Brew Perfect Kombucha Tea
Your comprehensive guide to brewing delicious and healthy kombucha at home
Brewing Basics: Understanding Fermentation
First Fermentation
The first fermentation is where the magic begins. Your SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) transforms sweetened organic black tea into kombucha through these steps:
- Brew organic black tea and dissolve raw sugar while hot
- Cool the tea to room temperature (68-75°F)
- Add your SCOBY and some starter tea from a previous batch
- Cover with a breathable cloth and let ferment for 7-10 days
- The SCOBY consumes the sugar, producing beneficial acids and probiotics
Second Fermentation
The second fermentation is where you create your unique flavors and add carbonation. After the first ferment is complete:
- Remove the SCOBY and reserve some starter tea
- Pour the kombucha into airtight bottles
- Add your choice of fruits, herbs, or flavors
- Seal bottles and let ferment 2-5 days at room temperature
- Refrigerate to slow fermentation and enjoy your fizzy, flavored kombucha!
Note: Always use bottles designed for fermentation to prevent excess pressure buildup. "Burp" your bottles daily during second fermentation.
How to Make Your Own SCOBY
Start your kombucha journey by creating your own SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) using just a few simple ingredients.
Quick Guide:
- Get a bottle of plain, unflavored store-bought kombucha (raw/unpasteurized)
- Brew 2 cups of organic black tea with 1/4 cup sugar
- Let tea cool to room temperature
- Mix tea with the store-bought kombucha in a clean glass jar
- Cover with a breathable cloth and secure with a rubber band
- Wait 2-4 weeks for your SCOBY to form
Pro Tips:
- Use only glass containers - never metal or plastic
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Maintain room temperature (68-75°F)
- Don't disturb the jar during formation
A fun picture of a SCOBY forming in a jar