SCOBY

The lively acidic and fermented beverage that we’ve come to know and love as kombucha has become popularized in the U.S.

S.C.O.B.Y., the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast needed to produce kombucha, is a necessary by-product of the fizzy, good-for-you fermented tea that’s grown in popularity over the last few years. It’s not pretty: most scoby are disc-shaped (they grow to fit their containers, usually a large glass jar), rubbery feeling, and slimy looking, with the occasional grayish-brown strands that can result from yeast blooms.

Kombucha has been made and used in various forms by many cultures for centuries. If you don't know already, kombucha is fermented black tea and sugar or honey.

Good gut bacteria are essential to a healthy digestive system. When the bacteria get out of whack, we can experience a slew of health problems. Surprisingly, fermented foods are ideal in combating the bad bacteria and restoring our good gut bacteria. Lactobacillus is to thank when it comes to making fermented food gut-friendly. This particular bacterium plays a vital role in preventing the harmful bacteria from taking over. Restore your gut flora with one of these fermented foods.

Kefir