Healthy living has
become a trend now with many Montrealers opting for vegan restaurants,
unsweetened coconut water, fresh juices and the gluten-free craze.
Kombucha is a new health
trend that is taking Montreal by storm. However, most people have not
experienced how amazing it feels after drinking it.
Kombucha is a naturally
fermented living tea. This drink is made from 4 different ingredients; water,
sugar, tea, and SCOBY. SCOBY is a mix of yeast and bacteria for the
fermentation to take place with the probiotics. Sugar is for the probiotics to
eat so as to release the good bacteria. The end result is a bubbly drink that
has the right balance of tartness and sweetness.
The benefits of kombucha
are mental clarity, weight loss, energy increase, immune system booster,
detoxification, mood stability and reduced joint pain.
The following are the
best kombuchas in Montreal:
Rise
This is one of the first
kombuchas to be commercialized in Montreal. It was originally available in
Crudessence, everyone’s favorite raw, vegan and organic restaurant. You can now
find it in grocery and department stores.
Vee
The Vee Kombucha was
made by a couple in Bellechasse, Quebec and introduced into the market in June
2014. It was named Vytavy Kombucha but later rebranded as Vee.
It’s available in the
IGA Atwater Market and La Salle A Manger on Mont-Royal E.
Tonica
This kombucha was
started in a small Toronto kitchen in 2008 by a yoga instructor.
This kombrewery grew in size and Tonica is now available throughout
Canada.
You can find Tonica in
retail shops such as Aliments Merci at the Jean-Talon Market.
Medicinal Kitchen
This kombucha is
produced on a weekly basis to make sure that each bottle ferments right before
selling. The flavors created by the owner, Claudie, are unique such as the
Elderberry and Apple Spice flavors.
These kombuchas are
available at Twigs Café, St-Annes de Bellevue market, and Coop du Grand Orme.
GT’s
This kombucha was created
by GT Dave at the tender age of 15 years when his mother was diagnosed with
breast cancer. As a way of helping her get with treatment, he studied health
blogs and discovered articles on this health drink. He started delivering to
grocery stores. Now, this company retails across Canada and the US with 17
different flavors now available.
Synergy
Also made by GT’s with a
different method of “batch to bottle”. This method allows them to provide the
most active and freshest kombuchas. You can buy Synergy at Tau.
Wonder Drink Kombucha
This kombucha is made by
Steve Lee Learnt in Portland, Oregon who found the inspiration to make it in
Russia. Started in the 90s, this kombucha is now available throughout Canada
and the US. In Montreal, this Kombucha is available in Café Parvis and Tau.
La Bioferme des Caps
This kombucha maker is
fully certified and is based close to Quebec City. They use locally sourced
ingredients such as sea-buckthorn and elderberries. Many retailers stock this
kombucha including C’est la Vie on Laurier Est and A Votre Sante.
