Re: New to list and have some kombucha-making questions

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky, and welcome to the group and the world of KT!

I'll try to answer as organised as you asked. :-) I'm no guru, only about 7mo.

into it myself.

1. First batches are known to take longer than subsequent batches. I guess it's

because all the little beasties have to adjust to a new environment, and get

settled in. So your batch is probably fine. It all depends on how much starter

tea you had, how strong it was, and what temp you are brewing at. The shape of

the bottle, or how full you fill it determines how much surface area the tea

has. That can also make a small difference on how fast it will ferment.

2. No, you can not expect it to taste like GT's, unless you have started a brew

with a bottle of GT's. And even then, that doesn't garantee you that it will

taste exactly the same as his. There are so many little variations that will

affect the taste of your kt. You will understand after a few batches. :-)

3. Yes your SCOBY had a baby and now it's a mother! :-) Anyway, yes, I probably

would wait till you have a more solid baby to start a new brew.

4. If your spoon was stainless steel, like most spoons are, you are perfectly

fine. If the spoon was of another metal... I'd say, you're still fine, with such

a brief contact. No need to throw out.

Great brewing everyone, especially the newbies!

Rodrick

Chambersburg PA

The Family Cow LLC

Raw Jersey Milk, now CERTIFED ORGANIC, just today, at 2:12 PM!!

" If Milk Is Milk, why can't I make butter with theirs? " (Edwin Shank)

New to list and have some kombucha-making questions

Hello,

My name is Becky. I subscribed a week or so ago but haven't posted

yet. Someone gave me a sample of Kombucha at Whole Foods, which led

me to reading up on it, which led me to paying a fortune to drink it,

which led to ordering supplies to make my own.

So, I got all the Kombucha supplies. However, when I went to make my

first batch, my Internet went down and didn't show signs of going up

any time too soon. So I sort of had to wing it. So, it makes sense to

me if this didn't turn out right. But I still have a few questions.

1. I left my Kombucha brewing for 10 days. I tasted it with a spoon

and thought it was very vinegarry. Then when I pulled it out, I found

it was actually very sweet. Weird. Maybe the stuff at the top was

more vinegarry. Anyway, I know the times vary, but would you think 10

days in Southern California winter (60-80 degrees) is enough time?

2. My kombucha didn't taste at all like the stuff I got at the store.

I drink GT's Kombucha, just the original. Is this because I messed up

somehow or does Kombucha not always taste like GT's Kombucha?

3. I guess my kombucha had a baby. It was a translucent film at the

top. If I wanted to use the baby, should I have waited for it to get

more solid? Or can I use that translucent blobbiness to brew another

jar?

4. I used a spoon to taste my Kombucha. I forgot that it isn't

supposed to touch metal. Is this OK? Or do I need to toss everything

and start over?

I guess that's it for now. Thanks!

Becky