World Kombucha Day

World Kombucha Day is celebrated by kombucha consumers, brewers, and retailers, providing an opportunity for them to connect and to share their love of kombucha. The day also honors the heritage of kombucha: kombucha is said to have been invented in 221 BCE, during the Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE), which is why World Kombucha Day is celebrated on 2.21, or February 21. The aim of World Kombucha Day goes beyond this and "is also to raise awareness around symbiosis and interconnectedness; diversity and inclusion; our bonds as humans and stewards of the planet."

In creating World Kombucha Day, Kombucha Brewers International, a trade association protecting and promoting over 350 commercial kombucha brewers, and Kombucha Kamp collaborated "to honor the ancient heritage of this traditional, fermented tea." Alex LaGory—who, along with Hannah Crum, is both involved with and a founder of Kombucha Brewers International and Kombucha Kamp—had the idea for the day in 2016, but at the time was focusing on the release of his book The Big Book of Kombucha, with Crum. They brought the idea back in 2019, as a way to promote and celebrate kombucha around the world through Kombucha Brewers International, and it was first celebrated the following year. On the first World Kombucha Day, brewers around the world offered free kombucha and education, and the day continues to provide the opportunity for retailer happy hours and coupons and discounts for consumers.

According to legend, Qin Shi Huang, leader of the Qin dynasty from 221-210 BCE, sought out kombucha, requesting his alchemists to develop a longevity elixir for him. At the time of its creation, it became known as the "Tea of Immortality." It is believed to have made its way to the rest of the world by way of the Silk Road, spreading alongside tea.

While kombucha may not extend life, at least not to the point of immortality, it is a health and wellness drink. It is made by adding a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) to a green or black tea and sugar solution. It ferments for a week or more, the cultures metabolizing the sugar and tea, and the result is a fizzy drink with a sweet-but-tart flavor. It may be mixed with fruit, fruit juices, spices, and herbs, and be given additional fermentation. Kombucha contains antioxidants, B vitamins, organic acids, and probiotics, and less than one-third the sugar of soft drinks. There is some evidence it supports digestive and immune health, and some believe it is beneficial for other reasons, but more research needs to be done to back claims.

Kombucha is most prevalent in China, Korea, and eastern Europe, especially in rural Russia. It gained some popularity in the United States during the late 1980s and early '90s because it was thought it could be used to support compromised immune systems at a time when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was ravaging the country. Interest waned in part because of a CDC report that connected the drink to two cases of severe metabolic acidosis. But kombucha has gained in popularity in the United States since the early twenty-first century, its resurgence stemming from its supposed health properties and interest in probiotics and fermented food. It is often brewed at home, but there were over 1,700 commercial brewers worldwide by the creation of World Kombucha Day, and the number continues to grow.

How to Observe World Kombucha Day

• Attend a World Kombucha Day event. Check for events at retailers and taprooms and keep a lookout for discounts and specials in honor of the day.
• Enjoy some kombucha. It's a great day to sample many different brands! Access the Worldwide Directory to get ideas. Some of the most well-known brands are Better Booch, Brew Dr., GT's Living Foods, Health-Ade, Humm, and KeVita.
• Have a kombucha cocktail or mocktail, or drink some hard kombucha.
• Post photos of the kombucha you are drinking—your homebrew or your favorite brand—along with social media tags and a message about how kombucha has impacted your life.
• Brew your own kombucha. Pick up a homebrew kit to get started.
• Hand out bottles of your kombucha to your friends, introduce kombucha to someone who has never had it, or host a kombucha tasting.
• If you are already a master brewer, perhaps this is the day to make the jump to become a commercial brewer.
• If you represent a kombucha brand, give out free kombucha or hold a tasting event at a favorite retailer, your taproom, or a farmers market. You could give kombucha brewing demos, release new types of kombucha, or donate a portion of your sales from the day to a cause.
• Check out Kombucha Kamp for kombucha brewing supplies, recipes, and more. In past years, they have offered giveaways, prizes, and sales on World Kombucha Day.
• Explore the Kombucha Brewers International website.
• Read The Big Book of Kombucha.
• Raise awareness about symbiosis, interconnectedness, diversity, inclusion, and our bonds as humans and stewards of the planet.
• Attend the next KombuchaKon.

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