Tips and Tricks
What do I do with my SCOBYs?
You can increase the number of simultaneous batches of Kombucha you make by keeping the newly formed SCOBYs and giving them their own setup. You can also cut pieces from your SCOBY to do this, and give them away. If you do give away full or partial SCOBYs, remember to put it into a sterilized mason jar with 8 oz of completed Kombucha.
And... Open the mason jar to release the gaseous pressure that will build up every day. The new SCOBYs you wish to give away will last in their smaller container for a several weeks before they run out of sugar.
You can experiment with Kombucha in many different ways. Different teas (green, white, red and black) work well. If you want to mix your Kombucha once it’s fermented, it is best to mix it as you drink it. Do not mix another liquid into the entire batch, just in case something goes awry. You don’t want to waste a whole gallon. But feel free to get creative. You can make several small experimental batches at the same time in the mason jars.
And... Open the mason jar to release the gaseous pressure that will build up every day. The new SCOBYs you wish to give away will last in their smaller container for a several weeks before they run out of sugar.
You can experiment with Kombucha in many different ways. Different teas (green, white, red and black) work well. If you want to mix your Kombucha once it’s fermented, it is best to mix it as you drink it. Do not mix another liquid into the entire batch, just in case something goes awry. You don’t want to waste a whole gallon. But feel free to get creative. You can make several small experimental batches at the same time in the mason jars.
Staying Healthy with Kombucha
Kombucha is a natural detoxifier and as such should be used with care. It is best to slowly raise your daily intake of Kombucha from a 2 - 4 oz a day to... however much your body can handle, permitting you can brew it. Overdosing on Kombucha means your body will detox quickly and harshly. This is not recommended and can leave you feeling quite sick.
I recommend brewing two batches at a time and drinking about 4 oz a day for a week, and possibly increasing to 8 oz until the next batches are ready. It is recommend to do a gallon to oz calculation in advance to see how much Kombucha you will need to brew at one time to satisfy all the drinkers in your household for 3 weeks (just in case you cannot harvest right away or a batch goes south.) Post this somewhere public (like on the fridge) and stay ahead of the game.
Pure Kombucha tastes pretty much like apple cider vinegar. Consumed straight, it is an acquired taste. You can mix it with other liquids as you drink it - like juice or flavored teas. You can use 1/3 strong Kombucha to 2/3 something else.
Kombucha is a fermentation process, and thus can smell as much. The aroma is usually undetectable with 1 or 2 setups. But increasing to 3, 4 and beyond may make your brewing area smell like vinegar. So natural aromatics can be used to thwart the offensive (fruit fly attracting) odor - such as basil and rosemary plants, and the cinnamon brooms supermarkets sell during the fall. You may also burn pure and natural aromatic candles (like beeswax candles – *support your local beekeeper) or incense, or leave out natural oil diffusers, etc.
I recommend brewing two batches at a time and drinking about 4 oz a day for a week, and possibly increasing to 8 oz until the next batches are ready. It is recommend to do a gallon to oz calculation in advance to see how much Kombucha you will need to brew at one time to satisfy all the drinkers in your household for 3 weeks (just in case you cannot harvest right away or a batch goes south.) Post this somewhere public (like on the fridge) and stay ahead of the game.
Pure Kombucha tastes pretty much like apple cider vinegar. Consumed straight, it is an acquired taste. You can mix it with other liquids as you drink it - like juice or flavored teas. You can use 1/3 strong Kombucha to 2/3 something else.
Kombucha is a fermentation process, and thus can smell as much. The aroma is usually undetectable with 1 or 2 setups. But increasing to 3, 4 and beyond may make your brewing area smell like vinegar. So natural aromatics can be used to thwart the offensive (fruit fly attracting) odor - such as basil and rosemary plants, and the cinnamon brooms supermarkets sell during the fall. You may also burn pure and natural aromatic candles (like beeswax candles – *support your local beekeeper) or incense, or leave out natural oil diffusers, etc.
Making sure your SCOBY is Healthy
A healthy SCOBY is easy to distinguish from an unhealthy SCOBY.
An unhealthy SCOBY has patches of flaky dry “stuff” on the surface that looks like you can scratch it off with your finger. This may appear green, blue, black or pure white. It may looks like lint or dust all along the top of the new SCOBY. It usually forms in rings. THIS IS MOLD. ***Discard the SCOBY and all of the liquid and immediately sterilize the container with boiling water and white vinegar.***
For Pictures of what healthy and unhealthy SCOBYs look like visit Kombucha in Action.
- A healthy SCOBY is a relatively thick (1/8 - 2 inches), sturdy, shiny, slimy, off-white disk. It basically looks like an alien from another planet. (And who knows, it might be.)
- It may form tiny gaseous bubbles around the edges. These are normal and need no remedy.
- It may be incomplete in the middle, and even have a gas pocket. This is normal. Just tear a little hole in the pocket and keep brewing. The pockets will keep the SCOBY from sinking when they go to work.
- The SCOBY may sink and anchor itself at the bottom of the glass jar within about 5 days of beginning the brewing process. But if it doesn’t, it's okay.
- Brown strings or a filmy web will likely appear the further along you get. It looks unpleasant, but it is perfectly normal, and fine to consume. You can always strain it out before consuming.
- The batch does not always produce a new SCOBY.
An unhealthy SCOBY has patches of flaky dry “stuff” on the surface that looks like you can scratch it off with your finger. This may appear green, blue, black or pure white. It may looks like lint or dust all along the top of the new SCOBY. It usually forms in rings. THIS IS MOLD. ***Discard the SCOBY and all of the liquid and immediately sterilize the container with boiling water and white vinegar.***
For Pictures of what healthy and unhealthy SCOBYs look like visit Kombucha in Action.