How to make kombucha scoby

Step by Step

Step 1

In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to boil. Turn off heat and add 1 tsp tea and 3 tbsp sugar, stir and let cool completely (place in a sink filled with cold water to speed things up).

Step 2

In a quart glass jar, pour previously made tea discarding the leaves (use a mesh strainer) and 1 cup of store-bought kombucha along with any brownish strands from the bottle.

Step 3

Cover with paper towel secured with a rubber band and set away from direct sunlight spot(counter or pantry) with temperature above 21C or 70F. It takes 2-4 weeks to grow a SCOBY. You can look but try not to disturb the jar as SCOBY is forming on top. See my post for video and pictures what SCOBY should look like and troubleshooting.

Step 4

SCOBY is ready when it is at least 1/4″ thick and white in colour – a jellyfish like mushroom you can take out of the jar and hold in your hands.

Step 5

Now you can brew some homemade kombucha.

Tips and Warnings

Where to buy GT’s kombucha? Online, or look in the refrigerated produce section or natural foods aisle at your local large chain store, or in any health food store.
Can I use plastic or metal container for making kombucha SCOBY? No, for best results to avoid reactivity between the cultures and container, and possibly interfering with mother’s growth, please use a glass container.
What is the best tea for making kombucha SCOBY? Only black tea.
I have been trying to grow a SCOBY for a week now and there are no visible changes. What should I do? Ideal SCOBY growing temperature should be at least 21 C or 70 F. DO NOT place kombucha in a corner pantry that is by the external wall of the house. I have this pantry (newer homes) and it is cooler and not warm enough for bacteria to grow.
Is the SCOBY reusable or do I need a new one every batch? SCOBY is reusable. You transfer SCOBY from batch to batch. New SCOBY grows on top of old one every batch.