basil Archives - The Booch Witch

Virgo Season is August 23 – September 22, and this Earth sign has high standards, yet is practical and patient. The Virgo Maiden Kombucha is sweet and practical, with the keenest eye for small details.

The Virgo Maiden Kombucha features fresh garden basil and Aronia berries, which are plentiful in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area.

Aronia berries – dried, organic (6 berries)
Basil – fresh leaf (1, if using dried ¼ tsp.)
Cranberries – thawed, frozen (3 berries) *find these in most grocery stores in the fresh or frozen section.

Aronia berries can be found at any local co-op or natural food store in the bulk section. These little berries are a known superfood because they hold so many powerful antioxidant benefits. The dried berries store well and make a unique, sweet, and beneficial addition to homemade kombucha anytime.

Leftover picnic goodies are a dream come true for homemade kombucha… especially watermelon and juicy strawberries. When prepping flavors for kombucha, “over-ripe” fruit like juicy watermelon and strawberries lend well to strong flavor development. Turn to your leftovers or your grocery store’s “day-old” produce section for other winners like peaches, pears, and even tomatoes!

The fruity pairing of watermelon, strawberry, and a slight touch of basil combines well in fermentation and develops into a most refreshing summer kombucha. What’s naturally sweeter than that combination?

Strawberry – thawed, frozen, or fresh (1+ tbsp)
Watermelon – fresh or dehydrated (1 tbsp)
Basil – fresh leaf (1, if using dried ¼ tsp.)

I love popping this one open before I commute home on a warm, late-summer day. I always give yours truly a compliment after the first sip! Follow my dehydrated fruit tips and tricks in other recipes featured to make Summer Picnic Kombucha year-round!