Kombucha is considered to be a health drink because it contains natural bacterias that can help replenish the bacterial balance in the colon. The kombucha itself is the yeast/bacteria combination which is formed into what is called a ‘SCOBY’ or Symbiotic Colony of Yeast and Bacteria. The SCOBY looks like a slimy pancake; some people refer to it as the ‘mother.’
GT Kombucha
You can start your own kombucha culture by buying a container of GT Kombucha Drink from any WholeFoods store. Drink enough of the liquid to leave about 1/4 inside the glass; leave out at room temperature with the cap off but covered in cloth. In about one week, you will see your very own SCOBY pancake floating on top and you are ready to start fermenting!
All of the details on how to make your own Kombucha at home are detailed in the above video, filmed at my friend’s organic farm in Maui, Hawaii. Here is a brief set of directions which I received when I purchased my SCOBY online through Dom’s Kefir Grains:
Directions for Kombucha:
1. Prepare tea with 4 teaspoons of conventional loose tea or 4 teabags in 4 cups of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes. (Green tea, black tea or a combination is suitable).
2. Strain tea in an 8-cup glass jar and dissolve 1/3 cups sugar (either raw sugar or organic refined white sugar).
3. Let sweetened tea cool to room temperature, then pour kombucha ‘mother’ with the solution in which she was stored.
4. Place a clean cloth or paper napkin over the mouth of the jar and secure in place with an elastic rubber band.
5. Ferment, leaving undisturbed, for 7-12 days at room temperature range of 19C – 25C (66F – 79F).
6. Strain kombucha tea and repeat the whole process.
As for how much kombucha to drink daily to enjoy it’s health benefits, I would recommend about 1-2 cups per day or 250ml- 500ml daily. It’s a nice refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot day, and the natural bacteria will help with digestion and even can help stimulate the bowels, thus avoiding constipation. Kombucha can help lessen any overgrowth of candida and is good for anyone suffering from intestinal parasites. If you are addicted to pop or soft drinks, and are looking for a fizzy drink that is still considered healthy, kombucha is the drink for you.
Aloha, thanks for the instructional video. An you please elaborate on the mother and how to care for her. Thanks for your time.
The mother can be stored in a glass container (the wide ‘tupperware’ glass ones are good) in the refrigerator covered with the kombucha liquid from the latest batch. I have also put her in the freezer when traveling for a few months, and she has been ok once thawed. For frequent kombucha making, best to keep her in the fridge. Hope that helps!
Thanks!!! Great post!!!
And great site also!!!
Best Regards from Russia!!!)
this is awesome! just started my scoby today from a bottle of GT’s. will let you know how it goes! thank you!
hi jennifer,
thanks for this video! i had no idea you could make a scoby from a GT’s — i thought you had to find someone else who had one.
quick question –
you mention putting the scoby in your freezer. how long can i keep an inactive scoby in my fridge, without making more kombucha?
Hi Marisa, If you are not feeding your scoby for more than 4-6 weeks, I would say better to freeze it. They are all a bit different depending on size and temperature but 1 month is a good gauge. Thank you!