The Ultimate Guide to Home Kombucha Brewing: Essential Supplies and Their Uses a.k.a. Kombucha brewing supplies needed to get going!
Are you ready to dive into the world of home kombucha brewing? This rewarding hobby not only provides a delicious, healthful beverage but also offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of fermentation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential supplies you’ll need and explain their uses. Let’s get started!
Reccomended Supplies
- Glass Brewing Jar: The first item on our list is a glass brewing jar. 1 gallon is a good size to start with. This is where the magic happens! The jar houses the kombucha during the fermentation process. It’s crucial to use glass as it doesn’t react with the acidic kombucha, ensuring a pure, uncontaminated brew.
- Organic Tea: Kombucha requires tea as its base. You can use black, green, or some of our other experimental tea recs, but make sure it’s organic. Black Tea is most commonly used. Organic tea is free from pesticides and other chemicals that could harm your SCOBY (more on that later) and affect the taste of your brew.
- SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast): The SCOBY is the heart of kombucha brewing. This gelatinous disc of bacteria and yeast transforms sweet tea into tangy, fizzy kombucha. You can purchase a SCOBY online or get one from a fellow kombucha brewer.
- Organic Cane Sugar: Sugar is the fuel for your SCOBY. It feeds on the sugar, converting it into various acids, carbon dioxide (which gives kombucha its fizz), and a small amount of alcohol. Regular white sugar works best.
- Thermometer: Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for successful kombucha brewing. A stick-on thermometer for your brewing jar will help you ensure your brew stays within the ideal range of 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
More supplies needed…
6. pH Strips: (optional) These strips are used to test the acidity of your kombucha. A proper pH level (between 2.5 and 4.5) is crucial for preventing harmful bacteria from contaminating your brew.
7. Cloth Cover and Rubber Band: A breathable cloth cover and a rubber band to secure it are essential for keeping contaminants out while allowing your brew to breathe.
8. Glass Bottles for Second Fermentation: The second fermentation is where you can get creative with flavors and increase the fizziness of your kombucha. Glass bottles with airtight seals are perfect for this stage. You need 4, 32 ounce bottles per gallon.
9. Funnel and Strainer: These tools make the process of transferring your kombucha from the brewing jar to the bottles for second fermentation mess-free and easy.
10. Flavorings: The final touch! This can be anything from fresh fruit, herbs, spices, or even fruit juice. The options are endless and allow you to customize your kombucha to your taste preferences.
Ready to Start?!?
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of what supplies you need and their uses, you’re ready to embark on your home kombucha brewing journey. Remember, the key to a great brew is patience and attention to detail. Happy brewing!
Do you have a favorite kombucha flavor you’re excited to try at home? Check out these Top 10 Flavors to Try on our website.
Sources:
- “The Kombucha Shop Kombucha Brewing Kit.”
- “The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes from Around the World.”
- “How to brew Kombucha at home.”