How to make a SCOBY

SCOBY stands for Symbiotic Culture of friendly Bacteria and Yeast.  I have read different opinions  from different bloggers.  Some say not to bother growing your own SCOBY, while others say "It's so easy."

I went with Raw Dakota Kitchen: How to Grow Your Own SCOBY.  
It really was easy.
From Heather @ Raw Dakota Kitchen

How to grow a SCOBY:

1 bottle of store bought kombucha (GT Original is what I used)

2 organic tea bags (1 green, 1 black)

2 cups hot boiling water

1T organic white cane sugar**

Use really clean hands :)

I used a wide mouth quart jar to do this. Steep tea bags AND dissolve sugar in boiling water, placing all in quart jar.  Allow to steep until water is room temp or overnight, which works best.  Once cool, remove tea bags and add the entire bottle of store bought kombucha.  (Make sure it's cool; the heat can kill the SCOBY and the kombucha) Cover with a thin towel and put someplace where it won't be disturbed for about 2 -4 weeks.  I put mine on top of the fridge.  You want your SCOBY to be about 1/4 in thick before you start brewing your tea.

Heather says: **You really should use old fashion white sugar, organic if possible. White sugar is the most easily digestible for the SCOBY and it gives the highest amount of glucuronic acid, which is your goal.   Don't worry about consuming it; the SCOBY will eat it up!  

 

*I used 2 tablespoons of sugar for good measure*

My SCOBY is almost 2 weeks old at the moment.  Once I have a few free moments (maybe this weekend) I'm going to start brewing my own Kombucha.

What is Kombucha?

From Food Renegade,  "The beverage the ancient Chinese called the “Immortal Health Elixir?” It’s been around for more than 2,000 years and has a rich anecdotal history of health benefits like preventing and fighting cancer, arthritis, and other degenerative diseases. Made from sweetened tea that’s been fermented by a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (a SCOBY, a.k.a. “mother” because of its ability to reproduce, or “mushroom” because of its appearance), Kombucha didn’t gain prominence in the West until recently."

The potential health benefits include: Detoxification, Joint Health, Improves digestions, Reduces inflammation and Boosts Immune system.

You can find related articles here:
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/the-health-benefits-of-kombucha-tea.html

http://www.foodrenegade.com/kombucha-health-benefits/

http://www.kombuchacultures.com/kombucha_health_benefits.html

Joyce over at It's Your Life is also brewing her own Kombucha.  

Check out her SCOBY!

Ladies and Gentleman...It's ALIVE!!!

I am so excited.  I am in the process of making my own Kombucha.  For my first time around, I decided to make my own Scoby...I'll that later.  I'm just sharing my picture today.

Tomorrow I'll share HOW I did this, plus the health benefits of Kombucha!

Books on HomeBrew

A while back I wrote about making beer.  I shared a bunch of different "HomeBrew Kits" and info.  well, we still haven't had a chance to make beer.  Between the holiday craziness and Mary's Heirloom Seeds we've been a bit busy.

I'm going to check out these books so I thought I'd share a few of the MANY books out there on HomeBrewing.
*these are affiliate links so I make a small commission if you make a purchase*










**BONUS**  This one includes Kombucha!  I just started my scoby yesterday!



All of these books have been rated 4+ stars in reviews out of a possible 5.  I especially like "Beer Making Book" because it is for small-batch brews with seasonal recipe.

AND...I found a book about how to GROW your own ingredients for beer!!!

Have you Ever Brewed your own Beer?

I see more and more people talking about "homebrews" and homemade liqueur.  We made our own Lemoncello last year and it was amazing.  Peppermint Vodka is a great homemade gift!

I'm considering purchasing a small kit to try it out first.  If we enjoying "Brewing" together maybe we'll look into bigger and better kits.

Definitely a few great ideas for Christmas presents! 
Here's what I've found so far:




At only $35 the Mr. Beer Premium Edition is a bargain!
Make your own premium beer at a fraction of the cost of store bought beer. Brew your own beer in 14 days (7 days to ferment and 7 days to carbonate), simple, fun, and inexpensive. Makes a case of premium beer. Includes a Mr. Beer Brew Keg with lid, 8-1 liter PET bottles, Classic American Light mix, Booster Pack for flavor enhancement and alcohol boost, One-Step Cleanser to clean and disinfect brewing and bottling equipment.





For only $46 you get the Premium Gold Edition!
This kit includes two of our most popular beer mixes and the 2-gallon fermenter is made from FDA-compliant plastic, which leaves no taste or flavor migration. Lightweight and shatter resistant, it has a wide mouth that allows for easy cleaning. The 8 reusable plastic bottles are made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic, and they come complete with screw caps and labels. Hand wash keg and bottles in warm water with a soft cloth using mild, unscented soap, not dish soap, and avoid using scouring pads, wire brushes, or abrasives during cleaning.




If you're looking to jump right in, Monster Brew offers a cool Beginner kit for about $122
Our New Brewers Complete Homebrew Kit includes everything you'll need to create the perfect homebrew right from the start! It's easy to follow instructions and quality components assure a great experience every time. Perfect for the first time homebrewer and a great gift! Each Equipment Kit Includes: True Brew Handbook, 6.5 Gallon Primary Fermenting Bucket, 1 Lid Drilled & Grommet, 6.5 Gallon Bottling Bucket w/ Spigot, Fermtech Springless Bottle Filler, Fermometer Fermentation Thermometer, True Brew Rack & Fill, Bottle Brush, 3 Piece Airlock, C-Brite Sanitizer 8-Pack, True Brew Ingredient Kit, Easy To Read Instructions, 48 12oz Amber bottles.



How about an IPA?  Brooklyn Brew Everyday IPA is a steal @ $40!

• Included: beer making mix (grain, hops, and yeast), 1 gallon glass fermenter, chambered airlock, glass thermometer
• Also includes: racking cane, tubing, tubing clamp, screw cap stopper, and packet of sanitizer
• Makes 1 gallon of beer (9-10 12 ounce bottles)
• Second batch only requires new ingredients and packet of sanitizer; Kit is reusable
• Not included: strainer, funnel, pot, and bottles

*These are all amazon affiliate links.  If you purchase using my links I may receive a small commission*


What do you think?  Have you ever made your own HomeBrew?