New to Kombucha

[Eli99]

Hello all! My name is Eli and I have recently got into brewing my own kombucha. I have been wanting to do this for some time now, and decided to finally jump in. I have successfully brewed, bottled, and enjoyed my first batch and have my second batch a day over a week into the brewing process. I checked this morning on my kombucha (I tried to let it set the first week despite me wanting to constantly check on it), and saw something that has me a little concerned. The SCOBY sank to the bottom (which I do know is normal), so the little thin layer of SCOBY forming on top is as should be, however, there are some yellow-tan splotches on underneath this filmy layer that I do not know whether or not are mold. I will attach pictures and I would be so so grateful if anyone would be willing to weigh in and I will of course be more than happy to provide more information about the batch if that will help. Thank you for your help in advance!

 

[Zephyr259]

Welcome to the forum Eli. This is the quietest sub-forum but there are a few of us about. I've never made kombucha before so don't have much experience with a SCOBY, it doesn't look like mold to me, not at the moment anyway. Reminds me of yeast flocs, maybe they'll form into the new SCOBY?

 

[phillc]

Not sure about the tan blotches, but I think it's probably OK. My kombucha mushroom has been totally neglected for months sometimes, just sitting in the last third of the most recent batch and yet whenever I find the time to make a fresh batch it always turns out alright. I've had it sink before with no problems. As @Zephyr259 suggests, this might just be a new mushroom forming.

My current mushroom is massively thick with long tendrils growing underneath, yet it still seems to produce decent kombucha.

 

[Dutto]

Never heard of Kombucha, but it sounds like fun stuff to drink and it may even have health benefits!

However ...

"Kombucha is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth. Kombucha can cause side effects when contaminated including stomach problems, yeast infections, allergic reactions, yellow skin (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, head and neck pain, and death."

... so I think I will give it a miss for now!

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-538/kombucha

 

[Brian Hunt]

Death? No more risk than any other homebrew unless you fall into a vat of the stuff. Follow the normal sterilizing rules and don't ferment in metal as kombucha is acidic.
I use a one gallon glass like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Gl...164274?hash=item212e16c272:g:nL0AAOSwoaFZunlO . and having been making Kombucha and sourdough bread, both fermented products for four years and I'm sure my gut health is better from it. I drink a wine glass full every morning.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Kombucha can cause side effects when contaminated including stomach problems, yeast infections, allergic reactions, yellow skin (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, head and neck pain, and death."

I often wondered why this forum is quiet compared to the rest.

.

 

[kelper]

I read recently that some activity increased the risk of mortality - my risk of dying is 100% already so these news stories just amuse me. It's the same with news stories about risk - eating bacon doubles the risk of bowel cancer -yeah, from one-in-million to two-in-a million. (these are made up figures, but you get my drift.) Life is a terminal disease; balance risks and benefits and enjoy life! Most of us will die, peacefully, in our own beds. Oddly, I've tried parachuting, but think bungee jumping is too risky. Probably because one activity is well regulated and historically safe. (I shattered my ankle on my fourth jump - ha ha.)

Did you know, one of the most dangerous activities is carrying your laundry up or down stairs?

 

[Richie_asg1]

in 1975 Mr Alex Mitchell laughed continuously for 25 minutes after watching an episode of The Goodies and then fell dead off his sofa from heart failure.
......They don't make TV that funny these days.

Good job you're not a horse Kelper - they would have shot you.