How to Brew Kombucha: A Guide for Beginners
Kombucha, a fermented sweet tea, has been enjoyed for centuries in countries like China, Japan, and Russia. Packed with probiotics, this tangy beverage is known for its health benefits and unique flavor. If you’ve ever wanted to try making your own kombucha, it’s easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
What You’ll Need
To brew kombucha, you’ll need a few essentials, many of which can be found in a kombucha kit. These kits typically include:
- A SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast)
- Sugar
- Tea
- A food-grade glass jar
- Organic cotton cloth
- Rubber band
- Temperature strip
Sterilization is critical to ensure food safety. Use a food-safe sanitizer like Star San to clean all equipment that will touch your kombucha.
Brewing Steps
- Boil Water and Steep Tea: Boil two cups of water and steep your tea for 20 minutes. Green or black teas are the most popular, but Oolong and white teas work too. Avoid flavored or herbal teas with oils.
- Sweeten the Tea: Add sugar to the steeped tea. Use only white or cane sugar, as alternatives like honey or Stevia can disrupt fermentation.
- Combine and Cool: Add four cups of cold water to the tea. Once the temperature is below 90°F, add your SCOBY and starter culture.
- Ferment: Cover the jar with a cotton cloth, secure it with a rubber band, and place it in a warm, dark location for 7–10 days.
Flavoring and Storage
Once your kombucha reaches the desired flavor, remove the SCOBY for your next batch and transfer the kombucha to sterilized bottles. You can enjoy it plain or experiment with flavorings like fruit or citrus zest. Store in the refrigerator and start enjoying your probiotic tea.
Important Tips
- Always sterilize everything that touches your kombucha to prevent contamination.
- If it looks, smells, or tastes off, throw it out.
- Acclimate yourself to kombucha gradually, drinking no more than 8 ounces a day.
Brew your own kombucha tea today and enjoy a delicious, healthful drink made right in your kitchen. Grow organic for life!
In this video, Tricia will show you how to make kombucha, a beverage brewed for it's many probiotics, at home!
