Good day Kombucha enthusiasts! Let’s embark on a journey back in time, to the heart of the Bohai Sea District, a stone’s throw away from Beijing. Here, we’ll unravel the enchanting tale of the birth of Kombucha. In fact, in Chinese, there are many terms for Kombucha. One of them is “haibao” which translates as “sea treasure”. As we know, this beverage that has captured the hearts of many across the globe. The Legend of the Sea Treasure may indeed how SCOBYs and Kombucha began.
In the heart of Bohai, a family-owned grocery and sundries shop bustled with activity. One day, a clumsy shop assistant, while rinsing a honey jar, inadvertently splashed some of the rinse water into a nearby earthen crock brimming with wine.
Over the ensuing days, an intriguing fragrance, a blend of sweet and sour, began to permeate the shop. This mysterious aroma piqued the curiosity of everyone who stepped foot in the store. Despite their best efforts, the source of this captivating scent remained elusive. Even the shopkeeper was left scratching his head in bewilderment.
As the week progressed, the shopkeeper instructed the assistant to sell the wine. Upon opening the wine jar, the assistant was taken aback. “The sweet-sour aroma is emanating from here!” he exclaimed. The crowd gathered around the jar, their eyes wide with curiosity.
The Birth of the First SCOBY
What they found was a thick, milky-white, sticky film sealing the mouth of the vessel. The sight of this first kombucha culture, coupled with the intoxicating fragrance, left everyone in awe. They believed they had stumbled upon a treasure birthed by the earthen jar itself.
During the sweltering period known as “The Hottest 30 days of the Year,” the parched assistant couldn’t resist the allure of the clear, sweet-tart nectar in the jar. He took a hearty gulp, savoring every drop as the onlookers watched with envy. The shop’s patrons each had a taste of the delightful liquid, and the assistant tried to recall his accidental recipe – honey, water, and time.
From that moment, the assistant replicated the process, creating more batches of the “sweet-tart vinegar.” The shopkeeper, who not only profited from this accidental discovery but also enjoyed the kombucha and the culture prepared cold with dressing, earned the moniker “Long Life Expert.” After living a long life of over 70 years, he shared his mysterious treasure with the world, ensuring its legacy lived on.
The Legend of the Sea Treasure – Kombucha
This tale might very well be the origin of what is now known as the “Sea Treasure.” To this day, families in the Bohai district continue to use this ancient technique. This is how they ferment their own vinegar using their “white vinegar moth” , or SCOBY.
So, dear reader, as we sip our kombucha today, let’s remember this charming tale of its origin. Could it be that the secret to a long life lies in this sweet-tart nectar? What do you think?
Thanks for reading up on the Legend of Kombucha. Check out other articles from GMK:
- The History of Kombucha
- Who Invented Kombucha?
- Kombucha’s Name Origins
- YouTube Video on How to Make Kombucha
