Beginner's Guide: How to Brew Your Own Kombucha

Brewing kombucha at home might seem intimidating, but with the right guidance, it’s a straightforward and rewarding process. Not only do you get a delicious and customizable drink, but you also gain control over the ingredients and fermentation process.

Follow this beginner-friendly guide to start your kombucha journey, and say hello to endless batches of fizzy, tangy goodness!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

  • 14 cups of filtered or spring water

  • 1 cup of sugar

  • 8 bags of black tea

  • 1 SCOBY and starter liquid (from your last batch or a store-bought kit)

  1. Equipment:

    • 1-gallon glass jar

    • A breathable cloth or clean t-shirt

    • Rubber band

Steps to Brew Your Kombucha

  1. Brew the Tea
    Bring water to a boil and dissolve the sugar. Add the tea bags and steep for 10-15 minutes. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature completely.

  2. Prepare the Fermenter
    Pour the cooled tea into your glass jar. Add your SCOBY along with 1-2 cups of starter liquid.

  3. Ferment
    Cover the jar with the breathable cloth, secure it with a rubber band, and place it in a warm, dark spot (70-80°F is ideal). Let it ferment for 7-10 days.

  4. Taste Test
    After a week, taste your brew. If it’s tangy and not overly sweet, it’s ready for bottling. If it’s too sweet, let it ferment longer.

  5. Bottle It
    Pour your kombucha into airtight bottles, leaving space for carbonation. Save 1-2 cups of the liquid to use as starter for your next batch.

  6. Optional: Secondary Fermentation
    Add flavors (like fruit or herbs) to the bottles and let them sit at room temperature for another 2-3 days to develop fizz. Then refrigerate.

With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy the endless benefits of homebrewed kombucha. Don’t forget to visit Kova Kombucha for top-quality SCOBYs and brewing kits to start your journey!

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What is a SCOBY and why is it the key to brewing kombucha?

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