Re: Repeated Continuous Brewing Fails

[Guest guest]

Not sure if this would make the difference but. I bottle what I want, Draw

off another usually about 2 cups, make new sweet tea (make sure it is not

too hot), add that to the crock, then top off with the 2 cups of my KT,

cover and ... I have had no trouble with mold.

Jaxi

> I have tried over and over again to do continuous brewing. I can get it to

> the point where the kombucha is ready. I start using it and topping it back

> up, and then it moulds. I've tried adding white vinegar to lower the PH,

> I've used more tea to up the tannin content, I've tried various types of

> coverings/lids for the container, and nothing has worked. I am using one of

> the ceramic water bottle bases for the fermentation container. Any advice

> would be greatly appreciated.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I started my first CB container (1.5 gal) on Dec. 22, and since have added a

2.375 & a 2.5 gal, with NO problems whatsoever. Today I'll be starting 2 more

new CB's - upping my CB dispenser volume another 4.5 gallons. My thought on your

problem: Is your dispenser getting enough oxygen/air circulation? I use flour

sack cloths for covering and keep all but one in a well-aired storage room and

closet.

When I first started out, I placed 2 small jars of brewed tea in 2 different

locations (both were airtight closets) and both molded. DUH!

>

> I have tried over and over again to do continuous brewing. I can get it to the

point where the kombucha is ready. I start using it and topping it back up, and

then it moulds. I've tried adding white vinegar to lower the PH, I've used more

tea to up the tannin content, I've tried various types of coverings/lids for the

container, and nothing has worked. I am using one of the ceramic water bottle

bases for the fermentation container. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

When i top up my continuous brewing container I always take some of the finished

KT from the spigot and pour it on top of the SCOBY before I put a clean cover on

the brew.

Pouring the finished KT on top protects it from molds, Use a clean cover each

time, it is too easy to reverse the sides and inadvertently put dust and mold

that had landed on the top into the KT if you turn the cloth over. I keep two

covers one for using and the other for washing and then switch so I always have

a clean one to cover each new brew. The cover needs to be finely woven like a

cotton tea shirt or napkin. Using a wider weave like cheesecloth lets the mold

in.

Hope this helps, if not, I would change the brand of tea i am using and if

needed use glass instead of a ceramic container. Tea can carry mold spores and

one in awhile that can cause your KT to mold.

It is best not to smoke or have any potted plants near your KT.

Peace, Love and Harmony,

Bev

Kombucha Manna Drops:

100% Certified Organic http://KMI.mannainternational.com

Manna Green & White Tea Extract:

http://GTE.mannainternational.com

Made and Packaged in Glass

Kombucha: " How To Make Kombucha Manual "

http://amazon.com/dp/B0044XV8FA

>

> I have tried over and over again to do continuous brewing. I can get it to the

point where the kombucha is ready. I start using it and topping it back up, and

then it moulds. I've tried adding white vinegar to lower the PH, I've used more

tea to up the tannin content, I've tried various types of coverings/lids for the

container, and nothing has worked. I am using one of the ceramic water bottle

bases for the fermentation container. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

>

[Guest guest]

Pouring mature kombucha on top of your brew is a great habit, even when you do

" batch " kombucha; highly recommend it to all.

BTW, I didn't see it mentioned (might have missed it), but hope you threw away

the affected SCOBY and thoroughly cleaned the vessel! (as opposed to trying to

trim off the mold) If you continue to have a problem, despite pouring mature

kombucha on top, I'd question the source of your SCOBY.

good luck,

Vicki in Orlando

>

> > **

> >

> >

> > Hi Mark,

> >

> > When i top up my continuous brewing container I always take some of the

> > finished KT from the spigot and pour it on top of the SCOBY before I put a

> > clean cover on the brew.

> >

> > Pouring the finished KT on top protects it from molds, Use a clean cover

> > each time, it is too easy to reverse the sides and inadvertently put dust

> > and mold that had landed on the top into the KT if you turn the cloth over.

> > I keep two covers one for using and the other for washing and then switch

> > so I always have a clean one to cover each new brew. The cover needs to be

> > finely woven like a cotton tea shirt or napkin. Using a wider weave like

> > cheesecloth lets the mold in.

> >

> > Hope this helps, if not, I would change the brand of tea i am using and if

> > needed use glass instead of a ceramic container. Tea can carry mold spores

> > and one in awhile that can cause your KT to mold.

> >

> > It is best not to smoke or have any potted plants near your KT.

> >

> > Peace, Love and Harmony,

> > Bev