Easy Guide To Brewing Your Own Kombucha

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Kombucha has gained popularity over the years and with good reason. Not only does it taste great, but it also has great health benefits as it functions as a probiotic and is therefore great for your gut health. I had already shared on how to make your own SCOBY at home so this is basically the next step in making your kombucha. Let’s dive into the process.

Get Your Supplies

• Tea: Black tea is the best choice, though some people use green tea. I find Black tea works better especially if you are going to flavour your kombucha.
• Sugar: White or granulated sugar is ideal.
• SCOBY: A symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) is essential for fermentation. You can purchase from a local kombucha brewer, or make your own as I had explained in this step by step article here.
• Fermentation Vessel: A glass jar works well.
• Cheesecloth or Breathable Cloth: To cover the vessel.
• Rubber Band or String: To secure the cloth.

Prepare the Tea

Boil water and steep your chosen tea for about 10 minutes, then add sugar to the cooled tea and stir until dissolved. Begin with a small batch to get a feel for the process.

Fermentation

Ensure your equipment is clean to prevent contamination. Pour your cooled tea into the glass jar and place the SCOBY in the tea and cover the vessel with cheesecloth/breathable cloth. Secure the cloth with a rubber band or string. Store the vessel in a dark, warm place for 7-10 days. Fermentation takes time so be patient and leave it alone until the time is up.

Taste and Bottle

After the fermentation period, taste the kombucha. If it’s too tart, add a bit of sweetener like honey or fruit juice.Carefully pour the kombucha into clean bottles, leaving some space at the top.Seal the bottles and store them in the refrigerator for a few days to allow the flavors to develop.

Second Fermentation (Optional)

For a more flavorful and fizzy kombucha, add fruit, herbs, or spices to the bottles before sealing. Let the bottles sit for a few more days to allow the flavors to infuse. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different teas, sweeteners, and flavorings to find your perfect kombucha recipe.