The Urban Homesteaders' League

Written by Annabelle Ho

Last week there was a Kombucha Demonstration and Potluck put on by Slow Food BU, the Boston Localvores, and Kombucha Fuel, a blog of which I am the author. Thanks to the Urban Homesteaders’ League for supporting this event!

Kombucha, sometimes referred to as “the elixir of immortality,” is a fermented tea traced back to Chinese origins to around 220 B.C. Various health benefits have been attributed to kombucha, which is said to have probiotic benefits and detoxifying effects. It’s been claimed that kombucha reduces blood pressure, boosts the immune system, and even cures cancer.

A fizzy version of apple cider vinegar may not sound like an appealing drink, but many find kombucha very addictive. In addition, the ways to flavor kombucha are endless. Although purchasing kombucha can be expensive, it is extremely inexpensive and easy to brew your own. Once you obtain the two obscure ingredients (a kombucha mushroom and some kombucha as starter tea), all you need is water, tea, and sugar to keep the process going!

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Written by Blake Roberts

The Laurel Street Trading Post is a monthly event held on Laurel Street, between Union and Porter squares, in Somerville. The most recent trading hours were held about a week ago (when the weather was still sunny and dry!) in the back parking lot of our apartment building. About 40 people came from all over town, with one-house-over being the shortest distance traveled by a participant, and the north shore being the farthest (that I know of, at least). The fantastic weather meant the hot chocolate we had wasn’t completely necessary, but definitely still appreciated, not to mention the cookies that someone brought to share.
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