Hi all! as promised, here are the steps I followed to brew my recent batch of Kombucha. Brewing Kombucha is most certainly something anyone with a bit of patience and interest in spending time in the kitchen can do. It is fun and and a much more inexpensive option to the store bought options which will generally run you $3-$5 a bottle. So here goes!  I’ve included pictures and simple steps you can follow to successfully brew your own. You will also find a list of which flavors are my favorite!

To make the tasty flavored Kombuchas are a 2 step process, 3 steps if you bottle

1. Initial Brew and fermentation
2. Filter and Flavor
3. Bottle

Initial Brew And Ferment

To start off you will need:

• A 1 Gallon Glass Jar
• 8 – 10 Organic green tea bags
• 1 Gallon of filtered water
• A Scoby  + 1/2 cup of liquid from previous fermentation
• 1 c. of white sugar, don’t use a substitute
• A large soup pot, large enough to hold 1 gallon of water
• A funnel

Directions:

1. Begin by sterilizing your supplies with boiling water or running everything you will be using through the hot cycle in the dishwasher
2. Next, tie your tea bags together ( this makes them easy to fish out )
3. Add your filtered water to your pot
4. Bring water to boil and brew your tea to desired strength.
   • Note – Any tea can be used, just be aware that the basic flavor of the tea will filter through each of the flavors your are making. I used an Organic Green Ginger for mine. A bit more tasty than a basic green, but not over powering
5. Once your tea has reached your desired strength, remove bags
6. COOL COMPLETELY.
7. Once cooled funnel into gallon jar. Add Scoby and 1/2 c of liquid from previous ferment. Note, 1/2 c of an organic unflavored kombucha can be used if you are just starting out. A scoby can be purchased. I was lucky to have a friend gift me a start for my first batch. After your first batch – you will have liquid to start your next.
8. Finally, cover with a breathable fabric and elastic band to allow air in such as: A cheesecloth, coffee filter or thicker paper towel.  I used a VIVA paper towel. As that was what I had on hand and it worked great. 
9. Place in warm place for 7 – 10 days.
10. Test the Kombucha after 7 days. If you like it a bit more sour, allow it to sit for the full 10. OK – On to step 2 we are ready to filter and flavor you Buch’ 🙂

Filter And Flavor

I would recommend trying 4 different flavors the first time you make Kombucha, this should give you an idea of what you like. And the next batch around you can flavor your entire batch one flavor.

To do this you will need:

• 4 Quart size jars with lids
• A fine hole small strainer
• A funnel
• Patience so you don’t spill on yourself haha 😉
• The ingredients you need for the flavors you select

Directions:

1. Begin by sterilizing your jars/lids
2. Add flavors you are using to your four jars – See recipes below for ideas. For 1 Quart jars you will need 1/3 cup of fruit/jar. 
3. Use strainer and funnel to add kombucha to jars
   1. NOTE: If you are planning to make another batch – Save your Scoby + 1 cup of your brew liquid. Your scoby will have grown in the process of brewing your tea. And you now have a scoby large enough to continue on with your next batch AND share with a friend. Congratulations! 🙂 
4. Seal your jars off airtight with lids – and place in a warm place
5. Allow to sit until Carbonation forms – this will take anywhere from 7 -14 days
6. Once desired carbonation level or 14 days is reached ( whichever comes first! )…
   1. …filter Again using a strainer
   2. I simply filter into 4 cup measuring cup, and transfer the filtered juice back into their original jars.
   3. Place Mason jars in fridge
   4. If you want to Bottle into fancy bottles you would do so here

Suggestions for Recipes I Like:

Strawberry Lavender

• 1/3 C strawberries ( 4-5 berrys)
• 1 tsp dried lavender leaves
• 1/4 tsp vanilla

Pineapple Ginger 

• 1/3 cup Pineapple
• 1/2 Inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

Pineapple Ginger Mint

• 1/3 cup Pineapple
• 1/2 Inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• Handful of fresh mint

Mixed Berry with w/ Elderberry & Hibiscus 

• 1/3 cup mixed frozen berries
• 1 tsp dried elderberries
• 1 tsp dried hibiscus flowers