What equipment is needed to make kombucha?

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.

KOMBUCHA BREWING

JAR

Kombucha Supplies

:

What to Use

• Glass. Glass is the best option for brewing kombucha. Not only will it not react to the acidity of the brew, it doesn't scratch easily or contain chemicals such as BPA. Glass containers are also easy and inexpensive to obtain. Canning jars and storage jars in quart, half-gallon, and gallon sizes work well. For kombucha continuous brew systems a larger glass jar with spigot is a good choice. Be sure the spigot inside the jar is plastic, not metal, as metal can damage the kombucha SCOBY. This Kombucha Brewing Jar by Mortier Pilon is specially designed for continuous kombucha brewing and even includes a lid with a re-writable label to make it easy to keep track of your batches.
• Ceramic. If you would like to culture kombucha in a ceramic container, check to make sure the glaze is food-grade to prevent potential contact with lead.
• Porcelain.

   

  Porcelain is generally safe for brewing kombucha, as long as it is food-grade. Avoid porcelain pieces such as vases or decorative pottery that are not food-grade.

Material Options: What to Avoid

• Plastic.

   

  We do not recommend using plastic containers for brewing kombucha. Plastic is easily damaged, and scratches in the plastic can harbor foreign bacteria. Plastic, even food-grade, may contain undesirable chemicals that can be harmful to the kombucha SCOBY.
• Crystal.

   

  Because crystal contains lead we do not advise using crystal to brew kombucha.
• Metal. Metal is generally detrimental to kombucha. The only possible exception is stainless steel. Because it is relatively inert, some brewers feel it is a reasonable alternative to glass. While we do not recommend using it, some people do have success doing so.
  
  

What Size Container to Use

You can brew kombucha in any size container, provided it is large enough to hold all the kombucha ingredients while maintaining the correct ingredient ratios. (When activating a dehydrated kombucha SCOBY, be sure to follow the ingredient amounts included in the instructions.)

When choosing a container size, consider that kombucha brewing time is 7 to 30 days. The batch size should be large enough to provide kombucha for drinking plus starter tea needed for the next batch.

For instance, if you are making kombucha in a quart-sized canning jar, that holds about 4 cups of liquid. You will need to use at least a 1/2 cup of that kombucha as starter tea for your next batch. So you will have about 3 1/2 cups of finished kombucha left to drink until your next batch is finished culturing.

Be Aware of Surface Area

Since the surface area at the top of the liquid will influence the rate at which kombucha brews, keep in mind the size of the surface area when choosing a container.

A brew with a 9-inch diameter surface will culture significantly faster than a brew with a 3-inch diameter surface. While it may be tempting to speed up the fermentation process by using a container with a larger surface area, faster isn’t necessarily better.

If your kombucha gets fermenting too quickly, the batch may become quite vinegary in flavor. In short, be aware that the size of the surface area may affect how fast your kombucha ferments, and be ready to adjust you fermentation time accordingly. Learn more by reading How Surface Area Affects Kombucha Brewing Time.

COVERING THE KOMBUCHA BREWING CONTAINER

Fermenting kombucha tea can tend to attract fruit flies and other critters. To keep these out, you'll want to cover your brewing container to protect your kombucha and SCOBY. Keep in mind the following when choosing a cover:

• A

   

  coffee filter

   

  or

   

  tight-weave dish towel, secured with a rubber band, is an excellent choice.
• Butter muslin is another good option. It can be cut and layered to fit the top of a container.
• Canning jar rings

   

  that come with mason jars work well to secure fabric over the top of the jar.
• Avoid loose-weave fabric or screens, as these will not keep out tiny bugs like ants and fruit flies.
• Do not use a tight lid. In order for your kombucha to ferment effectively, it needs

   

  sufficient airflow. A tight lid will inhibit this airflow and prevent your kombucha from fermenting properly.
  
  

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES

While by no means required, a few additional supplies that can be helpful while brewing kombucha.

1. Mesh Tea Ball

Mesh tea balls come in handy when using loose tea to brew kombucha. Metal tea balls are fine to use, as they will be removed before the SCOBY and starter tea are added.

2. Re-Usable Tea Bags

Re-usable cotton tea bags are great for any size batch of kombucha. These also work well for steeping loose leaf tea.

3. Plastic Strainer

A plastic strainer, while not necessary, can certainly be useful for making homemade kombucha. Use it to strain yeast strings from finished kombucha or scoop out the SCOBY. We carry BPA-free plastic strainers in two sizes which are great for other culturing projects too, like making milk kefir and water kefir. They are available individually or as part of our flavored kombucha kits.

4. Bottles

Bottles with a tight seal such as our Grolsch-Style Flip-Top Bottles work well for making a fizzy finished kombucha flavors for tea. If you're looking to make flavored kombucha, but not sure if you want to invest in a full 12-bottle case, our flavor kombucha kits offer a great solution! In addition to a SCOBY and flavorings they include two flip-top bottles to get you started bottling!

5. Funnel

If you choose to bottle your finished kombucha for extra fizz, having a funnel can make the process a lot easier. We carry silicone funnels that work well. The best part is that they are collapsible and easy to store when not in use.

6. Stick-On Thermometer

Temperature plays an important role in home-brewed kombucha. Kombucha starter cultures work best at a cozy room temperature - too cold and they're sluggish, too warm and you'll be left with vinegar instead of sweet tea. Stick-on thermometers are an easy, hassle-free way to keep an eye on the temperature of your culturing kombucha without having to constantly test the temperature of your culturing area. They are available individually or as part of the Kombucha Tea Starter Kit.

#3 – Kombucha – Equipment Needed

Here is just a quick summary of the equipment that I use and/or recommend.  We all know that starting off with the best quality ingredients makes all the difference in the outcome of a recipe.. the same goes with having the right equipment.

I always want to do my best in setting you up with the right equipment from the get-go so you can have a successful experience. Let me learn from my mistakes, so you don’t have to unless you’re into that kind of thing. hehe

Kombucha making can become a very ceremonial tradition, and as time passes, you will find that there is a wide range of ways kombucha is made.  Don’t let any of this frighten or confuse you. I am laying out the simple basics, and in time you will find your rhythm. We all dance to beat of our own drum, right?!

SCOBY:

• SCOBY – Learn how to grow your own (here).
• Or purchase one. I recommend (this) one.

Brewing Vessels:

For more information, please visit YME.

• Glass jar – 1 or 2 gallons for batch brewing or
• Glass jar with a spigot for continuous brew
• Wooden barrel
• Stainless steel (grade 304 or higher) vessel
• Porcelain or Ceramic vessels
• The one I use no longer shows for sale but this (one) is close.

Spigot for Continuous Brew:

• You will want a glass container large enough for the amount you desire, and it needs to have a corrosion-resistant spigot. Most glass jars that come with a spigot made of poor quality materials.
• The spigot should be made from either wood, stainless steel (304 grade or better, or a professional-grade plastic.
• The spigot needs to be removable for cleaning.
• I use (this) one.

Heating Band:

• A heating band will help keep your brew at an even, optimal temperature.
  • If your brew doesn’t hold the right temperature, you will end up with a thin SCOBY, a slow ferment, and even run the risk of the SCOBY falling asleep, stopping the fermenting process.
• I use (this) one because it has a digital temperature controller.  You can set the temp you want to band to reach and walk away.
• This (one) works too; it just doesn’t come with the digital temp controller, you slide the dimmer up and down to find the sweet spot of temperature.

Thermometer Strip:

• To create a healthy brew, you want to monitor its temperature. The adhesive strip thermometer attaches to the side of the vessel letting you just how warm or cool the liquid is.
• I use (this) one.

Tightly woven fabric or a coffee filter, rubber band:

• Do not use cheesecloth because the holes are too big and fruit flies can squeak through.
• Use a breathable cloth that is lint-free.
• I use an unbleached coffee filter and a rubber band to secure it.

Long handle spoon:

• Needs to be long enough to reach the bottom of the brewing vessel.
• It can be wood, plastic, or stainless.

Funnel:

• A funnel may be needed for bottling if you are not doing continuous brew kombucha.
• It should be stainless steel or good quality food grade plastic.
• Click (here) to see the ones I recommend.

Bottling:

• Use heavy-duty glass jars that can handle pressure from carbonation. If you don’t plan on doing a second fermentation, then you don’t need to worry so much about this.
• Swing-top bottles are perfect. Just make sure you get good quality ones.
• Avoid using mason jars.  They don’t hold a seal well, especially if doing a second fermentation.
• Avoid plastic containers as they don’t handle acidic liquids well.
• Avoid metal lids that may come in contact with the kombucha.
• I use the bottles found on (this) page.  Don’t forget to get a bottle cleaning brush!

Let’s Go Shopping

SCOBY

• Kombucha Kamp Genuine KOMBUCHA CULTURE (1 Lrg SCOBY + 1 Cup Strong STARTER LIQUID – Makes 1 Gallon)

Brewing Container & Spigot

Heating Band & Adhesive Temperature Strip

Misc. Tools

Thank you for your support! amie sue

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha Continuous Brew Method

Kombucha Maintenance of Continuous Brew

Kombucha – Ingredients Needed

Kombucha SCOBY – Growing from Scratch

Testing Sugar Levels in Kombucha

Bottling Kombucha from a  Continuous Brew

Second Fermentation of Kombucha – Adding Flavor & Effervescence

Kombucha Aesthetics

Kombucha SCOBY Hotel

Dealing with Fruit Flies

© AmieSue.com

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit kombucha brewing equipment.