What ingredients can be produced during kombucha fermentation?
To help you understand which acids, vitamins, and enzymes are associated with kombucha, we have taken a closer look at the individual components in this article.
Organic acids in kombucha
Amino acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and fulfill various functions in the human body. Whether and which amino acids are contained in a specific kombucha depends on the raw materials, culture, and fermentation conditions.
Succinic acid
Succinic acid, also known as succinate, is a naturally occurring organic acid and an intermediate in various metabolic processes. It can also be produced during microbial fermentations. Whether and in what quantity it occurs in kombucha depends on the culture and production.
Butyric acid
Butyric acid or butyrate belongs to the short-chain fatty acids. It can be produced by certain microbial metabolic processes. However, its presence cannot be generally assumed for every kombucha.
Acetic acid
The acetic acid produced during kombucha fermentation contributes to the acidic environment, which can hinder the growth of many undesirable microorganisms. Acetic acid is one of the characteristic organic acids from fermentation processes and significantly contributes to the typical sour taste of kombucha, as it is involved in the breakdown of sugar and starch.
Gluconic acid
Gluconic acid can be produced during the microbial conversion of glucose. Bacteria of the genus Gluconobacter can be part of certain kombucha cultures.
Glucaric acid
Glucaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid also found in various fruits and vegetables. In connection with kombucha, glucaric acid and related compounds have also been scientifically investigated.
Enzymes
Enzymes are biological molecules that enable or accelerate chemical reactions. During fermentation, microorganisms use various enzymes to break down and transform components of the starting product.
Catechins and other polyphenols
Polyphenols are natural plant compounds found in tea, among other things. How their composition and concentration change during kombucha fermentation depends on the initial tea, culture, and fermentation conditions and is scientifically investigated.
Vitamins
B Vitamins
The group of B vitamins includes various water-soluble vitamins. In scientifically examined kombucha samples, different B vitamins were detected depending on the raw materials and manufacturing processes. However, it cannot be concluded that every kombucha contains these vitamins in relevant quantities:
Vitamin B1
also known as thiamine. The body needs it to metabolize nutrients from our food and convert them into energy. Vitamin B1 also supports various nerve functions.
Vitamin B2
also called riboflavin, is an essential nutrient and contributes, among other things, to normal energy metabolism and the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin B3
also known as niacin, is an essential nutrient and contributes, among other things, to normal energy metabolism and normal nervous system function.
Vitamin B5
also called pantothenic acid, contributes, among other things, to normal energy metabolism and normal mental performance. Whether a kombucha contains relevant quantities must be determined for the specific product.
Vitamin B12
also known as cobalamin, contributes, among other things, to the normal formation of red blood cells and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Whether a kombucha contains relevant quantities must be analytically determined for the specific product.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin and must be obtained through diet. Vitamin C contributes, among other things, to the normal function of the immune system, normal energy metabolism, and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Kombuchery contains vitamin C from acerola.*
Live lactic acid bacteria
Depending on their composition, kombucha cultures can contain different bacteria and yeasts. Which microorganisms are present in the finished kombucha largely depends on the culture and manufacturing process.
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