Night skies, especially clear in the winter, are a treat to gaze upon. This special recipe calls on fresh starfruit and pears to create a delicious medley of flavors for Starry Night Kombucha.
Starfruit – thin slices, cut into small pieces (2 tbsp.)
Fresh ginger – a dime to penny-sized slice (1 tsp.)
Pear – fresh and juicy, diced (1 tbsp)
Nutmeg – one dash
Starfruit is a tangy, somewhat sour fruit that is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C and beta carotene. Starfruit can be expensive – be sure to look in your grocery store’s “day-old” section for over-ripe produce.
I found this starfruit at my local co-op for about a dollar. I washed the fruit well and cut off the brown spots.
Dehydrate any leftovers for a cute pick-me-up starry snack any time of year!
Sagittarius Season is November 23 – December 21 and those with a Sun sign in Sagittarius have super high emotional intelligence and can light up any room. With this in mind, I developed Sagittarius Smile Kombucha as a liquid representation of that happy-go-lucky exterior.
Sagittarius Smile Kombucha tastes a bit like ginger ale and is packed with antioxidants. Thanks to sweet and delicious pineapple, it also offers some Vitamin C. Boost this baby up with freshly or powdered turmeric and ginger root powder. Add just a crack of black pepper to finish Sagittarius Smile Kombucha for a perfect finish.
Scorpio Season is October 24 – November 22. Scorpios are said to be one of the most interesting signs because of their intensity, secrecy, and depth.
Therefore, Scorpio Spirits Kombucha features plenty of juicy cherries. Cherries, ruled by Venus, draw energy to loving matters. Frozen cherries can be found at most grocery stores and co-ops, and when frozen, make a decadent and natural kombucha flavor. As you prepare this recipe, think about the love in your life that you have to be grateful for.
Cherry – thawed frozen, or fresh (2 tbsp)
Fresh ginger – a dime to penny-sized slice (1 tbsp)
I enjoy fresh muskmelon or two from the local farm stand every summer. A juicy, sweet fruit, muskmelons are good sources of potassium, which helps promote healthy blood pressure.
Being a small family of two, we always have leftovers whenever an entire melon is purchased. Good thing melons of all types make a delicious natural kombucha flavor, as featured in this recipe! In this recipe, you can use any of your favorite melon varieties to create a magical kombucha of your own ????
Melon Magic Kombucha is completed with our favorite, dependable booch-zinger: ginger. A generous portion of tangy hibiscus leaves this one of the quickest homemade brews you can make while emptying your fridge ????
Melon – freshmuskmelon (1+ tbsp) or dehydrated (1.5 tsp – see advice below)
Hibiscus – dried culinary petals (6 petals)
Ginger – fresh, powdered, or crystallized (small chunk, about ½ tbsp)
Muskmelon also dehydrates nicely. Melons are SO moist that you are left with a super-concentrated, super-sweet fruit when dehydrated. It kind of tastes like an earthy version of a sweet mango.
Plus, dehydrated melon is a convenient kombucha flavor trick when you cannot access fresh produce.
Recently, during a home renovation, I needed to move my kombucha station downstairs, and I couldn’t access a full kitchen for two months. With limited access to a fridge, sink, etc…. even cutting boards! I needed to be efficient. I used every last bit of the dehydrated melon I had on hand over six weeks, and the kombucha was absolutely delicious. Be resourceful and utilize your own reliable dehydrated favorite fruits to keep on hand for when you may need them. Love you future self♥
Be sure you follow my advice: When using dehydrated fruit in kombucha, you will want to use about HALF of the called-for fresh amount. Use it sparingly – a little goes a long way.
Perk up with this fresh, healthy and easy kombucha perfect for summer. Fresh oranges, a splash of orange juice mix together with special flowers and herbs for a magical summery kombucha.
Calendula, an annual flower that re-seeds when happy, can easily be grown in a home garden pot. Dried petals make a zesty partner with citrus in this flavorful summer favorite. Good-ole stand-bys like fresh ginger and dried lemon verbena make this incredibly cheap kombucha look and taste like a million bucks.
The orange and yellow flowers of calendula are ruled by the Sun and come with many beneficial properties. Kombucha homebrewers and shoppers can also find dried calendula petals, also known for promoting healthy skin, in natural grocery stores and co-ops. Look for calendula on the ingredient label in retail face washes.
Calendula – dried petals (1 tsp)
Orange Juice – fresh juice (about 1 tbsp)
Ginger – fresh, powdered, or crystallized (small chunk, about ½ tbsp.)
Orange – fresh juice or cut-up segments (about 1 tbsp)
Lemon verbena – fresh or dried (About three leaves, smudged between fingers to release the delicious essence)
You may not expect it, but bananas are REALLY good in homemade kombucha. Bananas are an easy fruit to keep on hand. They are high in potassium and come in their own little carrying case for convenient snacking year-round!
Bananas pair really well with juicy, tangy fruits (or even peanut butter!) in homemade kombucha. Enjoy my special recipe, inspired by my friend and financial advisor, Kari Drasic.
Banana – sliced into narrow, long pieces (about ¼ banana, or 1 ½ tbsp)
Fresh ginger – a dime to penny-sized slice (1 tbsp)
Substitute strawberries for any sweet fruit and try your own creation. Blueberry banana! Kiwi Banana! Cherry Banana! Orange Banana! Pineapple Banana! (you get the drift ????)
Cancer Season is June 22-July 22, and this special Earth sign is ruled by the Moon. People born under this sign tend to enjoy the comforts of home and nurturing the people they love ????
Strawberries are in season in Wisconsin at the end of June and into July, perfect timing for the Cancer zodiac season. Buy a full flat from your local farmers and at farm markets. Clean and freeze leftovers in freezer-safe bags, or dehydrate them!
Fresh ginger and cilantro flatter the sweetness of Sweet Crab Kombucha into an ultra-summery drink.
Strawberry – fresh or frozen and thawed (1+ tbsp); dehydrated (1 tsp)
Cilantro – fresh sprig (about 1 tbsp)
Ginger – fresh, powdered, or crystallized (small chunk, about ½ tbsp.)
Tell me more about dehydrated strawberries! Strawberries are JUST INCREDIBLE when dehydrated. The sweet little berries should be sliced and laid out in a single layer on a dehydrator until crisp and dry.
Store dried strawberries in an airtight container (like a mason jar) in a cool dark area (like a basement). They should keep for well over a year and can be utilized in all sorts of recipes throughout the year. Just keep in mind they are dehydrated and pack a powerful punch.
When using dehydrated fruit in kombucha, you will want to use about HALF of the called-for fresh amount. Use it sparingly – a little goes a long way. I usually put a spoonful in my mouth during the cold days of January and mentally escape to the sweet summer vibes provided by Cancer season and the delicious strawberry.
Kombucha brewers often ask me: “What’s your favorite booch flavor?” Raspberry Ginger Kombucha is a special, slightly sweet, and always reliable recipe. And oh my- the results are faithfully fizzy, and refreshing.
Just perfect. Tastes like a million bucks, and costs pennies.
This simple recipe can be made in a pinch if you regularly keep frozen raspberries and fresh ginger on hand. Fresh ginger has many health benefits and can help increase immunity and aid digestion. Fresh ginger root can be found in most grocery stores, and substituted with powdered ginger or even candied and crystallized ginger!
Raspberry – fresh or frozen and thawed (1 ½ tbsp)
Ginger – fresh, powdered, or crystallized (small chunk, about ½ tbsp.)
Add a squirt of lemon juice, lime juice, honey if you want to explore :)
We know April showers bring May flowers – let’s utilize springtime edible flowers like pansies and violets to make a truly special kombucha! When grown and harvested without fertilizers, these flowers are edible and fun to implement in kombucha, such as Crystal Visions Kombucha.
Add these homegrown petals to this special recipe; they lend a deep, sweet flavor. A small chunk of crystallized ginger is the hidden star of this very special kombucha. Utilize frozen fruits like strawberries and cherries in this homemade kombucha to round out the flavor as you make room for the incoming harvest ahead.
Violets and/or pansies – dried (1 flower)
Crystallized ginger – 1 chunk, about the size of the tip of your pinky finger
Strawberry – fresh, or frozen and thawed (1 tbsp)
Cherry – fresh, or frozen and thawed (1 tbsp)
Dried, culinary rose petals (1 tbsp – optional)
More on Violets and Pansies
Pansies and violets are said to be natural protectors of a garden. I like to plant some pots around my garden’s perimeter to keep negative spirits away. I habitually place pots of violets and pansies in cool patches. The pots help me ensure they aren’t affected by fertilizers, and flowers pop up annually in a vast array of blues and purples.
When the blossoms are full, pop off the heads at the base with your thumb.
Place flowers in a colander and rinse off thoroughly.
Arrange flowers in a single layer on a dry paper towel and place them in an undisturbed area, allowing the petals to dry fully.
As a note, violet and pansy roots are not edible! But they sure are cool to look at.
Violets and pansies leaves can be used raw – add them to salads and charcuterie boards for a special flair! I prefer to add dried leaves to kombucha and hot tea.
Taurus Season is April 20-May 20, and this Earth sign loves Mother Nature. My own sun sign, of course, I’m going to share the grounded and earthy flavor of The Star Bull Kombucha. Enjoy the unique flavor of this recipe from my heart on behalf of the most reliable and loyal signs. Uncorking and sipping outdoors, barefoot, is preferred????
It might be a little different than other kombuchas ❤
Raspberry is a star of The Star Bull Kombucha, with complements of other essential Earth flavors like wheatgrass, juniper berries, fresh ginger, and lemongrass. Matcha tea powder gives an energy and down-to-earth caffeine kick! I usually purchase these ingredients at Wisconsin co-ops like Basics in Janesville and the Viroqua Food co-op. With each sip, your tastebuds will be taken on the journey of Zeus’ creation of the Taurus constellation ????
Wheatgrass – fresh stalks, juice, or powdered (½ tbsp.)
Juniper berry – dried and crushed to release the magic (one or two berries)
Matcha tea – dried powder (1 tsp.)
Ginger – fresh, powdered, or crystallized (small chunk, about ½ tbsp.)
Raspberry – 1 tbsp., frozen and thawed
Lemongrass – optional – dried or fresh
More on Taurus
According to Greek mythology, Zeus disguised himself as a beautiful white bull to seduce Europa. While she was petting him, he whisked her off to the island of Crete and romantically and sexually ravished her (*), producing three sons, one being Minos. Minos became a King and Zeus was happy enough with the results. Therefore, he produced the Taurus constellation in the night sky! ????????
*In rose-colored glasses, this was consensual for Europa.
Would you like to look for the Taurus constellation in the night sky? I use Orion’s Belt as a guide and then seek out the bright red star Aldebaran, which represents the Bull’s fiery eye.
This recipe calls for fresh wheatgrass, which can be purchased at any natural food store, as mentioned above. Just give the grass a fresh rinse, and cut it with clean scissors.
Wheatgrass is also a rewarding and easy grass to grow indoors any time of year. Sprinkle seeds in a well-draining shallow pot with potting soil, and you will have wheatgrass for two+ cuttings (mine usually go through three before I start over). Seeing fresh grass growing indoors is a treat any time of year.
Make your own protein-packed smoothies at home by blending the fresh wheatgrass cuttings, yogurt, spinach or kale, and your favorite frozen fruit. So healthier, quicker, and wayyyy cheaper to make at home ????
