Discover the Unique Flavor of Jalapeno Kombucha - The Brewery

The Unique Flavor of Jalapeno Kombucha

Kombucha has become an increasingly popular probiotic drink over the past few years. The tangy fermented tea offers a variety of health benefits, providing the body with essential probiotics, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, plain kombucha can become rather boring for seasoned booch drinkers. That's why many kombucha brewers have started experimenting with unique flavor combinations using ingredients like fruit, spices, and herbs.

One of the most intriguing kombucha flavors gaining popularity recently is jalapeno kombucha. The combination of the spice from the jalapeno peppers with the vinegar tang of kombucha makes for an exciting drinking experience. Jalapeno gives the booch a tasty kick that keeps you coming back for more sip after lip-puckering sip.

What is Jalapeno Kombucha?

Jalapeno kombucha is a variety of flavored kombucha made by adding jalapeno peppers during the second fermentation process. Brewers typically use a combination of jalapenos and other ingredients like fruit to make "jalapeno fruit booch". Some popular flavor combos are:

• Jalapeno strawberry kombucha
• Jalapeno pineapple kombucha
• Jalapeno watermelon kombucha
• Jalapeno grapefruit kombucha

The jalapenos infuse the kombucha with a hot, spicy kick while the fruit provides a sweet yet tart flavor. The contrast of the heat and sweetness makes for an exciting drinking experience.

Health Benefits of Jalapeno Kombucha

In addition to its unique taste, jalapeno kombucha offers some great health benefits just like other varieties:

• Probiotics - Kombucha contains several strains of healthy bacteria that support gut and immune health.
• Antioxidants - The fermentation process increases the antioxidant content which helps fight free radicals and inflammation.
• Vitamins - Kombucha made from black or green tea contains B vitamins which promote energy and focus.
• Detoxification - Certain acids in kombucha support the liver and kidneys in natural detoxification.
• Weight loss - Compounds in jalapenos may boost metabolism and reduce appetite when consumed regularly.

The capsaicin in jalapenos specifically has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer properties. The combination of the two makes this flavored booch great for overall wellness.

How to Make Jalapeno Kombucha

Making jalapeno kombucha at home takes some experimentation to find the perfect heat level and flavor balance for your tastes. Here is a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients

• 1 gallon finished kombucha
• 3 to 5 fresh jalapenos, sliced
• 1 cup chopped fruit (grapes, berries, mango, etc.)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

1. Prepare your jalapenos, fruit, ginger, and spices.
2. Filter out the SCOBY and as much yeast as possible from the kombucha.
3. Mix all ingredients together in a large glass jar or jug.
4. Allow to sit at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 3 to 5 days for second ferment.
5. The longer it ferments, the more spice and carbonation develops.
6. Taste frequently and bottle when it reaches the desired tartness and spice level.
7. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before drinking to allow flavors to meld.
8. Enjoy immediately chilled or allow to come to room temperature before drinking.

Be sure to use non-reactive brewing vessels like glass to prevent corrosion or metallic off-flavors. Feel free to adjust the jalapeno amount to suit your spice preferences. Start small and add more in future batches once you tolerance increases.

Where to Find Jalapeno Kombucha

Due to its increasing popularity, pre-made jalapeno kombucha is now showing up on shelves at health food stores and even mainstream grocery stores. Typically it can be found in the refrigerated section with other kombucha varieties. Be on the lookout for brands like Health-Ade, Humm, Brew Dr., and smaller craft kombucha brewers. Local homebrewers may even sell their creations at farmers markets too.

However, due to the delicate nature of the second ferment, the best tasting jalapeno kombucha is usually obtained straight from your own homebrew. That way you can control the exact ingredient amounts and fermentation time to suit your personal preferences. It takes some trial and error, but once you nail down your perfect recipe, you'll be hooked on the hot and tangy flavor.

Where to Enjoy Jalapeno Kombucha

Jalapeno kombucha isn't just for drinking at home. More and more restaurants, bars, and cafes are offering flavored kombuchas including hot varieties like jalapeno on their menus. Places to sample this spicy probiotic drink include:

• Specialty kombucha taprooms
• Health-focused cafes and juice bars
• Some Mexican restaurants offer it as a digestive aid
• Certain bars mix it into cocktails like Bloody Marias
• Yoga studios, fitness centers, and health food stores may sell it by the bottle
• Farmer's markets frequently have kombucha vendors and pop-ups

So next time you see a jalapeno kombucha on the menu, don't be afraid to try this daring flavor combination. The savory spice paired with the tangy sourness makes for an exciting new drinking experience. Your tastebuds and your gut will thank you!

Popular Uses for Jalapeno Kombucha

In addition to drinking it straight, people have come up with many creative ways to use jalapeno kombucha beyond being a probiotic beverage. Here are some popular ways to enjoy this spicy booch:

Cooking

Replace vinegar or wine with jalapeno kombucha when making:

• Salad dressings
• Sauces and marinades
• Deglazing pans
• Pickling vegetables
• Adding into soups, stews, and chilies

Cocktails

Mix it with tequila, vodka, rum or gin to make:

• Spicy margaritas and bloody mary's
• Moscow mule with a kick
• Hot and tangy mojitos
• Gin fizz with jalapeno bitters

Health and Beauty

Harness the power of superfood ingredients like probiotics, antioxidants and capsaicin by:

• Adding to your bath water to detoxify skin
• Using as a natural hair rinse to add shine
• Applying topically to sooth sunburns
• Freezing into popsicles for oral health

As you can see, the applications don't stop and drinking. Get creative and come up with your own unique ways to harness the flavor of jalapeno kombucha!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drink jalapeno kombucha everyday?

Yes, jalapeno kombucha is generally safe to consume daily in moderate amounts, about 8-16oz. While Kombucha offers many health benefits, too much can lead to side effects like digestive distress. Those sensitive to spicy foods may want to limit intake.

How long does homemade jalapeno kombucha last?

Properly stored, jalapeno kombucha lasts 3-6 weeks refrigerated. The spices help prevent mold but keeping air exposure minimal preserves carbonation and flavor. Consume within a few days after opening.

What's the difference between jalapeno kombucha and pepper kombucha?

While names my overlap on labels, jalapeno kombucha specifically uses fresh jalapeno chili peppers during brewing. Pepper kombucha is more general and may contain a blend of spices like cayenne, chipotle or habanero peppers for a pepper flavor.

Can you make jalapeno kombucha without fruit?

Yes, some people enjoy the flavor of straight jalapeno kombucha with no added fruit. However, the fruit helps balance out the heat. Adjust ingredients to your taste preferences or try a 50/50 combination for a balanced flavor.

FAQs

Can you make jalapeno kombucha without tea?

While most classic kombucha recipes use black or green tea, you can make jalapeno kombucha using herbal teas as the base instead. Good choices are hibiscus, rooibos or yerba mate tea. The key is to provide the SCOBY culture with polyphenols to feed on during fermentation.

What food pairs well with jalapeno kombucha?

The spice and tang of jalapeno kombucha goes great with Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine like tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and more. It also pairs nicely with barbeque, wings, chili and other fiery foods. The probiotics aid digestion too.

Can you use jalapeno kombucha as a meat marinade?

Yes, jalapeno kombucha has enough acidity to break down proteins similarly to wine, vinegar or lemon juice. Its savory, slightly garlicky flavor provides the perfect meat marinade to impart moisture and spice to steaks, chicken, pork chops and more.

What alcohol percentage does jalapeno kombucha have?

Most kombuchas contain less than 0.5% alcohol when following standard brewing guidelines. The FDA labeling threshold is 0.5%, so anything above would require an alcohol content label by law despite still being considered non-alcoholic.