If you're making your own kombucha, you may want to save the scoby during breaks or when you're away. Scoby stands for Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast or commonly called kombucha mushroom. Scoby is the source of the culture that will produce kombucha. If you want to store your scoby for less than a month, you can simply ferment the kombucha again! Also, you can stop the fermentation process by placing the scoby in the refrigerator. Do this if you want to keep it for 1 to 3 months. To store scoby in the long term, make a “scoby hotel”!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making a New Fermented Kombucha
Step 1. Start making kombucha to keep the scoby in less than 4 weeks
The best way to save scoby is to make a new kombucha! Boil about 3 liters of water in a medium saucepan, then add 8 packs of tea bags, i.e. black tea or green tea. After the water boils, remove the pot from the stove and let it cool.
- You can also place the pan on ice to speed up the cooling.
- If using tea-leaf, add about 2 tablespoons of tea (30 g).
- Don't use decaffeinated tea!
Step 2. Add 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar and stir until dissolved
Once the pot of tea is removed from the stove, add the sugar. Stir the sugar with a spoon until it is completely dissolved in the tea.
Step 3. Pour the sweet tea into a glass jar after it cools down and cover with a cloth
Let the tea brew until the water cools down. This takes about 1-3 hours. Then, pour the tea in a large, clean glass jar. This is where you place the scoby during the creation of a new kombucha.
- Wash the jars with soap and rinse thoroughly with water before you pour the tea.
- We recommend using a 2 liter glass jar.
Step 4. Put the scoby in the jar and close the lid
After the jar is filled with sweet tea, add the scoby. The scoby will likely settle to the bottom of the jar. Then, put the cloth over the mouth of the jar and screw the lid on tightly.
Step 5. Put the glass jar in a warm and dark place
Kombucha will ferment well at room temperature in a dark place. Keep the jar away from possible distractions. So, place the jars on a flat surface that doesn't bump easily so they don't fall.
- You can put it in a closet, for example.
- Your scoby will ferment safely at room temperature for 30 days so you can let it produce kombucha worry-free.
Method 2 of 3: Stopping Kombucha Pembuatan Making Fermentation
Step 1. Store the scoby in a small glass jar or clean plastic bag
If you want to pause between fermenting kombucha, store the scoby in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Use a new clean glass jar or plastic bag to temporarily store the scoby.
Each scoby is placed in one container
Step 2. Pour the sweet tea into a jar or plastic bag so that it is about 20% filled
To keep the scoby healthy during breaks, add some of the sweetened tea or leftover kombucha to soak the scoby. You can use one of these to feed scoby.
The amount of sweet tea or leftover kombucha used doesn't have to be exact, but the scoby should be well-fed to stay alive during the break. You can always add sweet tea or leftover kombucha later
Step 3. Put the scoby in the fridge so it doesn't spoil
Once the scoby is in the container temporarily and has had enough food, you can store it in the fridge until you use it again to make kombucha. Low temperatures will stop the fermentation process so that the growth of scoby will stop.
- Place a jar or plastic bag filled with scoby on the bottom shelf of the back end.
- If you use a plastic bag, make sure the scoby doesn't get any other liquid in it.
Step 4. Do not leave the scoby in the refrigerator for more than 3 months
While you can pause kombucha without any problems, scoby can run the risk of spoiling if left for more than a few months in a temporary container.
Plan to make a new kombucha or put the scoby in a hotel scoby after a maximum of a few months
Method 3 of 3: Creating a Scoby Hotel
Step 1. Choose a large, sterile container that will fit a few scobys
You can use any size jar, but pay attention to how much scoby you want to store. Wash the jars with soap and water.
- You can spray a small amount of soap into the jar and soak it in water, then rinse the jar to remove any soap residue.
- For example, you can use a 2 liter glass jar.
Step 2. Put the scoby in the jar
Over time, add some scoby to the jar to make a hotel scoby. This will help in case the kombucha creation fails one time. That way, you have a spare scoby to make kombucha again.
You can put some scoby in the jar
Step 3. Pour in 1 cup (250 ml) of kombucha and 3 cups (700 ml) of freshly brewed tea
You can use some new kombucha or use bottled kombucha you bought. Pour in some kombucha, then add a few cups of sweetened green or black tea. This method will make Scoby enough food at his hotel.
To make tea, boil 5-6 cups (1, 2-1, 5 liters) of water and brew 4 teabags. Then add about 0.5 cups (120 ml) of granulated sugar
Step 4. Cover the jar with a clean cloth and then put the lid on the jar
Use a tight-fitting cloth, and put it in the mouth of the jar. Then put the lid on so that the jar is tightly closed.
If you don't have a cloth, use 2 coffee filters
Step 5. Store the jars in a dark, warm and dry place
You can place the jar next to the kombucha you're making, if you like. Make sure the location of the Scoby hotel is far from distractions.
Step 6. Change the kombucha at the hotel scoby every 2 weeks
Since you have a lot of scoby in the kombucha that is being made, it will ferment faster than usual and will be stronger. Therefore, replace kombucha with new kombucha after 2 weeks.
