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FAQ
KOMBUCHA
What is Kombucha Tea?
Kombucha Tea is a fermented beverage of good bacteria and yeast, made with tea and sugar. It’s been used for thousands of years to strengthen immune system, maintain a balanced healthy gut health and more. While it isn’t a cure-all, it is a fantastic building block for any holistic healthy lifestyle. And it’s something you can brew yourself at home - original, raw kombucha tea.
What is Kombucha Scoby?
Kombucha scoby, as we fondly call the "mother", because it's what transforms the sweet tea into a highly probiotic drink - kombucha tea. It all starts with the Scoby aka mother. SCOBY actually stands for Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast.
What does a kombucha scoby looks like?
A scoby is a slippery jelly like mass, from pale cream colour to lightly browned. Since they are made up of alive bacteria and yeast, the appearance can differ. Some are lumpy or have holes, some smooth, and comes in all shapes and sizes. All these scobys will make you delicious healthy kombucha tea. When brewing, a healthy scoby may sink, float, or hover sideways, either way fermentation will go on.
What is the difference between Kombucha Tea and Jun Kombucha Tea?
Jun Kombucha is similar to kombucha in the sense that both are fermented drink made from tea. Jun kombucha is made with raw honey and green tea, whilst kombucha is brewed predominately with black tea and sugar. Jun has a mild, light and delicate taste profile and a shorter fermentation time (4 to 7 days). Kombucha tea taste bold and bright, but if left to ferment for too long can taste vinegary, and a batch of kombucha is brewed for typically 10 to 14 days.
KOMBUCHA BREWING
Where can I find the guide for making kombucha tea?
See: How to make kombucha tea guide.
See: Second Ferment Kombucha guide
What supplies do i need for making kombucha tea?
Most of the items you need could easily be found in your kitchen. You will need sugar, tea, a glass container as brewing vessel, scoby and starter liquid.
Is there a specific type of sugar? What type of tea?
Plain white cane sugar is a good choice for brewing kombucha tea. Choice of organic or non organic sugar is entirely up to you. In case you are wondering, artificial sweetener will not work. It does not contain the nutrients needed for your kombucha scoby.
Brewing kombucha requires real tea(camellia sinensis), so if you are just starting out we recommend plain black tea. (example: english breakfast tea, ceylon tea) Again, organic or not, the choice is always yours.
How long should i brew my kombucha?
Kombucha can be brewed from 7 - 14 days. A short brew will give you slightly sweet, slightly sour kombucha. A longer brewing time would give you a bold vinegary flavour.
Can i use plastic container as brewing vessel?
We find that glass is one of the best options for fermenting because it doesn't scratch easily and is relatively inexpensive. Plastic can scratch and might harbor foreign bacteria, which can potentially harm your kombucha culture.
Where do i get starter liquid and why is it necessary?
All our live kombucha scoby comes with strong starter liquid to start your first kombucha brew easily. The purpose of the starter liquid is to lower the PH of the sweet tea to prevent growth of mold and harmful pathogens. It's especially important before your new scoby grows on top of the liquid to prevent any airborne contaminants. You then use a cup of your finished kombucha brew to start off your next batch and so on.
KOMBUCHA TROUBLESHOOTING
What are the signs that my scoby is making kombucha tea properly?
When you first put your scoby into the sweet tea, it might sink, float or hover sideways. It's okay. Around the fourth day, you should see some white specks or thin layer of jelly on the top of the liquid. It is a sure sign your kombucha is fermenting properly. Other signs to look out for would be, the liquid lightens in colour and a vinegary smell coming from your brewing vessel.
There is a cloudy layer developing on top of the liquid. Is this normal?
Yes! The cloudy jelly like white layer is the beginning of a new baby kombucha scoby. It will take the shape of whatever vessel you are using to brew your kombucha tea. You might also see brown stringy yeasty bits attaching to your new scoby, that's totally normal. They are a natural byproduct of the fermentation process.
My kombucha does not sit on top of the liquid, it sank to the bottom of my container / is floating sideways. Is this normal?
The scoby may sink, float, or sit sideways. Any of these is normal and will not effect the brewing process.
I want to take a break from making kombucha tea. What should i do?
It's easy. All you have to do is prepare the usual sweet tea + finished kombucha tea concoction and put your scoby in. Cover and store away until ready to resume. Remember, don't keep scoby in the fridge and if it ever looks like the liquid is running low, top up with sweet tea to continue "feeding" your scoby.
My kombucha scoby has a hole in it. Can I still use it?
Kombucha scoby will work just fine even with holes or if they have been torn or misshaped. Even a small kombucha culture will effectively ferment a full gallon of kombucha.
How do i prevent mold?
The likelihood of encountering mold is very very low, if you are brewing your kombucha properly. Brewing vessel should ideally be kept in a well ventilated location, out of direct sunlight and with the cover securely fastened. Once mold has developed, you should throw away your scoby and any liquid in it. Clean and sanitize/sterilize all equipment and start over.
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