Maria Lima's creative mind led her to create a unique drink with an even more unique flavor. It all began with a trip to Bali, Indonesia, where she first heard the word that would shape the future: kombucha . Thus, the Aquela Kombucha project was born, the first source of bulk kombucha in Portugal.
Aquela Kombucha already has a store in Porto – Aquela Kombucharia – at 345 Rua Duque de Saldanha, where you can try this special drink, buy kombucha in bulk, or choose to buy packs . The project also has an online store, which you can visit through this link .
We spoke with Maria Lima, who revealed everything about this initiative, which is both healthy and delicious.
How did the idea for this project come about? How did it all come about?
This project emerged by chance, from an encounter that, from the beginning, intrigued and captivated me. This discovery came from a conversation with a friend about a restaurant she was going to dine at in Bali, and her suggestion of trying kombucha—she said I'd love it. And so it was. Since that moment (May 2017), several years have passed, and a journey of discovery into the world of fermented beverages has begun, as well as the adventure of setting up a factory and launching a kombucha brand in the midst of the pandemic. Everything happened gradually and consciously, although it seemed like the Universe was pushing me down this path. But, most importantly, I found myself receptive to the discovery and embraced the cause. The interest of those around me multiplied. I began reaching out to strangers and learning about other projects in the field, which motivated me to invest in this crazy idea: opening the first kombucha factory in Porto.
What exactly is Aquela Kombucha and where does the sustainable nature of the project come in?
That Kombucha is fermented tea, true and true to its essence. The goal in creating the brand was to provide the Portuguese with a product as faithful as its homemade version. In other words, kombucha fermented according to tradition, untainted by industrial processes of pasteurization, dilution, etc. The core of the brand is the product, its quality and consistency, but also its impact and footprint on society. Social, environmental, and cultural issues are part of the team's universe of concerns, and the brand encompasses this as a vehicle for positive transformation. Therefore, we launched a reforestation campaign associated with the limited-edition Blueberry flavor (summer 2020) and planted 100 native trees in Serra do Alvão, with the association Plantar Uma Árvore (Plant a Tree ). For Christmas 2020, we produced and shared a screenprint by emerging artist Eva Evita, because art makes us happier and more fulfilled. Supporting causes, projects, and people that move the world for the better is key.
Why create something exclusively related to Kombucha? What makes it so interesting/fascinating?
Kombucha is a natural fermented drink, meaning it's full of life and microorganisms, and they're what makes us (and tastes) so good! Its fermentation process is fascinating: the formation of the SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), the profound change in flavor, the creation of gas... When I realized what fermentation involved, I was hooked. Some people bake bread, I make kombucha ! But I also make pickles and sauerkraut in my spare time.
What are the future plans?
We have new flavors to launch, beautiful content to produce (something that excites and entertains us), and initiatives with social and environmental impact to develop. Product, communication, and impact—the three pillars of Aquela Kombucha are here to stay and grow in 2021!
