Kombucha, a fermented beverage with a rich historical background, is lauded for its numerous health benefits. While somewhat disputed, its origins are thought to be rooted in natural fermentation processes, possibly discovered accidentally by early humans. Alternatively, it is suggested that the beverage originated from the Bohai Sea of China during the Qin Dynasty, initially known as "immortal tea", before spreading along the Silk Road to regions such as Japan and Russia. The nomenclature "kombucha" was purportedly named after Komu-ha, who introduced the beverage to Japan.
Scientific interest in kombucha burgeoned in the 20th century, with notable studies dating back to 1913, when A.A. Bachinskaya, a Russian scientist, and German professor G. Lindau independently published research highlighting its favorable effects on human health. The idea of kombucha's potential immune-boosting properties and cell count enhancement resulted in increased consumption, particularly during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States during the late 1990s. However, this trajectory was interrupted by a setback in 1955 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) associated the beverage with severe metabolic acidosis, including a fatal case.
The heightened interest in fermented foods and probiotics has driven the resurgence of kombucha in the 21st century. GT Kombucha, established in 1995, was the first in a series of commercial kombucha companies. The steady growth of such establishments in the 2000s underscores the enduring appeal of kombucha and the expanding recognition of its health advantages. By 2019, the global kombucha market had attained a valuation in the vicinity of $1.8 billion, with further growth anticipated.
Together with the largest artisanal kombucha brewery in Vietnam, Artisanal Kombucha Brewing House of Amavi Group, the Green Food Beverages and Foods Joint Stock Company is preparing to launch a promising line of fermented kombucha beverages with great potential for health benefits thanks to its high content of vitamins, polyphenols and glucuronic acid. Specific product information will continue to be updated in this scientific knowledge series about kombucha.
