Much like any superfood that gains rapid popularity, kombucha is a thing many people want to get their hands on without knowing exactly what it is. So, here is everything you need to know about this fermented tea, its health benefits, and why you should consider adding it to your diet. Let’s dive in!

What Is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a type of beverage that is made from green and/or black tea that’s combined with yeast or strains of bacteria and sugar. Once mixed, the liquid is left to ferment for one week or more. As the fermentation process progresses, a lumpy compound called SCOBY (in the picture below) forms at the top. This means the beverage is ready for flavoring. You can use herbs and spices, and fruits and juice to make it refreshingly delicious. For example, you can use grapefruit and ginger.

Why Is Kombucha Good for You?

While it’s fermenting, the liquid forms lactic acid bacteria that offer probiotic benefits, for instance, providing your gut with healthy bacteria. Furthermore, kombucha may reduce heart disease risk and even contains antioxidants, which are substances that fight free radicals, reactive molecules that can damage your cells.

Health Benefits

Possibly the most widely known benefit of kombucha is the antioxidants contained in the green or black tea’s polyphenols. These also have anti-inflammatory properties, which make the fermented tea the perfect beverage if you have a cold. Another health benefit of kombucha is the species of lactobacillus bacteria that is naturally found in the SCOBY. This helps introduce immune and digestive improvement properties in your gut flora. In addition to these, the caffeine and catechin found in green tea can speed up metabolism and promote weight loss.

This amazing stir-fry is a great choice for anyone looking for a quick, 10-minute recipe that’s sure to lead to a full and satisfying meal! All the ingredients are chopped into small bits so that they can cook quickly on high heat. A wok is always a great fit for this cooking technique, but a regular skillet will do as well.

What to Expect

This chicken stir-fry can be served with rice or eaten as a standalone dish. The chicken will be spicy and contrasted by the sweetness of the dates. Expect a crunchy texture from the celery and peanuts!

The Ingredients

• 1 pound of skinless chicken thigh meat
• 4 ounces of dates
• 6 scallions
• 4 celery stalks
• 4 garlic cloves
• A 2-inch piece of ginger
• One and a half cups of cilantro leaves
• 2 teaspoons and ¼ cup of soy sauce
• 2 ½ teaspoons of cornstarch
• Half a teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoon of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of sambal or sriracha
• Vegetable oil
• ¾ cup of roasted and salted peanuts

Cooking the Stir-Fry

In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, half a teaspoon of sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon of cornstarch, and half a teaspoon of salt. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces and stir into the marinade bowl, coating evenly. For the sauce, in a separate bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce with the sambal or sriracha, the rice vinegar, a teaspoon of cornstarch, a teaspoon of sugar, and a cup of water.

Finely chop the garlic and ginger, combining them in a small bowl. Remove the pits from the dates and cut dates, celery stalks, and scallions into half-inch pieces, combining in a bowl. Chop and set aside the cilantro leaves.

Over medium-high heat, set the skillet with vegetable oil. Fry ginger and garlic until aromatic and then add chicken, cooking for 3 minutes. Add the celery, dates, and scallions and cook for 2 minutes. Stir and add the reserved sauce, stir often until it thickens. Lastly, add the peanuts and chopped cilantro, reserving some for garnish. The dish is ready to serve!