FAQS

How can I purchase Purple J's wholesale?
PURPLE J's is distributed throughout southeastern Minnesota by: Hohenstein's p: 651-735-4978 |www.hohensteins.com

What is Kombucha?
Kombucha (kuhm·boo·chuh) is a non-alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting sweetened tea using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The result is a slightly tart, sweet, & effervescent probiotic beverage linked to a wide range of health benefits.

Is THC legal in Minnesota?
Yes. On July 1st, 2022, products infused with THC derived from hemp became legal in Minnesota.

How many can I drink?
If you're unsure, we recommend starting slow to find what suits you. Effects typically start to be felt within minutes and will last for an hour + depending on the individual (tolerance will vary).

What's in kombucha?
Kombucha is essentially tea and sugar. The sugar feeds the SCOBY that allows bacteria and yeast to grow in a symbiotic culture. The sucrose is converted into fructose and glucose, which are further converted into gluconic acid and acetic acid. Kombucha also contains enzymes, amino acids, glucuronic acid, usnic acid, lactic acid, polyphenols, ethanol, glycerol, B-vitamins, and vitamin C.

What is a SCOBY?
SCOBY is an acronym for “Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast” used in the production of kombucha. A SCOBY sits atop a fermenting batch of kombucha at the vessel’s air-liquid interface and is formed from the bacteria and yeast living inside the cellulose-based biofilm, which converts the sweetened tea into kombucha.

What are the solid, stringy things, in kombucha?
Occasionally, solids can be found in kombucha that are strings of yeast, or cultural strands. Each batch of our kombucha is strained to eliminate as many solids as possible, but they still appear on occasion and are not cause for alarm.

Is there alcohol in kombucha?
There is less than .5% alcohol in Purple J’s, which is a small amount compared to beer, which typically has 4-7%. Purple J’s is brewed in kombucha-specific symbiosis fermenters from Stout tanks and Kettles to ensure there is less than .5% alcohol. Stout's “kombucha-specific shape provides a balanced environment for both the Saccharomyces yeast and the Acetobacter bacteria strains. Ethanol is metabolized to acetic acid much faster, promoting faster and more complete fermentation. Balance of symbiosis is shifted toward bacteria, reducing overall alcohol production, and yielding better flavor profiles. Individual trays provide contact to oxygen, allowing the aerobic bacteria to metabolize ethanol to acetic acid, sugars to lactic acid, and glucose to gluconic acid.” * (*Source: Stout Tanks and Kettles)

Is there caffeine in kombucha?
Purple J's contains a small amount of caffeine; a 12 oz can contains around 11mg (32ppm).

Is Kombucha pasteurized?
Purple J’s is not pasteurized. The pH of kombucha is naturally antipathogenic and contains beneficial microorganisms that make pasteurization unnecessary. Pasteurizing kombucha would also be harmful to the beneficial living culture and ferments within it.

Is Purple J's organic?
Purple J's is not a certified organic product, but we are committed to using high-quality, non-GMO, pesticide-free ingredients: the tea, fruit, herbs, and sugar we use are all certified organic. We hope to obtain our organic certification in the future.

Are there any side effects from drinking kombucha?
Although there have been reports of side effects from drinking kombucha, such as upset stomachs, they are rare, and more often than not involve improper storage or production practices. Stainless steel vessels, and a rigorous cleaning and sanitation program are used throughout manufacturing to avoid contamination and spoilage where the kombucha is monitored from start to finish. While every individual is different, and we cannot guarantee how kombucha will interact with everyone, our advice if you're unsure is to take it slow and enjoy it at your own pace. Consult your doctor if you have additional concerns.

How do you store kombucha?
Kombucha must be kept refrigerated (between 33° and 41° F) to retain the best quality and flavor. Purple J’s contains living culture and ferments that have slowed by a lower temperature that causes the microorganisms to go dormant. When the temperature begins to rise, the microorganisms will take back up their fermentation, and the container may gush or leak if left unrefrigerated as a result. If stored in proper conditions, kombucha can last for up to 6 months.

What is the shelf life of kombucha?
Purple J's has a "packaged on" date rather than a "best by" date because it doesn't have a firm expiration date when properly stored. For optimal flavor, we recommend Purple J's be enjoyed within 1 year after it is packaged. However, while there may be flavor fallout over time (some fruits and herbs have more longevity than others), kombucha can continue to be consumed, and in some cases, is just as good after 12 months as the day it was canned. If you’re concerned your kombucha may no longer be safe to consume, give it a smell and small taste test. If there are no foul odors, and it tastes similar to other kombucha, it’s generally safe to drink.