You may remember that my first attempt at making Kombucha was a failure. Nothing happened. Maybe it was too cold? Maybe it was because I was trying to grow my own “mushroom”? Not quite sure. But last week I got to give it another go, because out of the blue two people – TWO different people I tell you, brought me a “mother”! I took it as a sign from the Lord that it was time to try this experiment again. : )So, above you can see the two lovely kombucha babies that were given to me, and below you can see them floating in the sweet tea – where they will soon become mothers to their own scoby babies, and then I will have to send them to you as a gift, or end up having as many kombucha babies around here as Kayla’s rabbits were producing baby bunnies before we could get them separate rooms!
So far the fermenting has been going on for one week, and already I can tell that something is happening. No baby yet, but I think we’re well on our way. I’ll update you later. Until then, here’s the very easy recipe and a couple of links to more kombucha info than your heart could desire (or believe was actually out there!):1 gallon water (some say use distilled, but I don’t think it’s necessary as Jenna – one of the givers of a “mother” said. You just don’t want too much chlorine which will inhibit fermentation.)
4-8 tea bags (I used a mixture of black and green teas)
1 cup sugar
Sterilize a one gallon glass container. Boil water and steep tea for about 10 minutes)
Stir in sugar and let cool completely. (I think you can “kill” the “mother” if it’s too hot.)
Place the “mother” gently in the cooled tea.
Cover with cheesecloth, dishtowel, paper towel and secure with rubber band or string.
Put jar in a place where it will not be disturbed for 2-3 weeks.
It’s ready when it has a slight sweet/slight vinegar taste, and some effervescence.
How to Make Kombucha
Making Kombucha
Kombucha: Refreshing Summer Drink
Most of you probably think I have lost my mind, (especially if you are a Texas or Oklahoma reader), and you would be in the company of my husband and two boys. Kayla, on the other hand, loves it and will drink it when I buy it at Whole Foods. (And I have passed along some other OCD, I mean healthy habits in her as well.)
Try it – I think you’ll like it.
(But you might want to hold your nose as you take that first sip.)
Now wait a minute! I live in Oklahoma and if I got a scoby baby in the mail, I would be shrieking with happiness!
Oh, I can't wait to hear how this turns out. Looks like you have a great start on this one!
Oh Megan! How could I be so insensitive!?! I forgot about my handful of southern & crunchy friends!
I KNEW Megan would comment, I just knew it!! Ha ha!
I kinda want a baby too!
I would save a bundle if I made my own.
I am a Sri Lankan. I am very much interested in Kombucha tea. Wonder whether you could post one for me please.
Marliya