What Is Organic Raw Kombucha?
Shopping for healthy, nutritious, wellness-enhancing products can be intimidating — and buying kombucha is no different! With so many terms used to describe products like kombucha — including organic, raw, and pasteurized — it can be difficult to keep up with exactly what these terms mean, and what terms to look for when buying kombucha. But we’re here to help! Here, we’ll look at what it means when we refer to our kombucha as organic and raw, and address a few questions you may have about how organic raw kombucha can have an impact on your overall health and wellness.
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a sparkling beverage made by fermenting tea and sugar with a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, also known as a SCOBY. Kombucha contains living cultures, polyphenols (antioxidants) and organic acids known to improve gut health, digestion and strengthen the immune system. Our kombuchas are made with all-natural, organic ingredients, making them delicious and refreshing, in addition to being good for you. Because it is a fermented beverage, kombucha contains trace amounts of alcohol — generally, less than 0.5%. It also contains a very small amount of caffeine, since it is made with black, green, white or oolong teas.
A real kombucha is always raw and unpasteurized, meaning it is not heated to the point of killing all the beneficial bacteria. But we’ll get into this more later…
What Does Organic Mean?
The word “organic” is one of the most popular terms in food and nutrition — but it can be difficult (if not impossible!) to know exactly what it means. In Canada, food and beverages receive organic certification from the Government of Canada when those foods and beverages adhere to strict standards. Canada’s organic certification standards are some of the strictest in the world. They place limits and prohibitions on the use of toxic and persistent pesticides; synthetic fertilizers; the routine use of drugs, antibiotics or synthetic hormones; animal cloning; genetic engineering (“GMOs”); sewage sludge (“biosolids”); and irradiation. In addition, Canada’s organic standards also prohibit the use of artificial food colours, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives, and other processing aids and ingredients.
Is RISE Kombucha Organic?
Yes! RISE Kombucha is certified organic by Québec Vrai, meaning that our ingredients have met strict standards in order to provide you with a natural, refreshing, healthful beverage that you can trust!
Raw Vs. Pasteurized Kombucha
Pasteurization is the process of heating foods or beverages to eliminate pathogens and extend shelf life. Pasteurization is a common process in the dairy industry. Some kombucha is pasteurized to kill off harmful pathogens, but pasteurizing kombucha can also eliminate one of the most important benefits of kombucha by killing its living cultures!
RISE Kombucha is raw and unpasteurized, meaning it contains all the healthy bacteria that develop during the fermentation process and we aren’t adding lab-manufactured living cultures at the end of production.
Organic Raw Kombucha FAQ
Is Organic Raw Kombucha Safe?
Yes! Organic, raw kombucha is a completely safe beverage — just as safe as eating yogurt or kefir. The brewing and fermentation processes we use to create RISE Kombucha safeguards against the development of harmful pathogens, while encouraging the growth of healthy living cultures. Our kombuchas are tested over 100 times from brewing to bottling, to ensure the highest quality standards are met.
However, some healthcare professionals may suggest that consuming kombucha during pregnancy may not be advisable since pregnant women are discouraged from consuming unpasteurized products in general, in addition to products that contain alcohol or caffeine. It’s best to discuss any concerns about kombucha and pregnancy with your doctor.
Is Organic Raw Kombucha Good For You?
Yes! Because RISE Kombucha is certified organic, you can be assured that our beverages are created with all-natural ingredients that are pesticide- and fertilizer-free, non-GMO, and that our kombucha contains no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. In addition, because RISE Kombucha is raw, it’s jam-packed with the gut health-boosting living cultures that might otherwise be killed during the pasteurization process.
When Is The Best Time To Drink Organic Raw Kombucha?
Kombucha can be enjoyed any time of day! With just five to seven grams of sugar in our Classic line, RISE Kombucha is a great, delicious alternative to sugary beverages. Our variety of flavours make kombucha perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, whether you prefer the early-morning zing of Fresh Ginger or a calming evening sip of Lychee & Jasmine. Your body will take advantage of its organic and all-natural ingredients and health-boosting living culture morning, noon or night.
Click here to find out where you can purchase a bottle (or two!) of raw and organic RISE Kombucha!
