I make my kombucha differently than I used to.  I forgot to tell you.  The mother is much happier and healthier these days.  So are her babies. 

So  . . . if you used to make it like this and it works for you . . . great. 

But this is how I do it now. 

(sweetened tea {left} ready to be fermented beside fresh kombucha{right})

Ingredients

• 3 tsp organic loose black tea 
• 1 tsp organic loose green tea
• 1 – 1 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
• filtered water (I use 3 quarts)
• Kombucha SCOBY (I recommend using Cultures for Health)
• 1/2 cup kombucha from previous batch (you can also use vinegar)
• clean round bowl or “candy jar,” preferably (in my opinion) with a lid or mason jar
• towel and tape if you don’t have a lid (see original instructions) or paper coffee filter

Directions

I have changed from being adamant about using white sugar and Lipton tea . . . despite the directions I received with my last SCOBY. 

I am better educated.

Plus . . . I like using organic ingredients.  I’m Granola Mom after all.  But seriously.  SCOBY’s absorb whatever they come in contact with . . . which is why you don’t want them to contact metal or linger in plastic. 

Do use sugar, not honey or other sugar substitute.  You want to maintain a proper PH and deter unwanted organisms from growing in your culture. 

• Heat your water to boiling. 
• Add sugar and heat until it has dissolved.
• Once boiling has resumed, stir in loose tea.
• Turn stove off and allow tea to steep approximately 10 minutes or until cool.
• Strain tea leaves (don’t forget to compost!)
• Transfer sweet tea to glass jar and add SCOBY and 1/2 cup of previous kombucha (or vinegar substitute).  
• Place your well fed SCOBY in a dark, safe place . . . preferable a quiet spot away from your compost container and fruit flies for 5-10 days, depending on your taste buds.  The warmer the environment the faster the fermentation. The longer you allow it to brew, the more tart it will become. 
• Bottle, chill and enjoy!

Each time you make kombucha, you will always grow a baby.  You can give this baby to a friend or place it in your compost pile. 

Or make a sling shot out of it . . . it works great as a substitute leather.  Just saying.

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