The fermentation of the tea drink has a long tradition
In recent centuries, several legends and myths have accumulated around kombucha. Some even seem a little amusing. But they also show the long tradition of the drink with the unusual name and many healthy ingredients.
The tea drink is not a fad of recent years and not an invention of modern times. According to tradition, its birthplace is most likely somewhere in East Asia, Japan or China. For quite some time, the fermented beverage has been produced and consumed primarily in eastern regions, from Eastern Europe to Russia and India.
Chinese legend about Kombucha
For one, a Chinese legend states that the fermented tea drink originated around 247 BC - 221 BC. Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi had set his mind on achieving immortality. He commissioned an alchemist to brew a drink that would give him eternal life. The alchemist gave him kombucha. A few years after he got used to kombucha, he switched to pills and died. Well, if only he had stuck with natural medicine.
The Japanese doctor Kombu as namesake
However, the Japanese doctor Kombu may also be the namesake. The doctor with the name "Kombi-ha-chimu-kamu-ki-mu" is said to have been the last savior of the dying Emperor Inyoko in 414 AD. He administered a healing drink to the emperor. According to legend, this was an earlier form of the tea drink.
Japanese seaweed tea
The name Kombucha could also be derived from a Japanese seaweed tea "Kombu" - seaweed + "Cha" - tea = "Kombucha". For centuries, a small error may have crept into the tradition and the fermented tea has little to do with our tea drink today.
Japanese Samurai in the 10th century
Perhaps the Japanese Samurai in the 10th century AD also replenished their strength for the next battle with Kombucha. According to legend, the Samurai already carried the miracle drink on their hips at that time.
Today the tea drink is still on everyone's lips
Especially well-known in Russia and the Balkans. The various family recipes are closely guarded and passed down from generation to generation. Giving a newly formed mushroom culture to another household connects people there and strengthens the community.
The personal connection to Kombucha and appreciation of the special drink is evident in the countless nicknames
"Japanese Mother", "Russian Flower", "Jellyfish Tea", "Hero Mushroom", "Magic Mushroom"
One thing is for sure! There are countless loving stories about the drink, almost always revolving around its healing and vitalizing effects.
By drinking Kombucha, you are keeping an ancient tradition alive. If you even make the drink yourself, you are emulating the ancient Japanese and Chinese and keeping the magic of Kombucha alive.
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