What are kombucha SCOBIES?

Kombucha SCOBYs (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) are living cultures used to ferment sweetened tea into a fermented probiotic drink, known as kombucha. The kombucha SCOBY (also referred to as a mother, start or mushroom) is a thick, rubbery disc that is made up of a cellulose structure that houses the bacteria and yeasts that work together to produce the characteristic tangy flavor of fermented kombucha.

What are the health benefits of Kombucha SCOBY?

Kombucha SCOBYs are commonly used to ferment black, white or green sweetened tea into a tangy, fizzy probiotic drink. Some potential benefits of drinking Kombucha include contributing to a healthy diet, improved gut health and immune system, increased energy, and strengthened immune system. When following the standard fermentation process, kombucha has no more alcohol than a very ripe piece of fruit. To keep the alcohol content low, be sure to ferment in aerobic conditions (without a sealed lid), at the right temperature ranging between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius and minimize the amount of sugar you put in for the second stage ferment.

Do you need a SCOBY to make kombucha?

Yes, you need a SCOBY to make kombucha. It is the living culture of bacteria and yeasts found in the scoby that ferments the sweet tea mixture into kombucha. It is these bacteria and yeasts that metabolize the sugars, releasing carbon dioxide during the kombucha brewing process at room temperature.

Can you eat the SCOBY?

Usually, a kombucha SCOBYs is mostly used to ferment sugar and tea into kombucha. However, there are many recipes to use scoby's for other forms of consumption; including fruit leather, jerky, scoby candy, to thicken smoothies, pet treats and so much more.

Kombucha SCOBY nutrition

Kombucha SCOBYs are mostly composed of cellulose, a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by humans. However, it contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and organic acids produced during the fermentation process. These include vitamin C, B vitamins, acetic acid, lactic acid, and gluconic acid.

Want to make your own Kombucha at home? Buy our complete premium-quality Kombucha kit that includes organic SCOBY, utensils and all the ingredients you need. To learn ways to keep your SCOBY going strong for a long time, read the 5 essential ways to care for your Kombucha SCOBY blog.