How to Make Scoby from Scratch

If you’re a fan of kombucha, you know that the key ingredient to this tangy, fermented tea is a scoby. Short for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast,” a scoby is the living organism that transforms a sweet tea mixture into fizzy, probiotic-rich goodness. But did you know that you can make your own scoby at home?

Making a scoby is easier than you might think. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you too can cultivate your very own scoby and start making your own delicious kombucha. Whether you’re looking for a fun DIY project or want to save money on store-bought kombucha, here’s how to make your own scoby.

Choosing Quality Ingredients

The key to making a great SCOBY is to choose quality ingredients. SCOBY needs a mixture of tea, unrefined sugar, and filtered water to thrive. Start by selecting the highest-quality organic tea leaves from a reputable supplier. Tea with added flavors or oils could potentially harm the SCOBY, so it is best to stick to plain teas.

Likewise, choose a natural unrefined sugar such as evaporated cane juice or organic raw sugar. White sugar isn’t a good choice because it’s heavily processed and doesn’t contain the necessary minerals and nutrients.

It’s also crucial to use filtered water that’s free of chlorine or fluoride. Tap water can have high mineral content, which may affect the fermenting process. If you’re using tap water, it’s advisable to boil it first before adding it to the mix. Then, allow it to cool down before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Preparing the Tea

Whether you’re using a tea bag or loose-leaf tea, the first step is to brew a strong batch of tea. Measure out your preferred amount and add hot water, then let it steep for 15 minutes. Use a large pot to brew the tea and keep in mind the final liquid volume that the SCOBY will be added to.

Add Sugar and Let it Cool

Once you’ve brewed the tea, it’s time to add the unrefined sugar. Stir the sugar in until it’s fully dissolved in the tea. Afterward, let the tea cool. If necessary, let the tea cool overnight to reach room temperature.

Acquiring a SCOBY

If you don’t have a SCOBY to start the fermentation process, there are a few ways to get one. One option is to purchase a SCOBY from an organic food store or a trusted source online. Another is to ask a friend who already has a SCOBY to give you a portion. Alternatively, you can grow a SCOBY from scratch by using a bottle of unflavored, raw and unpasteurized kombucha.

Sanitizing Your Workspace

When making a SCOBY, make sure your workspace is sanitized to prevent contamination. Before starting the fermentation process, clean all utensils and the container by rinsing them in hot water.

Adding the SCOBY into the Tea Mixture

Once your tea mixture is at room temperature, it’s time to add the SCOBY. Carefully place the SCOBY on top of the tea mixture, making sure it floats on the surface.

Covering and Letting it Ferment

Cover the container holding the tea and SCOBY with a clean dish towel or cheesecloth, ensuring it has enough space to breathe. SCOBYs need oxygen to ferment properly. Then, let it sit in a warm and undisturbed area for several days to a few weeks.

Checking the Fermenting Process

Check your SCOBY’s progress by tasting the tea mixture. The mixture will turn into kombucha as the SCOBY consumes the sugar. The longer you ferment, the stronger the tea becomes. It’s important to check the taste frequently until it reaches your preferred taste level.

Bottling and Storing the SCOBY and Kombucha

When the SCOBY and tea mixture have fermented to your liking, it’s time to remove the SCOBY and store it in a separate container with enough kombucha to cover it. You can either store it in the fridge or continue the fermentation process by making more tea and repeating the steps.

Finally, the kombucha can be bottled, taking care to ensure that enough sugar is present for carbonation to occur. Make sure to store the bottles in a warm place for another day or two to allow for secondary fermentation to occur. Then, refrigerate the bottles to stop fermentation and to enjoy your homemade, delicious kombucha!

Conclusion

Making a SCOBY is easy and requires a few simple steps alongside some patience and care. Remember to always choose high-quality ingredients, sanitize your workspace, and keep an eye on the fermenting process. With these guidelines, you’re well on your way to making delicious, homemade kombucha with a healthy, thriving SCOBY.

Why Make Your Own SCOBY?

Kombucha is the new tea craze that has taken the health conscious world by storm. It’s a fizzy, tangy, sweet drink that is made from fermenting tea using a SCOBY – symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. But instead of buying an expensive, pre-made SCOBY from the store, you can make your own. There are many reasons why it would be beneficial to make your own SCOBY, and we’ll cover them in these 10 subheadings.

1. Saving Money

Buying a pre-made SCOBY can be expensive, and depending on your kombucha consumption, it may not be worth it. Making your own SCOBY will save money in the long run, as all you need are tea bags, sugar, and distilled vinegar – all of which are quite affordable.

2. Customizing Your SCOBY

When you make your own SCOBY, you can customize it to your liking. You can choose the type of tea you want to use – black tea, green tea, or a combination of both. Plus, you can adjust the sugar content to your taste preference.

3. Knowing What Goes Into Your Kombucha

When you make your own SCOBY, you have full control over the ingredients that go into your kombucha. You can choose organic tea and sugar that are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. This ensures that your kombucha is healthy and free from any nasty chemicals.

4. Sharing SCOBY with Friends

Making your own SCOBY means that you can share it with your friends who are interested in making their own kombucha. It’s a great way to spread the love of kombucha and help others who are interested in making their own.

5. Control Over the Fermentation Process

Making your own SCOBY also means that you have control over the fermentation process. You can decide how long you want to ferment your kombucha, and adjust the temperature accordingly.

6. Experimenting with Different Flavors

Making your own SCOBY allows you to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. You can add fruit, spices, and herbs to your kombucha for a unique flavor and aroma.

7. Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle

Making your own SCOBY is a more sustainable option, as it reduces waste. Instead of buying pre-made SCOBYs that come in plastic packaging, you can use glass jars and reuse tea bags.

8. Gaining Knowledge and Skills

Making your own SCOBY is a great way to gain knowledge and skills about fermentation and brewing. It’s also a fun and rewarding hobby that can be shared with others.

9. Experimenting with Different Tea Combinations

Creating your own SCOBY means that you can experiment with different tea combinations, such as black tea and oolong, or green tea and white tea. This allows you to create a unique and flavorful kombucha.

10. Taking Control of Your Health

When you make your own SCOBY, you have control over the quality of your kombucha. You can ensure that it’s made from organic ingredients and free from added sugars and preservatives. This allows you to take control of your health and make a drink that is perfect for your individual needs and tastes.

Materials Needed for Making Scoby

Making scoby at home is a simple process that requires minimal materials. Here are the things you will need:

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Scoby

Now that you have all the necessary materials, let’s dive into the process of making scoby at home.

Step 1: Brew Tea

The first step is to brew your tea bags in 4 cups of filtered water for about ten minutes. Once the tea has steeped, remove the bags and add one cup of organic sugar to the pot. Stir well and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Add Kombucha Starter Liquid

Add 1 cup of kombucha starter liquid to the cooled tea mixture. This starter liquid can be store-bought or taken from a previous batch of kombucha.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the tea and kombucha mixture to a large glass or ceramic jar. Then, add 6 cups of filtered water in the jar. Stir well.

Step 4: Cover and Store

Cover the mouth of the jar with a breathable cloth, and secure it in place with a rubber band. Store the jar in a warm, dark place for 7-14 days. The ideal temperature for making scoby is between 68°F to 78°F.

Step 5: Check Progress

After a few days, check on the progress of your scoby. The liquid should have formed a thick gelatinous layer on the top. If you notice any mold growth or a foul smell, discard the mixture and start again.

Congratulations! You have just made your very own scoby. With this scoby, you can now start your own kombucha brewing process at home.

Final Thoughts

Making scoby at home is a fun and rewarding process. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have a fresh batch of kombucha ready to enjoy in no time. Just remember to store your scoby in a clean and sterile environment, and you’ll be on your way to brewing delicious kombucha at home.

Wrap it up!

Now that you know how to make your own scoby, you’re ready to start brewing your own kombucha tea. Remember that the key ingredient in this process is patience. You’ll need to wait for your scoby to grow and for the tea to ferment, but trust us, the end result is worth it. Thanks for reading and happy brewing! Don’t forget to come back and check out our other articles for more fun and easy DIY projects.