Physically:Like I was saying, the fermentation of kombucha produces a cellulose mat that gets synthesized on the surface of the tea. This mat will get thicker with time if sat undisturbed. If disturbed, a layer of liquid can get on top, and a new layer will begin to form on the surface again. Each new brew causes surface disturbance, and thus new layers will likely form with each brew. Eventually, your brewing vessel can become overrun with pellicles, and you will be asking yourself what the heck to do with all these pellicles! As far as the kombucha itself is concerned, you can toss the pellicles with each brew. That’s not to say that the pellicle is useless, however, because microbial cellulose is a remarkable material that can be fashioned into all kinds of crazy things (fruit leathers, dog treats, jewelry, clothing, etc.!).
FAQs
When to replace SCOBY? ›
You will only need to replace your SCOBY if it has developed mold or if it is continuously struggling to ferment. Often with struggling SCOBYs, things can be done to help bring balance to your culture depending on the situation, and you won't need to start over completely.
How do I know when my SCOBY is done? ›If your SCOBY floats to the top or it sinks to the bottom but a new thin layer forms on the top of your tea, it is fermenting properly. The tea will lighten in color over several days and will see some bubbling also. Finally, you can taste it. A developing vinegary flavor indicates all is well.
What is the lifespan of a SCOBY? ›Each individual scoby can brew for around 6-9 months depending on how it is used but in reality you generally use the newest scoby you have so you will have switched to a new baby well before then.
When should you throw out kombucha? ›Perhaps you're a kombucha wizard, and you're experimenting with your own kombucha concoctions at home. Once you've whipped up a batch, you can expect the homemade kombucha to last between one and three months when stored in the fridge.
How do I know if my SCOBY is dying? ›Tannins give the tea its color. Green teas will always produce a lighter kombucha brew than using a dark tea. As the sugars are converted by the scoby, the tannins are also converted, changing the color of the tea. If you check on your scoby and see that it's turned black, then the scoby has died.
What does an unhealthy SCOBY look like? ›You can tell if a SCOBY is moldy by the presence of mold. And mold does NOT look like leftover tea bits. A moldy SCOBY has white or gray fuzzy growths on it.
What does an old SCOBY look like? ›The mother scoby is VERY dark brown, this happens over time and is normal, and the baby is creamy white. If tugged gently the old mother will fall free of the baby scoby. Once a scoby has turned this very dark brown it is old and can no longer brew (this can take 6 months to 1 year).
Is my SCOBY dead if it doesn t float? ›In time, a new SCOBY will start slowly forming on the surface and thicken over time. So rest assured, a sinking SCOBY is nothing to worry about! Now that we've debunked the SCOBY position myth, you can celebrate knowing your batch is healthy!
How long can you keep a SCOBY without feeding it? ›A SCOBY that has not been fed for a while will use up all available sugar over about eight weeks and then go dormant for a while. Eventually though, the bacteria and yeast will need to eat so the culture will begin to die off and eventually the SCOBY will turn black and rot.
Can I use a year old SCOBY? ›Storing Your Kombucha Scoby in the Fridge
The scoby will then go dormant and can be kept for up to 6 months. However, we've already seen scobys that had been forgotten for over a year in a corner of the fridge come back to life without any problem. These little creatures are resilient!
How many times can I reuse a SCOBY? ›
Put simply, kombucha SCOBYs can be reused for many years. Realistically, however, you simply won't need it to last that long. Your SCOBY grows and divides with each batch of kombucha, so you will constantly be growing new SCOBYs. Simply remove the older layers and transfer the new layers to your next batch.
Do you refrigerate your SCOBY? ›Your kombucha culture or SCOBY is shelf-stable, so it doesn't require refrigeration. If you just bought a SCOBY, It's best to keep it at room temperature until you are ready to brew. If you are in-between brews, just store it in a jar with a cloth cover much the same as your primary fermentation.
Can I cut my SCOBY in half? ›This is fine if they're getting too large or if you'd like to split them up to move some to a SCOBY hotel/share with a friend. You can't hurt your SCOBY by ripping it or cutting it. Its shape doesn't matter since new ones will always take the shape of the surface of whatever container you place it in.
Does new SCOBY grow on top or bottom? ›By day 4-5 you'll likely see a new, thin layer of SCOBY grow across the top. It'll take the shape of whatever vessel you put your liquid in.
Has my SCOBY gone bad? ›A moldy or dead scoby is quite distinctive, and there is no mistaking it when you see it. The mold will be white or colorful, fuzzy and dry. It can appear as spots on the scoby, or cover the scoby altogether. A dead scoby will be black.
How long can you keep using a SCOBY? ›Storing Your Kombucha Scoby in the Fridge
The scoby will then go dormant and can be kept for up to 6 months. However, we've already seen scobys that had been forgotten for over a year in a corner of the fridge come back to life without any problem.
Your finished scoby is normal and healthy if: It's about a quarter-inch thick and opaque.
When should I trim my SCOBY? ›If they are large and happen to dry out, they can become a landing spot for mold. The Kombucha SCOBY's anti mold properties are due to the low pH and organic acid profile of the liquid. If you notice one of these bubbles, pop or cut it with clean scissors or a knife.