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“Can I replace sugar with maple syrup in my kombucha (or kefir) recipe?”
We often get this question, so here is a little explanation followed by a delicious maple syrup kombucha recipe! 😊
Can I Use Maple Syrup to Replace Sugar?
You can use maple syrup in your fermentation, as it is made predominantly of sucrose, the same compound as in cane sugar. The yeast will love it!
However, there are several constraints:
- Maple syrup is made up of one third water, so more is needed than for cane sugar
- Maple syrup is much more expensive than cane sugar
- Fermentation makes maple syrup flavours disappear!
So, yes you could replace the sugar with maple syrup, but it will cost you a lot more than with cane sugar, and the wonderful flavour will not remain.
For more information, see our guide How to make 100% local kombucha.
How to Add the Maple Flavour
The trick to making a maple syrup kombucha that tastes good and that is not too expensive: add the maple syrup in second fermentation!
The second fermentation is the step that takes place inside the bottles to add fizz, after the first fermentation in the jar.
You first have to make a plain kombucha (sugar + tea + kombucha scoby), and let it ferment. As soon as it’s ready to drink, add maple syrup and a secret ingredient (explained below) to give it the maple flavour!
This principle of adding flavours in the second fermentation is recommended for all flavours. This way, the quality of the flavours is best preserved.
Our secret ingredient is fenugreek!
Fenugreek seeds contain large amounts of an aromatic compound called sotolon that naturally smells like maple syrup.
We use it to enhance the flavour of the maple syrup. There you go, maple syrup kombucha!
If you do not have fenugreek, let your kombucha ferment longer during its first fermentation phase in order to reduce the sugars and raise the acidity level. Then, double the amount of maple syrup in order to rebalance the acidity and the sugar level.
Maple Syrup Kombucha Recipe
"Can I replace sugar with maple syrup in my kombucha (or kefir) recipe?" We often get this question, so here is how you can get a delicious maple syrup flavour using a secret ingredient.
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Preparation Time 20 minutes mins
Fermentation Time 10 days d
Course Drinks
Servings 3 L
Equipment
Jar with wide opening(1 gallon or more)
Coth cover and rubber bandto cover jar opening
Ingredients
- 1 kombucha scoby
- 3 teaspoons tea 12g
- ¾ cup sugar 150 ml
- ¼ cup maple syrup 50 ml
- 2 g fenugreek seeds
- 12.5 L filtered water
Steps
Making Your Kombucha
Add tea to the jar.
Pour 500ml (2 cups) of hot water and let the tea infuse for 15 minutes.
Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
Add filtered water until you reach the 3-litre level (your tea is now lukewarm).
Add the kombucha scoby and its starter.
Cover the jar opening with thecloth and secure with rubber band.
Ferment at room temperature for 10 to 15 days.
On the 5th day, start tasting your kombucha every day.
When you like the taste (wait until the mixture is a little more acidic than sweet because you will add maple syrup in the next step), put aside the scoby and 350 ml (1.5 cups) of kombucha for your next recipe.
Adding the Maple Flavour
Lightly dry roast the fenugreek seeds in a small saucepan.
Add 250ml(1 cup) of water.
Heat by letting the water simmer for 15 minutes, then allow it to cool.
Add the maple syrup to your jar of freshly fermented plain kombucha.
Add the fenugreek decoction (filtered, without the seeds).
Mix well.
Bottleinpressure-resistant bottles,and keep at room temperature for a few days (second fermentation, or F2).
Test the pressure once a day.
When it'sfizzy (watch out for the pressure!),storein the fridge.
Have you tried it?Share and tag @revolutionfermentation!
Read our full guide on how to make kombucha for more information.
This recipe was inspired by a recipe from Mannanova and available in Mabrasserie (Montreal) during the Quebec maple season.
Want to Make Your First Kombucha?
Our complete kit to make kombucha is the perfect way to start! It includes the equipment, a manual and the basic ingredients.
All that remains is to add the sugar, water and flavours to your liking (like maple syrup).
Happy fermenting!
Get Started!
- Buy homemade kombucha supplies
- How to flavour your kombucha
- Honey and chaga kombucha recipe
- What equipment should I use to make kombucha?
- FAQ: Is my kombucha sick?
