Purple Magic

It never ceases to amaze us how many colorful edibles exist in our plant world, and how easily they can be used to not only add flavor to our kombucha, but create stunning colors too!  This beautiful color was the result of blending our original kombucha with pepino melon, lime and a few dried butterfly pea flowers! The longer it was in second ferment, the more vibrant and stunning the purple color became. Read on to see exactly how we achieved it!                              

Tea Base: Sencha + Assam
Second ferment ingredients (per 12 oz bottle): Dried butterfly pea flower (1.5 tblsp); Pepino Melon (1 tbsp); A splash of Lavender Syrup (1 tsp) or dried lavender buds {for our Lavender Syrup recipe, please click here}; Lime juice (1 tsp)

Process:
Brew your kombucha to your usual tart/sweet preference. Be sure you're using the cleanest possible water (spring water is best), and organic cane sugar (which we recommend buying in bulk)!

Mash up the meat of the pepino melon in a bowl into a paste, then add the lime juice (you can use fresh squeezed or bottled), along with your lavender syrup. Mix until everything is smooth and well-incorporated. If you can't get your hands on pepino, you can blend some cucumber with honeydew melon together for a similar flavor.

Pour the mix into your bottle, using a funnel. Add the butterfly pea flower by hand into the bottle. Pour in your finished kombucha, seal tightly, label and date, and set aside at room temp for 3-5 days.
Because this recipe uses high-sugar ingredients, expect your brew to be quite fizzy, and be sure to burp your bottle on day 2.
To burp: Open your cap or swing-top—very gently and slowly—to release a small amount of air, and quickly seal it back up, and continue to second ferment for an additional day or two.

Refrigerate, and enjoy! Since this recipe uses flowers, you will want to strain those out before pouring into a glass. We recommend a very fine mesh strainer like this one. Or pour off some of that finished, strained booch into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight for some gorgeous purple ice cubes to add to your drink of choice!

If you're just starting on your brewing journey, be sure to be sure to check out our kit, scobies and book a home-brewing session with us!