentially causing the bottles to explode or the kombucha to become overly fizzy and unpleasant to drink. Hence, it's essential to store kombucha in suitable containers and refrigerate it.
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Off-flavours: Due to ongoing fermentation, exposing kombucha to room temperature for too long can lead to an overly sour or vinegary taste. Properly sealing the bottle and refrigerating the drink helps retain its refreshing, light taste by preserving its balance of flavours and preventing it from becoming excessively acidic.
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Growth of harmful microorganisms: Improper storage can create an environment that encourages the growth of unwanted microorganisms, leading to spoilage and potentially making the kombucha unsafe to consume.
Did you know that mould exposure can wreak havoc on your gut? Listen to the video below, where an expert from The Good Bug talks about how toxic mould can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, worsening your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
As you've become a storage pro, let's consider the possibility of canning this bubbly delight!
Can kombucha be canned?
You might have seen it: Kombucha drinks lining supermarket shelves, each encased in glass bottles with a flip-top cap. This familiar image of tangy, fermented beverage has become the norm. But what if kombucha could also thrive in a can?
Canning, a time-tested food preservation technique, is gaining traction as a viable alternative for storing kombucha. But are you concerned about whether canned kombucha impacts the drink's quality? The answer lies in technological advancements that allow canning processes to balance fermentation and pasteurisation carefully.
The acidic properties of kombucha do not seem to pose significant risks of chemical leaching, particularly because it isn't exposed to high temperatures during canning. Canning, in fact, excels at preventing light and oxygen from entering, making it quite effective in preserving the probiotic benefits, flavour, and carbonation, contrary to what you might assume.
So, kombucha can be canned, but how is it better than glass bottles? Let's find out!
Also read: Does Canned Kombucha Need to Be Refrigerated?
Why is canned kombucha better than bottled kombucha?
Imagine yourself at the beach, hiking in the mountains, or enjoying a picnic in the park. Wouldn't it be more convenient to grab a can of kombucha from your bag than fumble with heavy glass bottles that are prone to breakage? Let's see why choosing canned kombucha is in your best interests:
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Environmental friendliness: Though glass bottles are recyclable, they take hundreds of years to decompose, potentially threatening the environment. On the other hand, aluminum cans are 100% recyclable and can be reused for new cans. Thus, they minimise waste and have a much lower environmental impact than glass production. They also require less energy to produce and transport, reducing their carbon footprint.
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Convenience and portability: Canned kombucha is undeniably more convenient for on-the-go consumption. Their compact size and lightweight design make them perfect for backpacks, gym bags, and picnics. Cans are also more durable than glass bottles, reducing the risk of breakage during travel or outdoor activities.
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Taste preservation: Cans provide a superior environment for preserving the delicate flavours of kombucha. The use of food-grade materials ensures the kombucha remains pure, without any unwanted chemical interactions that can alter its flavour profile. Specialised cans are designed to withstand the internal pressure of carbonated beverages and keep the fizz intact, ensuring every sip is as refreshing as the first.
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Protection from sun exposure: While glass bottles are aesthetically pleasing, they are susceptible to light exposure. Sunlight can penetrate glass and stimulate unwanted fermentation within the kombucha, potentially leading to off-flavours and degradation of nutritional content. Aluminum cans provide an effective barrier against sunlight and temperature fluctuations, ensuring the freshness and quality of the kombucha, whether you're enjoying it on a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening.
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Prevents contamination: The airtight seal created by the canning process ensures that the drink remains safeguarded against external impurities that could spoil its quality. This sealing method helps maintain fizziness and potentially extends the kombucha's shelf life compared to its bottled counterpart. Hence, you can enjoy your favourite kombucha at your convenience without worrying about it going bad before you have a chance to savour it.
So, are you ready to swap out those heavy bottles for some sleek cans? Here's your guide to making the best choice when it comes to canned kombucha.
Also read: Who Needs to Know the Health Benefits of Drinking Kombucha Daily
Tips for choosing canned kombucha
Canning can be a safe and effective method for preserving kombucha, but it's important to choose your canned kombucha wisely. Here are a few tips to ensure you're selecting high-quality and safe products:
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Look for cold-filled labels: When choosing canned kombucha, look for labels that indicate 'cold-filled.' This method preserves the quality of kombucha by ensuring that it is not exposed to high temperatures during the canning process, which could negatively impact its flavour and nutritional content.
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Refrigerate your canned kombucha. By storing kombucha in a refrigerated environment, the fermentation process is significantly slowed, mitigating the risk of excessive carbonation, which can lead to spills or bulging cans. Always ensure that the cans you choose have been refrigerated from store to home to maintain optimal safety.
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Check for signs of spoilage: Examine the can for any visible damage, such as dents, bulges, or leaks. Avoid consuming canned kombucha that shows signs of spoilage, as it may be contaminated and pose a safety risk.
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Pay attention to expiration dates: Always check the expiration date on the can and consume the kombucha before it expires. Consuming kombucha past its prime could mean encountering off-flavours or compromised safety.
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Consider the brand and reputation: Choose canned kombucha from brands with an established reputation for quality and safety. These brands will likely be more rigorous in their production processes and quality control measures. They might also invest in safe bottling processes and conduct rigorous testing to ensure they deliver a top-notch product free from harmful microorganisms.
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Taste test: Ultimately, the best way to determine if you enjoy canned kombucha is to try it! Sampling different brands and flavours can help you find your favorites and alert you to any potential issues with the product.
Now that you know kombucha can be canned, would you opt for a can instead of a bottle? Canned kombucha is sure to become the preferred way to experience this refreshing beverage on the go. With its convenience, portability, and environmental benefits, you can enjoy kombucha's probiotic goodness anytime, anywhere, guilt-free.
If you're eager to embark on this flavourful journey, try The Good Bug's kombucha drinks. With delightful varieties and flavours, you'll not only indulge in a delicious treat but also embrace its health benefits. Visit our website to discover their exquisite range and take a step towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle!
References
https://www.flyingembers.com/blogs/booch-bulletin/canned-kombucha
https://juneshine.com/blogs/news/canned-kombucha
https://newportcopacking.com/canning-bottling-kombucha/
https://www.canable.co/canning/kombucha
https://twinmonkeys.net/can-you-can-it-kombucha/
https://betterbooch.com/blogs/journal/aluminum-cans-vs-glass-bottles
