How to Make Your Own Kombucha at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kombucha is a refreshing and healthy drink that has become quite popular in recent years. It is made by fermenting tea with a SCOBY, which stands for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. If you're interested in making your own kombucha at home, read on for a step-by-step guide.

Ingredients and Equipment

To make kombucha at home, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 SCOBY
- 1 cup of starter tea (leftover kombucha from a previous batch)
- 8-10 tea bags (black, green or white tea)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 gallon of filtered water
- A large glass jar
- A cloth and rubber band
- A funnel
- Bottles with airtight lids

Make sure that all your equipment is clean and sanitized.

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Boil the water and add the tea bags and sugar. Steep the tea for 15-20 minutes and then remove the tea bags. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Add the SCOBY and Starter Tea

Once the tea has cooled to room temperature, add the SCOBY and the cup of starter tea to the glass jar. Cover the jar with a cloth and secure it with a rubber band.

Step 3: Ferment the Kombucha

Place the jar in a dark and warm place, away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for fermenting kombucha is between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the kombucha to ferment for 7-10 days, depending on how strong you like it. The longer it ferments, the more vinegary it will taste.

Step 4: Bottle the Kombucha

Once the kombucha has fermented to your liking, remove the SCOBY and reserve a cup of the kombucha to use as starter tea for your next batch.Using a funnel, pour the rest of the kombucha into bottles with airtight lids. Leave some space at the top of each bottle. You can add flavorings like fruit or ginger at this stage.