Can I use a store-bought bottle of kombucha to grow my own SCOBY?

Question

Can you grow a SCOBY from a store-bought bottle of kombucha? Yes! Learn the simple method to cultivate your own culture using unpasteurized kombucha.

Answer 1

Yes, you can use a store-bought bottle of *unpasteurized* and *unflavored* kombucha to grow your own SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast). This kombucha acts as a starter liquid for your new culture.

Detailed Explanation:

Growing a SCOBY from store-bought kombucha is a common and effective method. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose the Right Kombucha: Select a bottle of raw, unpasteurized, and unflavored kombucha. Pasteurization kills the bacteria and yeast needed to form a SCOBY. Avoid kombucha with added fruit juices or purees, as these can introduce unwanted microorganisms. Look for 'raw' or 'unfiltered' on the label.
2. Prepare Your Jar: Clean a glass jar thoroughly with soap and hot water. Rinse well to remove any soap residue. A wide-mouth jar is ideal.
3. Combine Kombucha and Sweet Tea: In the clean jar, combine about 1 cup of your chosen kombucha with 7 cups of cooled, sweetened tea. The tea should be made with about 1 cup of sugar per gallon of water. Black or green tea works best. Ensure the tea has cooled to room temperature before adding the kombucha to avoid damaging the existing cultures.
4. Cover and Wait: Cover the jar with a breathable cloth (like cheesecloth or a coffee filter) secured with a rubber band. This allows air to circulate while preventing fruit flies and other contaminants from entering.
5. Find a Safe Spot: Place the jar in a dark, room-temperature location (around 68-78°F or 20-26°C). Avoid direct sunlight and areas with significant temperature fluctuations.
6. Be Patient: It can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks for a SCOBY to form. You'll first notice a thin, translucent film forming on the surface of the liquid. This will gradually thicken into a more opaque, rubbery SCOBY.
7. Check for Mold: Keep an eye on the developing SCOBY for any signs of mold. Mold is usually fuzzy and can be black, green, or blue. If you see mold, discard the entire batch. A healthy SCOBY will be creamy white or tan in color.

Pro Tip:

Don't be alarmed if your first SCOBY looks a little strange or has brown stringy bits hanging from it. These are just yeast strands and are perfectly normal. The important thing is to ensure there's no mold present.