What is Kombucha?

What’s fizzy, translucent green, tastes like carbonated grass and detoxifies your body while boosting your immune system? Kombucha, one of the latest additions to western alternative health foods.

Used for centuries in northeastern China, Kombucha is a naturally fermented beverage made from organic cane sugar, organic herbs and spices and pure water in combination with the Kombucha culture which is a cluster of healthy yeast and probiotics.

“Most companies have a plain version where it’s just Kombucha with sugar and water and flavor,” said Townes Mozer, a UNCW alumnus who started Lenny Boy Kombucha in 2011.

His Charlotte-based company sells locally to Lovey’s Market, Tidal Creek Co-op and Lighthouse Beer and Wine. Through years of experimenting with Kombucha as a hobby, Mozer has created different versions of the drink. His original blend includes green tea, jasmine, lemongrass, hawthorn berries, spearmint, orange, rose, licorice root, lemon verbena, chicory root and ginger.

Mozer became interested in Kombucha after graduating from UNCW in 2010. He spent time on the west coast and on an organic farm in Asheville, where he realized his college diet had damaged his health. Therefore, he researched restorative practices and foods. Kombucha is considered a functional food, because it provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition, he said.

“Once fermented, Lenny Boy combines antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, B-vitamins and a number of other health-producing properties. Lenny Boy started out as a hobby and became a way of life,” he said. The company is named after his six-year-old mutt, Lennox.

Kombucha lends itself to experimentation and flavor enhancement. Several companies offer starter kits and instructions on the Internet. 

“We have different seasonals: strawberry, blueberry, peaches, pears, apples. I want to do sweet potatoes and pumpkins,” Mozer said.

Lost Cove, a blend heavily concentrated with rose that helps to balance the body in the summertime heat, is one of his newest blends and includes lemongrass, lemon verbena and stinging nettles.

“Nettles is the number one herb for females; it’s high in calcium and magnesium,” he said.