How to Make a Kombucha SCOBY

Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been around for thousands of years originating out of the Far East. It  provides many healthy benefits when consumed.  It runs almost $4 a bottle in the store and that can add up after awhile.  I have learned how to make Kombucha and it is actually fairly easy, and requires a little patience.  The first thing you need when you brew Kombucha is a SCOBY.  The Kombucha culture looks like a white rubbery pancake, also referred to as a "mushroom". A SCOBY is a  symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts.  This living culture produces many beneficial acids and enzymes that make this ancient elixir so healthy.

To make a SCOBY you will need the following ingredients:
2 Bottle of GT's Kombucha
2 bags of green tea
1/3 cup of granulated sugar
2 cups of spring water (filtered water will do, do not use tap water)







Supplies:
6 quart Stainless Steel pot
1/2 - 1 gallon glass jar
Cheese Cloth
1 Rubber band
1 Wooden spoon








Step 1:
WASH YOUR HANDS WITH REGULAR SOAP
2. boil water in pot
3. Add sugar and dissolve

4. Remove from heat and add tea bags
5. Cover with lid or cheese cloth and let tea steep for 10-15 mins
6. Remove tea bags with wooden spoon and discard into your trash or compost pile
7. Pour tea into glass jar and cover with cheese cloth
8. Let tea sit for 20 minutes until liquid is at room temperature (must be at room temperature so culture is not destroyed)
9. Let 2 bottle of Kombucha sit until room tempeture (probably 1/2 hour to an hour)
10. Pour both bottles of GT Kombucha into glass jar with tea and dissolved sugar
11. Cover with cheese cloth and secure with rubber band
12.  Place jar in a dark place at 72-80 degrees and store for 2-4 weeks

Visit your Kombucha culture every day and watch it grow. Once the SCOBY is 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick it is time to remove and store for later use or its time to start the brewing process.  If you see mold on the SCOBY you must discard.  

SCOBY forming after 5 days (reserve kombucha is green because I used GT's multigreen)

To store SCOBY use 1 cup of Kombuca in a zip lock bag or covered container in fridge.  If storing for a long time you will need to open zip lock bag or container every three days to allow air in.