Kombucha

Alright, let's brew some bubbly goodness! As a professional chef, I prioritize flavor, balance, and a clean, consistent product. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and refreshing kombucha from scratch.

Chef's Kombucha Recipe

This recipe is for a 1-gallon batch. Feel free to scale it up or down while maintaining the ratios.

Yields: Approximately 1 gallon (16 servings of 8 oz each) Prep time: 20 minutes First Fermentation: 7-30 days (depending on temperature and desired tartness) Second Fermentation: 1-3 days (depending on desired carbonation)

Ingredients:

• Water: 1 gallon (filtered, non-chlorinated - essential for healthy SCOBY activity)
• Organic Cane Sugar: 1 cup (white sugar can also work, but organic cane provides the best flavor)
• Loose Leaf Tea or Tea Bags: 8 tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose leaf black or green tea (avoid flavored or herbal teas in the first fermentation, as oils and herbs can damage your SCOBY)
• Starter Tea: 1 cup of strong, unflavored kombucha from a previous batch (this provides the acidity to prevent mold)
• SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast): 1 healthy SCOBY, approximately 3-4 inches in diameter

Equipment:

• 1-Gallon Glass Jar: Wide-mouth jar preferred for easy SCOBY handling.
• Breathable Cloth Cover: Cheesecloth, tightly woven cotton fabric, or coffee filter.
• Rubber Band: To secure the cloth cover.
• Stainless Steel Pot: For boiling water.
• Thermometer: To ensure water cools to the correct temperature.
• Bottles: Flip-top glass bottles (Grolsch-style) are ideal for second fermentation. Avoid using thin glass bottles that can explode under pressure.
• Funnel: To help pour the kombucha into bottles.

Instructions:

Phase 1: First Fermentation (F1)

1. Brew the Sweet Tea: Bring 4 cups of filtered water to a rolling boil in the stainless steel pot. Remove from heat. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved completely.
2. Steep the Tea: Add the tea bags or loose leaf tea to the sugar water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. The longer steeping time helps develop a more robust flavor.
3. Cool the Tea: Remove the tea bags or strain the loose leaf tea. Add the remaining 12 cups of filtered water (cold) to the tea. This helps to cool the tea down faster. It is crucial to let the tea cool completely to room temperature (below 80°F/27°C) before adding the starter tea and SCOBY. Heat can damage or kill the SCOBY. Use your thermometer to verify.
4. Combine and Introduce SCOBY: Once the tea is completely cool, pour it into the 1-gallon glass jar. Add the starter tea. Gently place the SCOBY on top of the tea.
5. Cover and Ferment: Cover the jar with the breathable cloth cover and secure it with a rubber band. This allows the kombucha to breathe while preventing fruit flies and other contaminants from entering.
6. Find a Safe Haven: Place the jar in a dark, well-ventilated area at room temperature (ideally 68-78°F/20-26°C). Avoid direct sunlight. This is crucial for optimal fermentation.
7. Patience is Key: Allow the kombucha to ferment for 7-30 days. The fermentation time depends on the temperature, humidity, and strength of your SCOBY. Taste the kombucha after 7 days. It should be slightly tart, but still slightly sweet. The longer it ferments, the more tart it will become.
   • Chef's Tip: Use a straw to carefully sample the kombucha without disturbing the SCOBY.

Phase 2: Second Fermentation (F2 - Flavoring and Carbonation)

1. Prepare the Bottles: Before you bottle the kombucha, make sure they are nice and clean. You can add your desired flavoring agents to the bottles. Here are some popular options:
   • Fruit: Berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries), chopped fruit (ginger, pineapple, mango) - use about 1/4 cup per 16 oz bottle.
   • Juices: Fruit juice (apple, grape, pomegranate) - use about 2-4 tablespoons per 16 oz bottle.
   • Herbs & Spices: Ginger, lavender, mint, rosemary - use sparingly (a few sprigs or small slices).
   • Chef's Tip: Experiment with different flavors! Consider seasonal fruits and herbs for unique flavor profiles.
2. Bottle the Kombucha: Using a funnel, carefully pour the kombucha into the bottles, leaving about 1-2 inches of headspace at the top. Leave the SCOBY and about 1 cup of starter tea in the original jar for your next batch.
3. Seal and Carbonate: Seal the bottles tightly. Store them at room temperature for 1-3 days. The length of time will depend on the temperature and the amount of sugar in your flavoring. The warmer the temperature, the faster the carbonation.
   • Important Safety Note: Burp the bottles once or twice a day to release excess pressure and prevent explosions. Do this carefully, as kombucha can be fizzy!
4. Chill and Enjoy: Once the kombucha has reached your desired level of carbonation, refrigerate the bottles to slow down fermentation and prevent them from becoming too sour. Chill before serving.

Serving and Storage:

• Serving: Serve chilled. You can add a garnish of fresh fruit or herbs.
• Storage: Store unopened bottles of kombucha in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. Once opened, consume within a few days.

Important Notes:

• Cleanliness is Key: Sanitize all equipment thoroughly to prevent mold or unwanted bacteria growth.
• SCOBY Health: A healthy SCOBY will be thick, opaque, and slightly rubbery. It's normal for the SCOBY to have brown spots (yeast) or stringy bits (yeast strands). Discard the SCOBY if you see any signs of mold (fuzzy, green, blue, black).
• Caffeine: Kombucha still contains caffeine if using caffeinated tea, but it will be a much smaller amount than in your original brewed tea.
• Alcohol: Kombucha can contain trace amounts of alcohol (typically less than 0.5% ABV). This is a byproduct of the fermentation process.

Enjoy your homemade kombucha! Experiment with flavors and techniques to find your perfect brew. Happy Fermenting!