Homemade fermentation: how to make Kombucha

In recent years, a fermented drink called kombucha has gained a lot of popularity. It is a drink made by fermenting sweet tea with a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast). Kombucha is known for its many health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting the immune system, and aiding weight loss. This fizzy, sweet and sour drink can be easily made at home with just a few simple steps and ingredients.

Here is a step by step guide on how to make kombucha:

Step 1: Gather the Supplies

To make kombucha, you will need a few basic supplies including a large glass jar (pick one with a wide opening), a wooden spoon, a breathable cover (like a cheesecloth or a coffee filter), rubber bands, a SCOBY (which can be bought or obtained from a friend who makes kombucha), sugar, tea bags, and purified water.

Step 2: Prepare the Tea

Boil 1 gallon of purified water in a large pot, then turn off the heat and add 6-8 tea bags (black, green or a mix of both) and 1-2 cups of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and then allow the tea to steep for around 20-30 minutes. Once the tea is cool enough, remove the tea bags.

Step 3: Prepare the Jar

Once the tea is ready, pour it into your jar (make sure the jar is completely clean). Leave at least one inch of space at the top of the jar for future kombucha fermentation. Now, add the SCOBY and about a cup of kombucha liquid to the jar. This will serve as the starter for the fermentation process.

Step 4: Fermentation

Cover the top of the jar with a breathable cover (cheesecloth or coffee filter) and secure it with a rubber band. Allow the jar to sit in a dark, warm spot (around 70-75°F) for 7-14 days. During this time, the SCOBY will use the sugar to ferment the tea and grow a new SCOBY on top of the liquid. The longer you ferment, the less sweet and the more acidic and fizzy the kombucha will become. You can taste the kombucha along the way to see if it is ready.

Step 5: Bottle and Second Fermentation

Once the kombucha is ready, remove the SCOBY and some starter liquid. Pour the liquid into bottles, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Add flavor of your choice (fruit, herbs, spices are popular options, but you can get creative!). Close the bottles tightly and again store in a warm spot for another 2-5 days (this is called the second fermentation). During this time carbonation will build up in the bottle, giving the kombucha its fizz. Store the bottles in the refrigerator once this process is done.

Making your own kombucha can seem intimidating, but it is actually very simple. As you continue to make your own kombucha, you can experiment with different teas and flavorings to make your unique blend. But remember, it is important to keep everything clean and sterile when fermenting kombucha. Otherwise, unwanted bacteria can grow, resulting in a sour or vinegar-like taste. Have fun, enjoy your homemade kombucha and cheers to good health!