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NUTR 0204
The Art of Fermentation
Artisanal Kombucha
4 Hours
A comprehensive 4-hour workshop designed to introduce participants to the ancient art of kombucha brewing. This course combines traditional fermentation knowledge with modern culinary techniques, providing students with both theoretical understanding and practical skills to create their own probiotic-rich kombucha at home.
Course Overview
Explore the living art of fermentation by mastering artisanal kombucha, an ancient tonic prized for its beneficial probiotics, digestive support, and vibrant flavor profiles. In this engaging, hands-on workshop, students will gain foundational knowledge about kombucha fermentation, SCOBY care, ingredient selection, and creative flavor infusions.
The workshop combines scientific understanding with culinary creativity, ensuring participants develop both the technical skills and artistic approach needed for successful home brewing. Each session balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing students to immediately apply what they've learned.
By blending traditional wisdom with modern culinary creativity, participants will leave with their own crafted kombucha batch and the confidence to continue fermenting at home. This course is perfect for nutrition enthusiasts, home brewers, and anyone interested in expanding their repertoire of probiotic-rich foods.
Throughout the workshop, we'll explore the fascinating intersection of microbiology, culinary arts, and traditional wellness practices. Students will have ample opportunity to experiment with flavors, techniques, and approaches, developing a personalized kombucha practice that suits their taste preferences and wellness goals.
Learning Objectives
This course is designed with specific educational outcomes in mind, ensuring that every participant develops a comprehensive understanding of kombucha brewing and its applications. Each objective builds upon foundational knowledge to create a complete learning experience.
1
Historical and Health Context
Understand the history, cultural context, and health benefits of kombucha, including its origins in ancient China and its journey to becoming a modern wellness beverage. Participants will learn about the traditional medicinal uses and contemporary scientific research supporting kombucha's health claims.
2
Microbiology Fundamentals
Identify and explain the microbiology and fermentation process behind kombucha, including the symbiotic relationship between bacteria and yeast. Students will gain insights into how these microorganisms transform sweetened tea into a probiotic-rich beverage.
3
Brewing Techniques
Master basic and advanced brewing techniques for artisanal kombucha, from first fermentation to bottling. Participants will learn to manage fermentation variables such as temperature, time, and tea selection to achieve desired flavor profiles and probiotic development.
4
Flavor Creation
Create flavor-infused kombucha using herbs, fruits, and botanicals through secondary fermentation techniques. Students will explore creative combinations and seasonal ingredients to develop signature flavor profiles that enhance both taste and potential health benefits.
5
SCOBY Maintenance
Safely handle, troubleshoot, and maintain a healthy SCOBY culture for continuous brewing. Participants will learn to recognize signs of healthy fermentation, prevent contamination, and properly store and divide SCOBY for future batches.
6
Wellness Integration
Integrate artisanal kombucha into daily nutritional and wellness practices, understanding appropriate serving sizes, potential interactions, and customization for specific health goals. Students will develop a personal plan for incorporating homemade kombucha into their lifestyle.
Course Modules
The workshop is structured into four comprehensive modules, each building upon the previous to create a complete educational journey. These modules combine theoretical knowledge with practical application to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
Module 1: Introduction to Kombucha
  • History and global origins of kombucha from ancient China to modern popularity
  • Health benefits and nutritional properties including probiotics and organic acids
  • Overview of probiotic fermentation and its impact on gut health
Module 2: Kombucha Microbiology and Fermentation
  • Understanding SCOBY: Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast structures and functions
  • Fermentation chemistry and microbiology basics including acid production
  • Health and safety considerations in home fermenting to prevent contamination
Module 3: Crafting Artisanal Kombucha
  • Selecting tea varieties, sugars, and fermentation vessels for optimal results
  • Primary fermentation: Brewing your first batch with proper techniques
  • Secondary fermentation: Creating carbonation and infusing flavors
Module 4: Flavor Infusions and Advanced Techniques
  • Combining kombucha with herbal, botanical, and fruit infusions for creative flavors
  • Creative flavor pairings and seasonal ingredients to enhance taste profiles
  • Bottling, carbonation techniques, and storage practices for longevity
Each module incorporates both lecture and hands-on components, ensuring that participants gain theoretical knowledge while developing practical skills. Instructors will provide personalized guidance throughout each module, addressing individual questions and brewing challenges as they arise.
Hands-On Activities
The heart of this workshop lies in its practical, experiential learning opportunities. Participants will engage in carefully designed hands-on activities that reinforce theoretical concepts while building concrete skills in kombucha brewing and flavor development.
Brewing a Batch of Kombucha
Participants will prepare their own primary fermentation batch using quality ingredients and proper techniques. This activity includes:
  • Brewing and cooling the sweetened tea base
  • Adding the SCOBY and starter liquid
  • Setting up the fermentation vessel with proper covering
  • Learning to monitor fermentation progress
Flavor Infusion Workshop
Students will experiment with creating custom kombucha blends through:
  • Exploring complementary flavor combinations
  • Measuring and preparing botanical ingredients
  • Setting up secondary fermentation bottles
  • Learning to balance sweetness, acidity, and flavoring agents
Sensory Tasting Session
A guided exploration of various kombucha styles including:
  • Evaluating carbonation levels and mouthfeel
  • Identifying flavor notes and fermentation characteristics
  • Comparing commercial and artisanal varieties
  • Developing a personal flavor preference profile
Each activity is designed to build confidence through direct experience, allowing participants to overcome common challenges under expert guidance. Instructors will provide individualized feedback throughout the hands-on portions, ensuring that every student successfully completes each practical component.
By the conclusion of these activities, participants will have not only created their own batch of kombucha to take home and continue fermenting, but will also have developed the sensory skills and technical knowledge needed to experiment with confidence in their home brewing practice.
All necessary equipment and ingredients are provided, though participants are welcome to bring special ingredients they may wish to experiment with during the flavor infusion workshop, subject to instructor approval for food safety considerations.
Recommended Texts
While all essential information will be covered during the workshop, these carefully selected texts offer valuable supplementary knowledge for those wishing to deepen their understanding of fermentation arts. These books represent some of the most authoritative and accessible resources in the field of kombucha brewing and fermentation.
"Fermentation is co-creation with microscopic allies. Learning to work with these invisible partners opens a world of flavor possibilities and connects us to ancient food traditions."
These recommended texts cover everything from the scientific principles behind fermentation to creative recipe development, providing both beginners and advanced brewers with valuable insights and inspiration for their kombucha journey.
The Big Book of Kombucha
By Hannah Crum and Alex LaGory
This comprehensive guide covers brewing, flavoring, and enjoying the health benefits of fermented tea. With hundreds of recipes and troubleshooting advice, it serves as the definitive resource for kombucha enthusiasts of all levels.
Wild Fermentation
By Sandor Ellix Katz
A foundational text on fermentation arts that places kombucha within the broader context of fermented foods. Katz's accessible approach to microbial processes helps readers understand the living nature of fermented beverages and their cultural significance.
Assessment
This workshop employs a holistic assessment approach that values active participation, creative application, and personal reflection. Rather than traditional testing, we evaluate learning through engagement and demonstrated skill development.
1
Active Participation
Throughout the workshop, instructors will observe and provide feedback on each participant's engagement with:
  • Group discussions on fermentation principles and techniques
  • Questions that demonstrate critical thinking about the brewing process
  • Hands-on brewing activities and proper technique application
  • Collaborative problem-solving during troubleshooting exercises
This ongoing assessment ensures that all participants are developing foundational skills and understanding key concepts.
2
Creative Flavor Development
Each participant will create and present their personalized kombucha flavor infusion, demonstrating:
  • Application of flavor pairing principles learned during the workshop
  • Understanding of ingredient interactions and fermentation effects
  • Creative thinking in developing a unique flavor profile
  • Technical skill in proper preparation and infusion methods
Presentations will include a brief explanation of the flavor concept, ingredients chosen, and anticipated results.
3
Reflective Journaling
Participants will document their observations and insights throughout the brewing process, including:
  • Detailed notes on fermentation changes observed over time
  • Sensory experiences and tasting notes from sample evaluations
  • Personal reflections on challenges encountered and solutions found
  • Connections between workshop content and personal wellness goals
This reflective practice encourages deeper engagement with the material and helps solidify learning.
Successful completion of the workshop is based on active participation in all three assessment components. Instructors provide individualized feedback throughout the course, helping each participant identify their strengths and areas for continued growth in their kombucha brewing practice.
Materials Provided
To ensure that all participants can immediately apply their learning and continue their kombucha brewing journey at home, the workshop includes a comprehensive set of materials. These carefully selected resources provide everything needed to begin brewing artisanal kombucha with confidence.
The chart above represents the approximate value distribution of the materials provided in the starter kit. The brewing vessel and living SCOBY culture comprise the majority of the kit's value, as these are the essential components for successful home brewing.
Comprehensive Course Manual
Each participant receives a detailed, full-color manual containing:
  • Step-by-step brewing instructions with troubleshooting guides
  • Over 25 tested flavor infusion recipes for inspiration
  • Seasonal brewing calendars and ingredient pairing charts
  • Health information and serving suggestions
  • Resources for sourcing quality ingredients and equipment
Kombucha Starter Kit
A complete starter package for immediate home brewing including:
  • One healthy SCOBY culture in protective packaging
  • 8 oz of mature starter tea for proper pH balance
  • 1-gallon glass brewing vessel with breathable cover
  • pH test strips for monitoring fermentation progress
  • Samples of premium organic teas selected for kombucha brewing
Closing Reflection
As our workshop draws to a close, participants are invited to engage in a meaningful reflection process that helps integrate their learning into daily life. This final component transforms technical knowledge into practical application, ensuring that the art of kombucha brewing becomes a sustainable part of each person's wellness journey.
"How will you integrate the transformative art of kombucha fermentation into your wellness practices and daily rituals?"
This reflective question serves as a bridge between the workshop experience and ongoing practice, encouraging participants to envision how their new skills will enhance their approach to nutrition and wellbeing. The reflection process typically includes considering:
Brewing Schedule
Developing a sustainable rhythm for kombucha production that fits within existing routines and ensures a continuous supply of this probiotic beverage.
Nutritional Integration
Identifying specific health goals that kombucha consumption might support, from digestive wellness to immune function enhancement.
Social Sharing
Considering opportunities to share kombucha with family and friends, spreading both the culture and the knowledge of fermentation arts.
Creative Exploration
Planning for continued experimentation with seasonal ingredients and flavor combinations that reflect personal preferences and nutritional needs.
Continued Learning
Identifying resources and communities that will support ongoing education in fermentation techniques and applications.
This course provides the foundational skills and inspiration needed to sustain a vibrant, creative kombucha practice that nurtures personal health and wellbeing. As participants leave with their brewing vessels and newly acquired knowledge, they join a growing community of home fermenters who are reclaiming this ancient practice as part of modern wellness approaches.
Instructors remain available for follow-up questions via email for two weeks following the workshop, providing continued support as participants establish their home brewing practice. Many graduates find that kombucha fermentation becomes not just a culinary skill but a mindful ritual that connects them to food traditions while supporting their health goals.