Where to get Kombucha: Fizzy goodness

The hype around kombucha is fairly recent, but did you know that this fizzy, fermented tea-based drink has ancient origins? First brewed in northeast China over 2,000 years ago, kombucha is said to impart a range of health benefits, from strengthening immunity to improving gut health.

Sasha’s Farms is a non-profit social enterprise that supports and promotes small and independent businesses like Kore Culture Labs, a fermenting café in Bali producing healthy kombuchas and sodas. Here are four reasons to give them a try.

#1 Packed with probiotics

Kombucha is a live-cultured sparkling drink traditionally made by brewing sugar, tea and “scoby”, which refers to symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. During the fermentation process, probiotics (S. Boulardii, Lactobacillus) are produced. These probiotics are said to improve gut health by reducing inflammation and boosting digestion. Fun fact: Sasha’s Farms’ founder Sasha Conlan drinks kombucha every afternoon!

#2 Impeccable ingredients

Kore Culture Labs’ kombuchas come straight from nature. You won’t find any nasties in these drinks, as only the best organic ingredients from Balinese farmers are used. Made with locally grown organic tea, fruit and a touch of cane sugar combined and fermented with filtered Bali rainwater, these are some of the most sustainable kombuchas in the world.

#3 Flavour and fizz

These kombuchas come in creative flavour combinations that are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. A must-try is the lemon ginger flavour, a blend of spicy ginger with zesty citrus, infused with tea. They’re also refreshingly fizzy, which makes them delicious for any time of the day – particularly as a pick-me-up on a hot afternoon!

#4 Low in sugar

When his father was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, Matt Cook, founder of Kore Culture Labs, discovered how important gut health is in boosting immunity and preventing diseases. His research revealed that many off-the-shelf kombuchas were loaded with sugar. So he decided to create his own version that’s lightly sweetened with just a touch of organic cane sugar. Vegan, unpasteurised and gluten-free, these drinks are a great alternative to sugar-laden sodas.

Supporting Small

Sasha’s Farms partners with small farmers that founder Sasha Conlan knows personally, so you get trusted, quality food products made with love. The initiative connects you straight to the small business; it’s a direct farm-to-table situation, which ensures farmers are paid fairly. Every purchase supports both the business, and the local community!

New on the site are ethically sourced granolas from Living Food Lab, a vegan food concept in Bali headed by Finnish vegan chef Pauliina. Try these wholesome granolas in innovative flavours like strawberry with dragonfruit, and ginger with pomelo

Shop the full range of sustainable and ethical products at sashasfinefoods.com/collections/sashas-farms.

This article first appeared in the April 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!