A trick for knowing when the carbonation is just perfect: make one kombucha in a plastic soda bottle. This way you can tell when it's perfectly carbonated by checking if the soda bottle has firmed up like the ones you get in store.

Having that many scoby is such a weird flex

I followed this 2 years ago. I've been making booch non stop ever since. My mom started making it because of me. My friends that don't like booch love mine...same with my kids. Such a great drink and replaces sugary drinks for me and makes my guts feel good

9:00 "It needs some airflow because this is both an *anaerobic* and *aerobic* fermentation." I have several questions

I wanted to mention that the process of adding a portion of an old batch into a new batch is called "Backslopping" I love your videos, thank you ♥️

A few months ago I stared my kombucha journey by making a scoby with store bought kombucha just like in the video. I'm now In the process of making a "orange cream soda." on second ferment I added fresh squeezed orange juice. After ferment is done I will add Coconut milk The Thai Coconut milk in the can. Another one I want to make is a "Mountain Dew" I'm going to be adding orange juice, lime juice and lemon juice to the second ferment.

I used the Original GT kombucha for my starter, but after a recent heat wave, my only scoby died. I went to find the Original again, but it was discontinued in the three stores I tried. However, I bought the Pure GT kombucha and compared the label and they’re the exact same. So if you’re looking all over the place, grab the golden Pure bottle.

Little note: the "wild raspberries" are actually robus phoenicolasius (japanese wineberry or wine raspberry), they are really delicious but do taste different.

Now that ive finished this video i thinki have a question... What's Kombucha?

I just grew my scoby using your video's back in August. Started my first batch of about 3.5 gallons last week. My original scoby's sunk to the bottom initially, but are trying to work their way up to the top now. In the meantime, a new layer has appeared and seems to be growinng up top as well....Haven't decided on flavors, but we're excited to see how it tastes when the time comes! Thanks for the content.

Followed this recipe from beginning to end. I've fermented other stuff, but hadn't tried kombucha yet (culturing a scoby made me nervous). I'm happy to say that my first batch was a huge success. Here's some notes on the journey * Used a bottle of GT's Synergy Kombucha (not sure how that differs from the one in the video). Can't recall the flavor used - it may have been a neutral flavor with ginger. * I cultured the starter scoby for about three weeks. This part took the greatest amount of faith. You'll want to throw it out and declare failure. Stay your hand. Be patient. * For the kombucha proper, I let it ferment for about 17 days (the video recommends 10 days). * For flavoring I followed Mike's lead, using a blackberry/blueberry/raspberry mix turned into juice and added sliced ginger. * I bottled the kombucha in saved GT Kombucha bottles for a couple days, using a small plastic water bottle filled with some kombucha as a test for carbonation. * I enjoyed one of these a few moments ago and it tasted fantastic. Well beyond my expectations. Thanks for a great tutorial, Mike! Looking forward to my next batch.

Definitely going to have a go at fermenting some food and drinks in the new year! Thanks for this awesome series on fermenting 🙂

Loving your videos! Your style and editing is awesome. I really can’t wait to start brewing my own. I usually shop around for my kombucha (sometimes I can find GTs 2 for $4.00) but normally they are ~$3.00/bottle. This couldn’t be much easier and I’m happy that you just showed a simple glass jar instead of your ultimate brewing vessel. I feel way more comfortable to give it a go now. Thanks again and I’m looking forward to part 2 of your Quick Start series. 😁👍

Wondering if you've ever tried Jun? It's like Kombucha but it's SCOBY feeds off green tea and honey instead of black tea and sugar. It's absolutely amazing! It's lighter and more delicate with more effervescence than Kombucha. Really think you'd liked it and would love to see you test it out.

I tried this recipe. One of the easiest fermentation projects I have done. And it came out perfect and delicious and fizzy! I flavored mine with chopped strawberries and peaches. It was a bit on the sweeter side from the fruits but smelled heavenly. Strawberries in a jar!

Mike, this video finally clicked for me to make my own. I’ve had a scoby growing for two weeks now, and just moving to the phase of making a full gallon. Thanks for a great video.

Im getting my First scoby tomorrow because of your Videos and I am so hyped! 😀

The process of making a scoby and making kombucha is actually even simpler than depicted here. I used a bottle of the same brand, GT, but I I used the Gingerade variety. I drank it first and not by pouring the bottle into a glass but instead drinking with my mouth right on the mouth of the bottle. I put some water in a clean though not sterilized 1 quart mason jar and added some sugar. I then added the little baby scoby from the kombucha. Two weeks later I had a perfect scoby. I then fermented one gallon of kombucha from black tea and sugar in the usual way though the jar was not sterilized or boiled just washed clean with soap and water. One month later I had basically perfect kombucha; not too sour nor too sweet; just the right flavor. I then put one heaping tablespoon of Ginger preserves (sold as 'ginger tea' in Asian groceries) per pint And poured in pint bottles for the second fermentation. 5 days later I had perfect knock-off of Gingerade! Remember that this fermentation basically creates a bacterial monopoly a lot like kimchi and yogurt does. the chance of another unwanted bacteria growing within the culture is slim to zero and if by chance it did happen it would smell and taste completely different so you would know not to drink it.

Just passing by to say i've been making kambucha for months now following your guides and it's amazing! I especially love mixing fruit or vegy (like ginger) with herbs like mints, anis hisop.. thank you for the vid!!

I’ve truly learned so much from watching your videos on making kombucha. I made my first batch and followed your video to the tea! Super yummy. I’m hooked ❤️ I’ll keep watching and making more kombucha.

Im really enjoying these fermentation videos.

Best kombucha video!!! Very simple, clear and easy to understand!!! Love it!!! 🐜🐜🐜

This is so great! Thank you for what you do it’s truly amazing and very inspiring!

Fantastic videos !!! Your work area is incredible and your delivery of information is clear and interesting - beat one I’ve come across !!

I'd be able to buy a used car for all the money I've spent on these bubbly tonics.

I drink a fair amount of ginger kombucha from the store and never wondered enough on how it’s made and what it really is. I just know that it’s pretty tasty and healthy. This is very interesting to somewhat see the process of how it’s made and I look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thank you KZfaq recommendations lol

Thank you so much! I love Kombucha and how thorough you are with explaining. I can’t wait to make myself!

Thanks for your vids! Your great to watch and listen too, me and my wife are following your tutorials! 🙏🏼

Really thankful for this video, because you didn't get a "perfect" SCOBY! I've just started brewing, and I've been really worried about my brew, because it didn't look like all of the videos I've watched AT ALL. But it looks like yours, so I guess it's okey! Thanks for a great video! :)

Im loving the new studio space

Perfectly instructed! Thank you for starting from scratch! Your instructions makes anybody want to venture out and, "just do it"!

i looove how easy you made this look and i am so excited to try and make my own!

I never thought of marking my own containers. So simple yet so genius. Just measure 4 cups in a measuring cup, poor it in, mark the line on the container as 4 cups or whatever you prefer, refill and repeat.

He slightly looks like the guy from ratatouille

Omg tying the teabags together was genius. Sometimes I miss stuff unless I watch multiple times. Thank you for making it easy to go back to each step as well.

Mike you are really good in what you do.... thank you for all you share!

I'm loving the Kombucha ideas!

I make my own booch every week or 2 and I always experiment with different flavors ! I always have so much fun combining different fruits. This weeks brew is ginger and green apple . I thought about adding clove for a more apple cider flavor but decided to try just the apple and ginger flavor first . I’ve never tried to spice booch up but might have to try it.

new to your channel and love it! Always wanted to make my own kombucha since I used to live in Austin, Tx. Everyone was kombucha crazy and knew a few people who brewed it in facilities there. Nice to finally follow a dedicated video that is pretty to the point. Thanks for making this!

Thanks, love these flavours and learning how to start from scratch.

I like the new style very much. But as a European, I'm unfamiliar with your measuring units. Could you please use both the American and the European measuring units to make things easier for people outside the US?

Thanks for this thorough breakdown on how to brew kombucha at home, very informative. I'm excited to start this new adventure! Question though, at what point do you have to break off layers of scoby because they're so thick and how do you keep them alive during times where you cannot brew kombucha such as when you're out of town on vacation, etc.?

Thank you so much for the wonderful advice! 💗

This is my new favorite channel. Been brewing beer for many years, wanting to start fermented foods.

Just wanted to say thank you, Mike. Thank you for an amazing video, for introducing me to kombucha and fermentation altogether :) Just yesterday I bought some jars and I am trying to grow my own SCOBY from an unpasterized, raw and unflavored kombucha available here in Europe. You really motivated me to experiment and try new stuff in the kitchen. You're doing an awesome job!

I've been brewing kombucha for about two years now, I remember I was so nervous when I first began because I didn't know what to expect ! I still buy store bought from time to time but I still prefer my own :)

Dude! Where have you been all my brewing life? I’m so stoked to use your method...I’ve always added sugar to get carbonation and not had the best results...this is awesome! Thanks!😀

Thank you for the video! My first batch was ready today and I was amazed by the success on the first try. I used peach for flavoring and It’s super tasty :) Besides it was fun experimenting with something so crazy in the kitchen.

For those of you wondering what you do with the leftover liquid, I was also wondering but i went ahead and used that leftover liquid to skip to the bottle fermentation step. I poured fruit juice in a bottle and poured the leftover liquid in there. If anyone in interested, I’ll post updates here.

Wow this is so encouraging! I’m going to start kombucha next month, I’m 3 months into my year of ferments and I’ve planned Booch for April. I may have to jump on it earlier, since this month is sauerkraut and I’ve already done it and now I just have to wait…lol. Maybe I should do lacto-fermentation of multiple veggies this month instead of just cabbage. 😄 Knowing how to make my own scoby is AWESOME, instead of waiting for someone from church to be able to coordinate a meeting with me. 😝

Thank you so much you are so helpful for people who are starting out with fermentation.

Thank you for that video! I cannot wait to start trying some soon!

Best video I have seen in a while!

Bro, thank you for making this video. I recently started drink buch on the regular and was wondering how I could easlier make some at home. Going to try this tonight for sure!

Hi Mike, thanks for doing this, I made my own bunch of bottles of booch with this video, I already dislike batch brewing and set up a continuous brew for my second attempt. I'm saving so much money!

I’m a new subscriber and I love the cinematography of these videos and all the personality keep going with your amazing content🥳

That unit clarification is key, 90C is basically boiling, 90F is basically body temp.

"Mmm kombucha, everyone talks about this drink, looks delici..." *Sees Bologna shaped bacteria patty* "Ohh HELL naw!"

Thank you so much for teaching me how to brew Kombucha !! Another great video. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Yessir Bro!!!! Thanks!!! New subscriber as of today!!! I would love to see more videos on anything that has to do with keeping fruits and vegetables stored for a long time

After watching some of your videos I made a batch of Kombucha and added Pineapple and that was awesome.

Thank you so much! I was wondering if I could make a SCOBY with just the drink, and I guess I have my answer now!

brilliant vid, i'm going to be starting my first brew soon and this straightforward video was extremely helpful many thanks

Love this stuff! Thank you

I had ordered the same brand kombucha (GT's Enlightened Synergy) and they ended up replacing it with the GingerBerry flavor. It oddly taste like a wine cooler (to me) and a light german beer (to my husband). We're hoping this next grocery delivery we get, we actually get the non-flavored one but we are also ordering the Watermelon and Guava ones. I was really scared to try kombucha (because I don't like the taste of tea) but this stuff is really growing on me! Maybe one day I'll be brave enough to make my own scoby and kombucha. Thanks for the vid. I think I've watched it a dozen times now. lol

Great videos, I'm glad to have discovered your channel Mike. One request for your non-US viewers - could you give metric equivalents for volumes and weights too?

Best fermentation presentations ever. Thank you.

Beautifully done!!! Thank you so much!

Welcome to another episode of what's in my recommended today

Final step: getting the fruit out of the bottle lol. Great video, greatly enjoyed it

Thank you! Following your recipe. I’m starting mine today!😊

GREAT tutorial! You do a really thorough job. Since I have an abundance of wild blackberries and mulberries around me, but never really get more than a handful or two at one time, you have given a great idea on how to use them.

Currently brewing the first batch of tea for the scoby mother. Found a local brand that had a green tea base, so I'm doing mine with yerba mate!

Brb, going into the woods to look for wild berries.

Love your ways. Thanks.

Fancey fancey cocktail glasses :D Thank you very much, just started with my first Scoby today

This is the exact video I needed tbh

It’s midnight. I should be asleep. But I can’t look away.

Awesome video! Can't wait to start my own when I get home!

I've been brewing kombucha for nearly four years and my favorite is green tea kombucha. 14 green tea bags and 170g of sugar to a gallon. I ferment for 8 days with 3 mature scobies in winter. Thanks for vid. Got some tips on flavoring.

_"I got a fungus the other day_ _From Paco in school,_ _Wow fits right in my flasket."_ - System of a down

This is really helpful thanks, I'm curious about what to do with the unused starter liquid though, it looks like there was quite a bit leftover. Thanks.

I know this is an older video.... but I just wanted to say thank you! I grew my own scoby from GT’s kombucha! It took about 6 weeks (it was winter here in Oregon, so it took longer) .... I’ve now been making Kombucha for all my husbands co-workers and they are even offering to pay me now, because they love it so much! Also.... I wanted to brew some Jun kombucha just to try it.... I got the same regular bottle of GT’s kombucha.... poured it in cooled brewed green tea (almost half a gallon) with 1 cup of raw honey and waited.... 3 weeks later and I also had a beautiful Jun scoby! It’s been so, so much fun! My husband also feels so much better (he suffers from gastritis) ... since drinking kombucha on the regular. Just thought I’d come back and leave a note for anyone that wasn’t sure about starting their own... GT’s regular raw Kombucha (whole bottle) Good quality cooled black tea, I used 10 bags when starting it ( a little shy of 1/2 a gallon ) 1 cup regular sugar Mix well.... wait 3-6 weeks in cool spot, with container covered with a cloth or coffee filter ... Try it guys! It’s so much fun... and healthy for your gut! Thanks again ❤️💕🙏

Wow love your videos, you explain everything so well 👍🏼 you have a faithful follower 😉

Love these kombucha videos! I bottled my 4th batch of booch last Friday and flavored it with strawberry purée. Just had a taste and it turned out amazing! My first few batches I was only letting the booch brew for 10 days. I found my tea was not as tart but more sweet. I have been leaving it for 15 days to brew and it’s so much tastier and has a nice kick.

Just made my first batch of kombucha. I tried 3 kinds of ingredients. Pomegrenate, Pineapple puree and mint. Pineapple puree is like a bomb the amount of carbonation you'll get with this is super high. My favourite one was mint because it was the most refreshing in my eyes and it wasn't as sweet as the other. Pomegrenate didn't do much tbh I won't use it again.

Fantastic! Thank you.❤️

Good work man! Thanks so much!

Hi! Loved the kombucha "series", just watched all of them and they were really helpful and informative! I do have a question though, how long does the kombucha last in the fridge? Does it just keep fermenting? Does it go bad? :)

You actually don’t need a pellicle (the mat that you keep calling a scoby). You just need very strong starter tea. So take your raw, organic store bought and let JUST THAT sit opened for several weeks (up to a month depending on temp). THEN add your brewed tea and sugar to fill the amount that matches your starter (2 cups starter for 1 gallon). Let sit until tangy but not vinegar like (but you like) and bottle. Make sure to leave enough for your starter tea for the next batch. A new mat will grow every time. 👍 The Kombucha itself is the scoby (symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria)

Mike, this is awesome. We moved. Our SCOBY's did not make the voyage. I am just cheap and couldn't believe people wanted $15-25 for a SCOBY. I followed your directions and not much happened at first. I bought a heat mat, since our house is usually in the 60's this time of year. Within a week, a SCOBY started forming. I brewed my first batch successfully and that SCOBY just looked thicker and healthier. I am on my second batch now and I have a robust looking SCOBY. Amazing! Thanks for the great info!

Thank you, great information.

Glad you're not saying 'Kambucha' anymore! Haha, great video!

Well Mike, you've convinced me to start brewing kombucha again. I just dragged out my two 7gallon carboys, got 2 SCOBYs in the mail, made a gallon in each to start growing my SCOBYs big enough to brew 7gal each. Thanks for the inspiration.

Thank you, this was incredibly well presented.

Thank you for sharing!

What else can you do with extra starter juice from making scoby? Can you start the 2nd stage of fermentation with it?

Is it some kind of rule that people who enjoy ‘organic’ or ‘whole’ foods must keep said foods in a mason jar? 😂

Best tutorial out there!!! Thanks so much.

Great information, thanks! I always thought the kiwi juice in the Original from GT’s Kombucha would mess up the SCOBY making process. I’m glad to know I can use it.