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Farm Kitchen:  Starting Kombucha  |
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MamaCrunch
True Blue Farmgirl
161 Posts
Nasvhille
TN
USA
161 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 19 2011 : 7:28:47 PM
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I didn't want to hijack the kefir thread so I started a new one.
You can buy large SCOBYs (symbiotic colony of yeasts and bacteria) but it's super simple to start your own. It will take a few weeks, but well worth it.
The biggest things to remember. Never use metal utensils or containers, honey is bad, and always use organic tea.
All you need to do is make a quart of very sweet and very strong tea. I made mine in a 1/2 gal mason jar. Using a store bought bottle kombucha, pour about a cup or so into the jar with the cold tea. If there is a snot looking glob in the bottle, also add that to your mix. Just leave at least an inch headspace. Cover with a piece of cloth and secure with a rubber band or string. Place in a warm place like a closet for a few weeks. Over time you'll see the top of the tea change. Eventually you'll have a SCOBY that covers the entire surface. Then you are ready to use it for a full batch of kombucha. I think I did a second batch in my gallon jar just to get the SCOBY to fit the jar properly.
Here is a link to my blog with a photo of my SCOBY. I really only needed one layer but I was experimenting to see how big I could get it. http://thelittleboygreen.com/2011/05/16/the-firmentation-farm/
Here are the insructions I used to start mine. It's a bit more in depth. http://www.instructables.com/id/Making-your-own-Kombucha-mother/
Happy growing!
Farmgirl #2161
Just tryin' to homestead in the middle of a suburban neighborhood!
Blog~ http://thelittleboygreen.com |
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rksmith
True Blue Farmgirl
858 Posts
Rachel
Clayton
GA
USA
858 Posts |
Posted - Jun 21 2011 : 3:46:27 PM
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Thanks! Now I just have to find somewhere nearby that sells kombucha anymore. I used to buy it but then it was pulled form the shelves not too long after I read an article about the possible alcohol content and I haven't seen any where I usually shop.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet--Dr. Kioni
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
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MEWolf
True Blue Farmgirl
358 Posts
Margaret
Byers
Colorado
USA
358 Posts |
Posted - Jun 21 2011 : 7:54:29 PM
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Not sure if there is a Whole Foods, or Fresh Fields in your area, but you can get Kombucha there.
margaret
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Henry David Thoreau
Farmgirl #3020
www.grey-wolf-farm.com |
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rksmith
True Blue Farmgirl
858 Posts
Rachel
Clayton
GA
USA
858 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2011 : 4:54:28 PM
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Not that I am aware of. But I did get an email from urban chickie about a starter...I'm excited.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet--Dr. Kioni
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
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Farm Kitchen: Starting Kombucha |
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Starting Kombucha
