Question 1

I'm concerned about the amount of sugar that may be in the finished product.  I have cancer, & I'm trying to avoid as much sugar as I can. Thoughts?

Accepted Answer

I've read that the amount of sugar that remains in the finished product is very little, as the sugar is what the scoby feeds on, so the longer it ferments, the lower the sugar content.  I think that brewing your own vs. buying it will allow you to control the sugar content better because you can taste it throughout the fermentation process and decide how sweet you want it.

Question 2

When is the addition of flavors done? When steeping, during fermentation, prior to bottling?

Accepted Answer

Couple of options.  After your first 7-30 day fermentation remove the SCOBY and start a second batch or place in a SCOBY "hotel".  You can then add flavors to your fermented Kombucha and bottle and leave at room temp for a day or two (or longer if you want more carbonation).  This step is called secondary fermentation as your Kombucha will continue to ferment.  After that place the bottles in the fridge (slows down the carbonation process) and enjoy your home brew!  You can also leave your kombucha in the gallon jar (after removing the SCOBY), add flavorings to the gallon jar and let that sit at room temp for a day or two and then bottle afterward if that method is easier for you.

Question 3

Ok if the Scoby absorbs some of the plastic due to leeching and the acidic tea then would each batch I make have plastic in it?

Accepted Answer

Hello! Thanks for the question and very happy to answer. Your SCOBY will not absorb any plastic. They come packaged in 4 mil poly bags that meet USDA and FDA specifications for food contact, are BPA Free, and a 100% virgin low density polyethylene (#4). Low Density Polyethylene is ideal for food and beverage storage (particularly those with high acidity like Kombucha) and can withstand temperatures between -148 to 176° F without leaching. Kombucha Cultures are packed and shipped in these plastic bags as they are the safest and healthiest for the culture and you.

Question 4

I wasn't careful with instructions and covered my Kombucha culture with the lid over the cloth and rubber band for two full days, is this bad?

Accepted Answer

The culture should be fine if the lid was on for only two days, but be sure to finish the brew with the lid off and the cloth and rubber band still on.

ASIN	B00LW7OR4A
Best Sellers Rank	#40,517 in Kitchen & Dining ( See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining ) #7 in Home Brewing Starter Sets
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (4,074)
Date First Available	July 17, 2014
Item Weight	3.97 pounds
Item model number	633131631562
Manufacturer	THE KOMBUCHA SHOP
Package Dimensions	10.87 x 6.5 x 6.4 inches

The Kombucha Shop Organic Kombucha Starter Kit - 1 Gallon Brewing Kit Includes All The Essentials Required for Brewing Kombucha At Home

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