How to Make Kombucha at Home

Kombucha, a fermented tea known for its health benefits and refreshing taste, has gained immense popularity. While you can find it on store shelves, making kombucha at home allows you to customize flavors and save money. Discover the step-by-step process on how to make kombucha at home, and enjoy this delicious beverage anytime.

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented drink made from sweetened tea and a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, or SCOBY. This live culture ferments the tea, producing a tangy taste and beneficial probiotics. It's also rich in antioxidants and B-vitamins, making it a healthy alternative to sugary sodas.

Ingredients Needed

To get started on your kombucha brewing journey, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 SCOBY
1 cup of starter tea (previously brewed kombucha)
1 gallon of water
1 cup of sugar
8-10 bags of tea (black, green, or a mix)

Equipment Required

Ensure you have the right equipment before you start brewing:

One-gallon glass jar
Breathable cloth cover (like a coffee filter or paper towel)
Rubber band
Wooden or plastic spoon (avoid metal, as it can react with the tea)
Small pot
Bottles with tight lids for storing finished kombucha

Guide Steps

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by boiling 1 gallon of water in a pot. Once it reaches a boil, remove it from heat and add your tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for 10-15 minutes to ensure strong flavor. After steeping, remove the tea bags.

Step 2: Add Sugar

While the tea is still warm, stir in 1 cup of sugar until it's completely dissolved. Sugar is essential as it feeds the SCOBY during the fermentation process.

Step 3: Cool the Tea

Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial because adding a SCOBY to hot tea can kill the live cultures.

Step 4: Add the SCOBY and Starter Tea

Once the tea is cool, pour it into your clean, one-gallon glass jar. Add 1 cup of starter tea and gently place the SCOBY on top. The SCOBY might sink or float, but both situations are completely normal.

Step 5: Cover and Ferment

Cover the jar with a cloth and secure it with a rubber band. This allows the kombucha to breathe while keeping out bugs and dust. Place the jar in a warm, dark place (like a kitchen cabinet) to ferment for 7-10 days.

Step 6: Taste Test

After about a week, start tasting your kombucha. When it reaches your desired balance of sweetness and tanginess, it's ready for the next step.

Step 7: Bottle the Kombucha

Remove the SCOBY and 1 cup of kombucha to use as starter tea for your next batch. Pour the fermented kombucha into bottles, leaving some space at the top. Seal tightly.

Step 8: Optional Second Fermentation

If you want a fizzy kombucha, let the sealed bottles sit at room temperature for 2-3 more days. This will carbonate your drink. Then, refrigerate the bottles to slow fermentation and enjoy.

FAQs

How do I take care of my SCOBY?

Keep your SCOBY in kombucha or starter tea at room temperature between batches. Avoid metal contact and store it in a clean glass jar covered with a breathable cloth.

What if mold grows on my SCOBY?

While rare, mold can occur. Mold typically looks fuzzy and ranges in color from green to black. Discard the entire batch if mold appears. Make sure future batches are kept in a clean environment without contaminants.

How much kombucha can I drink daily?

It's best to start with small amounts, like 4-8 ounces per day, to see how your body reacts. Gradually increase your intake based on your preference and tolerance.

Can I flavor my kombucha?

Yes, you can add fruits, juices, herbs, and spices during the second fermentation to infuse your kombucha with various flavors. Be creative and experiment with different combinations.