Make Your Own SCOBY
Learn how to create a healthy SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) from scratch, the foundation of your homemade kombucha brewing journey.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- Store-bought Kombucha: 16 oz (2 cups) raw, unflavored kombucha
- Tea: 2-3 bags of organic black tea
- Sugar: 1/4 cup raw or white granulated sugar
- Water: 2 cups filtered water
Equipment
- Container: 1-quart glass jar (clean and sterilized)
- Cover: Tightly woven cloth or coffee filter
- Band: Rubber band or jar ring
- Pot: For brewing tea
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Tea
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil
- Add 2-3 bags of organic black tea
- Add 1/4 cup of sugar and stir until dissolved
- Let steep for 10-15 minutes
- Remove tea bags and let cool completely to room temperature
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Pour the cooled sweet tea into your clean glass jar
- Add the raw, unflavored kombucha
- Stir gently with a wooden or plastic spoon
Step 3: Cover and Wait
- Cover the jar with a tightly woven cloth or coffee filter
- Secure with a rubber band or jar ring
- Place in a warm, dark spot away from direct sunlight
- Wait 2-4 weeks for your SCOBY to form
Step 4: Monitor and Maintain
- Check the jar every few days
- A white film should start forming on the surface after 1-2 weeks
- The SCOBY is ready when it's about 1/4 inch thick
- The liquid beneath will become your starter tea for your first batch
Important Notes
What to Watch Out For
- Dark brown or black spots (mold)
- Fuzzy patches of any color
- Green or blue-colored growth
- Strong vinegar smell before 2 weeks
Not sure if your SCOBY has mold? Use SCOBY Scan to analyze your SCOBY for potential mold growth.
Optimal Conditions
- Temperature: 68-75°F (20-24°C)
- pH level: Between 2.5 and 3.5
- Good air circulation
- No direct sunlight
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No SCOBY Formation After 2 Weeks
- Check if the temperature is too low
- Ensure you used raw, unflavored kombucha
- Verify the tea-to-sugar ratio
- Make sure the container is covered properly
SCOBY Sinks to Bottom
- This is normal - new SCOBY will form on top
- Don't try to float it back up
- Continue the process as normal
- Both SCOBYs will be usable