Difference Between Kefir and Kombucha

Key Difference – Kefir vs Kombucha

Kombucha and kefir are fermented drinks that are rich in organic acids, enzymes, beneficial microflora and vitamins. Both these beverages are known for various health benefits. Thekey differencebetween kefir and kombuchais their base;kefir is usually made of milk whereas kombucha is based ontea.Let’s examine the different features and properties of kefir and kombucha in this article.

What is Kefir?

There are two types of kefirs: milk-based and water-based kefir. However, many people know kefir as a milk-based product. Water kefir contains non-dairy liquid like coconut water that has been fermented. Milk kefir is made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep or camels.

This beverage is made by combining the milk with a live culture of kefir grains, a symbiotic culture ofbacteria and yeasts. The milk is allowed to ferment for 24 – 48 hours and is poured through a sieve to remove the kefir grains from the milk.

Water kefir is sweeter and cleaner tasting than milk kefir, which has a sour flavor, similar tobuttermilk. Before consumption, kefir can be flavored with fruits and sweeteners as well.

Kefir has a wide range ofprobioticsand can act as a digestive aid. It also strengthens your immune system. Kefir is also a rich source oflactic acidbacteria.

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented sweetenedgreen or black tea. The fermentation process involves is adding a combination of beneficial bacteria and yeast (known as SCOBY – “symbiotic ‘colony’ of bacteria and yeast”) to sweetened tea. Then this mixture is allowed to rest for 7 -21 days.

Kombucha is a sour, effervescent beverage, and tastes similar to a pungent sparklingapple cider. Since it is made of tea, it is a rich source ofcaffeine. The benefits of kombucha include providing B vitamins,probioticbacteria, and helping to detox the liver. It also acts as a digestive aid.

What is the difference between Kefir and Kombucha?

Base:

Kefiris made from water or milk.

Kombuchais made from green or black tea.

Fermentation Process:

Kefiris fermented using kefir grains.

Kombuchais fermented using a SCOBY.

Fermentation period:

Kefiris allowed to ferment for 24 – 48 hours.

Kombuchais allowed to ferment for 7-21 days.

Caffeine:

Kefirdoesn’t contain caffeine.

Kombuchacontains caffeine since it is made from tea.

Lactic Acid:

Kefiris a richer source of lactic acid bacteria than kombucha.

Kombuchahas less amounts of lactic acid bacteria than kefir.

Calcium:

Kefircontains a considerable amount of calcium.

Kombuchadoes not contain calcium.

Image Courtesy:

“1418212” (Public Domain) via Pixabay

“Kombucha Mature” By Mgarten at the English language Wikipedia(CC BY-SA 3.0)viaCommons Wikimedia