Locally Crafted Kombucha Now Available in Grocery Stores

Mundelein-brewed Karma Kombucha tea is now available in many Chicago area grocery stores, including all Mariano’s, as well as several other grocers, health food stores, restaurants and bakeries. Owner Susan Fink, a 30-year food industry veteran, started Karma Kombucha in 2011, brews at her northwest suburban facility and is thrilled to announce the wider availability of the product.

“Our kombucha is fair trade and USDA Organic certified, and is made from four ingredients: filtered water, teas, cane sugar and cultures,” she states. “During the 20-to-30-day brewing cycle, most of the sugar is converted by the microorganisms to yield the beneficial acids. We don’t pasteurize or filter, to retain all the healthy microbes.”

Kombucha is a slightly crisp, tart, effervescent beverage made by fermenting tea. Its use has been recorded in China since 220 B.C., and with the resurgence of the fermented foods movement, kombucha has seen a tremendous surge in popularity. The finished drink contains beneficial probiotics for gut health and immunity, organic acids to aid digestion, and antioxidants.

Karma Kombucha comes in five varieties: Origins, Masala Chai, Mixed Berry, Pineapple Passion and Ginger Orange, plus new seasonal blends that include Orchard Peach, available this summer.

For local events and opportunities to taste the product, visit Facebook.com/Karmaboocha. For more information, visit Karmaboocha.com.