What are
/r/Kombucha's
favorite Products & Services?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
The most popular Products mentioned in /r/Kombucha:
![38mm Poly Seal Screw Caps (fits most 1/2 & 1 gallon jugs) [Bag of 12]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SlJfa3j0L._SL500_.jpg)
The most popular Services mentioned in /r/Kombucha:
Walmart
SemanticScholar
Amazon Drive
Sci-Hub
ResearchGate
Omni Calculator
Shutterstock
Barnes & Noble
Nextdoor
Jet.com
PageSpeed Insights
The most popular Android Apps mentioned in /r/Kombucha:
The most popular reviews in /r/Kombucha:
For each 16oz swingtop- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs . You need a good amount, it’s hard to make something too chocolatey, these are a bit subtle. I kind of eyeballed the cherries. Cut up 2 big handfuls, then poured some hot freshly made simple syrup on them. Gave them a stir and then added to the bottle immediately. :)
I’m still surprised this came out exactly how I hoped.
This is my favorite book on Kombucha, lots of brewing tips, history, and health notes.
I've been brewing and drinking the stuff for about a year now. I like it because it induces a good solid bowel movement out of me every time. Digestively...definitely some changes down there but I don't want to be too gross. Can't say it has cured cancer or AIDs or even a cold.
I keep up the habit because I do like to dabble in historical eating. People used to consume a lot more active yeast and bacteria via beer and I am open to the notion that this played a key role in digestion. I combine my kombucha habit with fasting to help with digestive issues and I'm mostly cleared up these days.
I wouldn’t suggest the use of plastic in any stage of fermentation.
Find a big glass vessel with a spigot on the bottom for F1 at goodwill I find at least one every time I go. You can find new ones at target or Fred Meyer, Walmart doesn’t usually sell quality glass vessels IMO. Just remember to change out your spigot so it’s all stainless steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JZ6KJQJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8GJPSWKM4BSS2RCGEJMY
As far as the F2 bottles go I’d suggest buying a few of the big GTs bottles from a Safeway or Fred Meyer or something. They’re a little speedy but you also pay for the kombucha which is delicious and you can use those bottles for F2 infinity times as long as you’re cleaning them and don’t break it.
I used flip tops and these, these work perfectly fine for me. I don’t know what you’re doing.
Also Yes OP your caps are done for. You can get 2 maybe 3 usages before they go bad. But they’re pretty cheap on Amazon. Home Brew Ohio Stuff Midwest... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0064OFP88?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Also adding hot water to the bottles will make it easier to peal off the label.
peanut is difficult due to the fatty oils. They dont mix well in acidic solution. If you leave it too long it will likely go rancid.
Most of the time peanut butter flavor in beers is an extract and some people have success with powders in beer. But again, kombucha is a bit different due to the acidity.
That type of valve is more likely to plug I would get one like this Oak Leaf Replacement Spigot for Beverage Dispenser, Stainless Steel Spigot for Drink Dispenser, Water Dispenser Faucet, Food Grade, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JZ6KJQJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FFS0P6W5H0GWFYAKTH31?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This one came from Amazon, it wraps around the jar and you use it on 1F. Keeps the jar at 78 degrees F pretty much all the time. It’s 9 degrees outside where I live and it’s expensive to keep my apartment warm enough to make my booch happy.
This is the exact one I got, very affordable and has nice reviews. 3"x20" Wrap Around Kombucha Fermentation Heating Strip or Windowsill Seed Starting Heating Mat Heat Pad, Use for Seedlings, Herb Gardens, Plant Germination, Cloning, Brewing (1-Unit) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ETRWSFE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Yr6rAbF0T0JZN
I bought mine on Amazon. I know many people also save empty store-bought Kombucha bottles for their homebrew.
Disclaimer: I am an academic, but not practiced at making kombucha, as such... take this with a grain of salt. The things I mention might not affect the brew as much in practice as it does in theory.
Straining the liquid (assuming a metal strainer with 2-3 layers of cheesecloth) will catch most of the yeast clusters, preventing them from entering the bottles of 2F. With a lower yeast content, it will not ferment as well, and therefore will not carbonate as well.
When you strain / bottle in a way that causes the kombucha to "splash" it is aerating the water. (This is the same reason fishtanks have waterfalls). More air in the liquid means the yeast can use the oxygen to continue aerobic fermentation which creates a new scoby, rather than anerobic which creates carbonation.
Many fermentation guides for other products (sourdough, gingerbug, sourcrout, etc.) advise against metal... though I see very little in the Kombucha world saying to avoid metal... it might not hurt. Nylon Mesh Strainers are cheap and can be picked up off amazon.
As for how tight your knit should be... The consensus that I have read is "As loose as you are comfortable with". If you strain just to get rid of the big globs and leave all the yeast in, you will get more yeast, and therefore more "nutrients", and more carbonation.
If you already have a gallon jar with a wide mouth lid you can get just a lid with the airlock like this one...Airtight One Gallon Standard Fermentation Lid Gasket with Airlock - Turns Gallon Jar Into A Fermenter - Hard Kombucha, Beer, Wine, Cider, (Gallon Lid With S-Airlock) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DG95YWR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_hfgVFbPET5BKS. I found one at my local brewing store for around the same price.
Most of mine still seal well. A few of them have been stripped. I bought some replacement caps on Amazon for $7.50 a dozen.
I ordered my last kit off amazon and honestly its been the best! My Kombucha! The last starter I got earlier this summer I sadly killed due to an error and then going on vacation. Anywho, here is what I got to start over: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7S1CV5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
I got in in August and would def recommend!
Use coffee filters, not cheese cloth. It’s easy to find the large professional-sized filters online, they’re more sanitary, and seal better. For larger vessels you can tape several filters together being sure to cover all seams before securing with a large rubber band. I use these thick silicone bands, but be sure to measure your container first.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G6RRJ3W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
3"x20" Wrap Around Kombucha Fermentation Heating Pad Strip | Windowsill Seed Starting Mat Heat Pad, for Seedlings, Herb Gardens, Plant Germination, Brewing (1, 3x20 Heat Mat + Heating Thermostat) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M6RS9WM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DR6B8T9X9STA76QKFTRD?psc=1
I can't say anything as to the strength of the swing tops. But they certainly look good and are perfect for bottling. However, you'll have to make/drink a lot of mocktails before you have enough bottles. I bought these on Amazon and they work great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064ODUDK
Quicker way to the bottles. Unless you were going to buy a bunch of those mocktail things anyway. :-)
I got the container and spigot from Amazon.
Home Essentials 2 Gallon Nantucket Drink Dispenser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G8SE35Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_iWLSI79AwUlJr
1 X Stainless WorksTM Stainless Steel Beverage Dispenser Replacement Spigot(Polished Finish) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IX87W1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_uBiUYY3aaLXgU
Right now this has 4 SCOBYs in it from my 4 gallon jars I emptied into it. They'll knit together eventually.
The hydrometer is to measure alcohol levels.
Got it on Amazon:
Kegco 7 Gallon Wide Mouth Glass Carboy Fermenter Homebrew Beer & Wine Making https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ANDX4WO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ckz3ybXNHDC1Y
I recently switched from using recycled GT bottles to swing tops. It made a world of difference! Honestly, the carbonation increased by 50%.
These are the ones I bought off of Amazon...Swing Top Bottles
I don't think the color matters much. I got these from Amazon which I like since they're small, allowing to open them individually and reduce the loss of carbonation in the whole batch. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IC1NNZC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the best brand, I have been doing home brewing for a few years now and this is the brand I have been recommended and bought multiple times. If you can, find a local store to buy from. Most of the price on amazon is shipping empty glass and they will be much cheaper if you find a place to buy them in person.
Something I use to filter kombucha is similar to this
I just use another jar to catch my kombucha when filtering it with this. Sometimes it clogs, but not that often.
Haha cool...looking at picking up this one on Amazon. Not quite as pretentious though :)
Frontier Co-op Organic Hibiscus Flowers, Cut & Sifted, 1 Pound Bulk Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012BSDNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kFl5AbZ5AVZY1
That is a huge markup on 38-400 caps w F217 liner. You can get 100 if them for about $20 on Amazon. E.g.:
JG Finneran D0400-38 Polypropylene White Closure with F217 Liner, 38-400mm Cap Size (Case of 100) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E35YK22/
Info:
Thank you, was just about to ask, these look way better than flip top bottles and they hold 2 more ounces. And everyone in the questions confirms they are well made and hold carbonated pressure.
EDIT: I also found these on Amazon. Only found one review of someone saying there's exploded from pressure and it was seltzer water, lots of people said they were fine for Kombucha. And they were only #18 and came with protection sleeves
Chef's Star Glass Water Bottle 6 Pack 18oz Bottles For beverages and Juicer Use Stainless Steel leak proof Caps With Carrying Loop - Including 6 Black Nylon Protection Sleeve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016APS3CU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vl5oBbQSZEQ17
IDK what is going on with all the organic stuff, organic doesn't mean pesticides free!
It just means they used pesticides that has "natural ingredients" which can be as harmful.
Now to the main topic, I like Ceylon tea, and when I buy it I choose the long leaves type as I find it to give nicer flavor.
The one I use is called Alwazah Tea (swan), if you write its name in amazon you get no results but a google search will give you plenty of results from amazon lol
here is a link if you want to take a look (I buy the same thing locally for around 3$, just avoid the cardamon flavor and you should be good) :
https://www.amazon.com/Alwazah-Pure-Ceylon-14-1-Ounce/dp/B00886E4K0
The clear ones came with my original kit from The Kombucha Shop, the amber ones I got at this Amazon listing (when it was $18). The reviews indicated that sometimes different brands were received & the ones I got were EZ-Cap.
I’ve tried both ways and actually just like to add in a teaspoon of dried buds! I leave it in there until I’m ready to drink and don’t find it that the flavor gets bitter or overwhelming. I use these Organic lavender flowers from Amazon
I recommend you to use a Kombucha app to keep the logs. The one that I use, and has been doing the job pretty, pretty good is Kombucha, beer and ferment tracking:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sebeto.kombucha
I log everything on the app, from recipes to dates and times, from pH readings to Brix. It has been the only app that I use for a complete tracking of my F1s and F2s, including side notes.
There is a pretty thick SCOBY in there but it doesn't show up in the photo I will post a photo of the scobies on my next go round.
Someone on here posted a link to this and I think I might go and buy one soon. But note that if you buy one of these with a plastic spigot you will want to be sure you purchase a replacement stainless steel spigot to swap them out. Jar https://www.walmart.com/ip/35588833 Spigot https://www.amazon.com/Beverage-Dispenser-Replacement-Stainless-Polished/dp/B00RPBQBQ4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1484377655&sr=8-5&keywords=stainless+steel+spigot
I bought mine at a department store and I replaced the spigot and it works like a champ now. =)
I've can't find a good flip top glass jar. Bought some, but they didn't work. Target had some glass bottles that were the exact shape and size I wanted for about $4 and they have a metal screw top lid. They were with the canning jars.... Very similar to a tall mason jar except a thinner neck kind of like the flip top jars. They are perfect. Edit: glass milk jar similar to this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Crisa-By-Libbey-Glass-Milk-Bottle-w-Lid-33.5oz/52630069?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1453&adid=22222222227043154985&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=t&wl3=92123782250&wl4=pla-214642043570&wl5=9026286&a...
Fascinating. Thanks so much! I’m super sensitive to caffeine and am near certain the content in my fermented green jun tea is negligible, because I’d feel it straight away and be up all night. So while I’m unsure of the consumption/degradation mechanism, my brewing process gets it below a threshold that affects me.
With that said, should you wish to further sate your scientific curiosity, might I point you to
where you no doubt could access rigorous journals you um find elsewhere. I’ve also never had an author not send me a free copy of an article when I’ve asked nicely if you’re more comfortable with that route. Thanks again.
It would be nice if it worked better on mobile. A lot of elements are covering text. The layout does not zoom well. And the text is too small.
https://developers.google.com/speed/pagespeed/insights/?url=Howtomakekombuchatea.com
I got a funnel that has a little strainer in it, so the stringy yeast parts don’t go into the bottles before F2. It’s similar to this.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L3S1KVJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_J80VCCR1HATTNYJN0458
When I first started brewing I was recommendedThe Big Book of Kombucha and it was really great with tips for beginners to advanced, as well as some flavor recipes. I also really like the aesthetics of this book.
This is the cheapest bulk tea I found online: At 7g/gallon that should get you near 200 gallons worth of brew.
Bencheley Tea China Restaurant Bulk Tea, 3 Pound https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CPSW6R0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4BSXYNDCDZH0F6WBQ3EB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I also used the big book of kombucha, have it now. Found it at the library too, yours might have it. Got first starter on amazon and been going ever since. A little over two years ago: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7S1CV5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I’ve got a small 40 gallon fish tank bubbler that works wonders. They aren’t “food grade” though so you can’t use them in a commercial kitchen as a part of your process if you’re selling your stuff but they don’t need to be food grade. As long as the pump itself doesn’t get wet, they aren’t harboring any bacteria which is the worry with any type of pump. I attached a flexible food grade hosing to it and then a stainless steel rod so it’s flexible but also stays in place easily. The air intake hole has a small, dense looking fabric as the filter so nothing is getting in but air.
This is the one I got.
Tetra Whisper Air Pump 20 To 40 Gallons, For aquariums, Quiet, Powerful Airflow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PB8SMM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MHR109NHQNPEWQ92JWTN
I usually wait until like day 5 to drop it in so that enough alcohol has developed to convert to the acids.
PSA, buy a vidalia chopper, it is cheap and LIFE CHANGING. I chop apples, peaches, nectarines, even things like cherries into even pieces that fit through the neck of my F2 bottles. And also it’s amazing for onions and peppers and stuff. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I6JZWA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PQ104WYD82FJ5XF5K8EE.
They came with the bottles! You get a bunch of the stickers and a chalk marker with 6 bottles.
If you search “Chalk sticker label” on Amazon you can find a bunch of them in all kinds of shapes and sizes!
Great, setting aside a little budget to get geeky really makes it more enjoyable.
These thermometers are great for on the jar.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074W19W9X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_GA76TY53BX1GZX16X298
I also got something similar to this and have it next to the jar to measure room temperature and humidity.
Both cheap and effective.
I highly recommend you research brewing temps vs fermentation times…will be very valuable to see how that scales. There are ways to control temp locally too but look for a better spot before you mess w/ hearing mats or insulation.
I just tried this for the first Time with Citra and Galaxy and it came out brilliantly. I used disposable paper tea filters and double-bagged 8 pellets of hops in a liter bottle during secondary together with 4 ounces of juice (guava, pineapple, grapefruit, an elderflower syrup with Meyer lemon). I’ve tasted only the guava after a 2.5 day 2F (my jun ferments fast — I do 1.5 day ambient room temp, refrigerate overnight, 1 day room temp).
It was amazing. Just amazing. Tasted like an elegant gose minus the saline quality. Tight, elegant bead, great carbonation. Just fantastic. We’ll see how the other ones taste as I allow the hops to spend more time in contact with my jun.
https://www.amazon.com/Finum-Disposable-Paper-Filter-Loose/dp/B002WB12IO
If I’m using fresh fruit, blending it in my Vitamix and then pressing the purée through a fine-mesh conical strainer using a wooden pestle works well.
https://www.amazon.com/HIC-Chinois-Fine-Mesh-Wooden-Stainless/dp/B0839PGHXM
I just want to add some interest and nuance on the nose and palate (and frankly find hops helps with workout recovery too). To my mind, too much in beer tastes like gnawing on pine cones.
I was planning on using a few pellets in paper tea filters and stuffing them into my liter bottles during secondary (bottle) fermentation where I infuse flavor and prime for carbonation. So it’d be sitting at room temp steeping for about two days before going into the fridge, but I didn’t plan to fish it out. Maybe I’ll do a second vessel if it gets overly grassy as you describe sitting in the fridge beyond two days.
I’m glad you think the Citra and Galaxy will blend nicely into booch. I got them specifically to try that!
Do you infuse your brew in a second vessel then force carbonate? Must be more efficient at scale I’d guess.
Yeah, get a brush like this https://www.amazon.com/Home-Brew-Stuff-Bottle-Brush/dp/B01BWMRMLO
Some times you may need to bend the end to get stuff around the neck, so make sure the brush spine is metal.
I put off getting one for a while until I got a bottle that would not clean. Soaked in pure vinegar and everything. Now I don't have to do anything complicated and no sitting and waiting.
You said "temperature controlled" in the title, but then you mention checking the temperature every day... I get wanting to look, I remove the velcroed on heating mat on mine every day to peek at the progress too, but if you're actually worried that it's not working right, here's how I control mine:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I15S6OM
I just put the suction cup w/ the temperature probe on the side of the jar and I can read the temperature from the hanging display. Not sure if something like that might help if you're uncertain of how it's maintaining itself.
I'm fairly sure that I saw those exact containers on Amazon when I was looking for containers. I think they were 3 gallon, but I personally decided to go with 2 gallon, so I didn't get them. I seem to remember them having 304 stainless spigots.
EDIT: I think they're these... https://www.amazon.com/Northern-Brewer-Continuous-Container-Stainless/dp/B07R5X6BL7 -- but the grade of stainless isn't specified
amazon! (even though i keep telling myself to not support them lol, it’s just so easy to find incredibly specific items.)
here is the link. now, the reviews are all over the place and there are some terrible ones. a lot of people complained about the glass being thin & breaking easily, and tons of complaints about the spout leaking. it was the exact perfect thing i was looking for, so i decided to take my chances & figured i’d return it if necessary. personally i have not had a single issue, the glass is nice and heavy, no leaks, no issues! but maybe it’s an inconsistent product, like maybe they don’t always send the exact same one? or there are multiple manufacturers? which would possibly account for the inconsistency of the reviews. also, just fyi it’s offered in both 1 gallon & 2 gallon sizes. if this batch goes well i will be ordering a 2 gallon jar and making a larger batch next time!
one more thing, the spout is 18/8 stainless steel, which (and i’m no expert, but) from some light google research is the same as 304 stainless, which is the type of metal considered safe for fermentation. my fingers are crossed that i continue on with no issues as the acidity builds in this baby.
I feel ya there!! I'm currently in the process of switching to a wider mouth 1.5 gallon jar that came with plastic spigot (just waiting on a 304 stainless steel spigot from Amazon before I switch over) and over the past 1.5 years I've been using 3 0.5gal Ball jars which have relatively narrow openings compared to the main diameter of the jar, making it annoying to get the pellicles out.
https://www.amazon.com/TMCRAFT-Pressurized-Stainless-Regulator-Carbonation/dp/B088TSQ34S Thank you! Looks like it’s not available on Amazon right now but I’m sure you can find it somewhere else. That’s where I got it though.
I've been doing hopped kombucha for the past few weeks. I haven't tried hops with fruit, but am really enjoying plain kombucha + hops.
I'm also using pellets and have found that steeping them in kombucha with tea bags (like these) is the easiest way. I do a 3F fermentation, so I add tea bags with hop pellets to some of my 1F kombucha (about 30g of hops for 12 cups of kombucha) in a separate container and let it steep for about 12 hours. Then I remove the tea bags (and press them a bit to get out the liquid they've absorbed) and bottle the flavored kombucha.
If you use tea bags with pellet hops, be sure to only fill the tea bags to about half full. The pellets swell as they steep and I burst some tea bags on my first try.
Heat mat This is the one that i’ve been using for a while, but i’m sure any similar ones should work good as well!
I hear you. I'm expanding from 1 gallon to 2 2 gallon containers and at this point I may have to buy a heater for it.
Perhaps something like the heating mats they use to grow seedlings in hydroponics? They cover a larger surface area and you could place the containers on top of the mat, so heat would dissipate upwards through the container.
It's very cute, but it won't help, since there's nothing generating enough heat inside the vessel. I'd suggest buying a heating pad. I bought this one 6 months ago; it's been on 24/7 and it works pretty well.
I use a seed mat heater lightly placed around the vessel. I bought one with a regulator on amazon. This one works well for my 2 gallon vessel. VIVOSUN 10"x20" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HEelybCXF3F8D
If you're not looking to spend much I would suggest some half gallon growlers. You can usually pick them up for 5 dollars empty at your local craft beer brewery. They're great if you have a second fermentation recipe that you enjoy. It is a lot less work filling up one of these instead of multiple grolsch style bottles. Another thing I use is an auto siphon. Also cheap on Amazon. Makes filling bottles a breeze.
Auto-Siphon Mini with 6 Feet of Tubing and Clamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SDLLZDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sJwuybWN82B85
Okay it's been much longer than anticipated, but I have answers! I got these bottles from Amazon. The first time, they shipped to my home via UPS and arrived completely shattered. I shipped them to my workplace the second time because stuff normally comes there from USPS and they arrived in perfect condition! I had much better carbonation with swing tops.
When I first started making kombucha I would pour from the bottle to strain into another vessel, then pour the strained kombucha back into the bottle to drink the whole thing on the go. Now that I know you shouldn't drink an entire bottle at a time, I just strain a bit into a glass right before drinking. Much less spillage.
As suggested I did about 2 oz of flavoring per bottle- 0.5 oz mashed blackberry and 1.5 oz Welch's Passionfruit juice blend. It was a little too sweet but still delicious!
I bought this kit on amazon Deluxe Kombucha Brewing Kit - Six Swing Top Bottles, Stainless Steel Funnel, Custom Bottle Brush & Our Original Brewing Kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00STZ3KCI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- I didn't feel like ordering everything a la carte and 2 just because it made it easy to start.
It has worked great. The instructions are easy to use and I just bought bulk loose leaf tea for my next batches.
Van,
You are saying that the Grolsch beer-bottles has a better cap than these ones from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YB6D84Y/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Update: I paid $25 for a 12 pack but now the price is even more expensive on Amazon. I am still within the 30 day return window but I feel sorry for Amazon that they will lose money because its such a bulky package to ship back to them and expensive shipping Im sure.
I have found Grolsch beer bottles to be best. I ordered a pack of 12 bottles on Amazon (of another brand) and in the same batch there was plenty more carbonation from the Grolsch compared to theses ones below (NOT RECOMMENDED)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YB6D84Y/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought the camera on Amazon but apparently they are not available anymore. Its very similar to this though. It is also on a seeding mat which has remained constant temp pretty well. It's an old cupboard from a kitchen remodel that I put on a table in my basement. I found this to be best brew location since my basement stays at a pretty constant 61 degrees year round and the seeding mat gets it up to just the right temp.
I bought these from Amazon. They are thick enough and seal perfectly, but I will say the neck sizes are somewhat inconsistent. I have trouble fitting the funnel in some of them. Otherwise, they are great.
i got the temp stickers from amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078NZCK8Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
3 Flavors here, Red one is Pomegranate Raspberry, the front left is a Orange Mango Pineapple and Lime, while the ones in the back are "Original."
I use these from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AAJSJDA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I wish the tips were thinner, but they wipe right off and the colors are very bright.
I got mine off Amazon but you can order it directly from there website too Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/161212433X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gT6iCb3TD5VA0 Kombucha kamp: store.kombuchakamp.com/Books-Videos-Support/ Cheers mate have a good day 😊😊😊
Yeah reusing the caps makes it work less. I recommend any type a self burping bottle. You can get them on Amazon or a local home brew store
CHEFHQ 16 oz Glass Swing Top Bottles with Funnel - Set of 4 - Clear Grolsch Bottle with Flip Top Lids - For Home Brewing Beer, Wine, Soda, Kombucha Fermentation - Reusable Empty Bottles with Stoppers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H4WJY9R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gS97CbZWFJ9FT
They've lasted me about 4 months on average. Hope yours make it longer. Mine started leaking/letting air out so had to toss them. I bought these replacement caps and they work really well, but they don't bubble up as much as the commercial caps. They still do show a bit though.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064OFP88/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Unfortunately, the caps are not good at all for 2F; I use the proper resealable bottles for 2F and transfer to these smaller and cuter ones when serving the guests. They are indeed Cola Cola bottles, from the Herbal Mixers range. I found them at my local Sainsbury's.
Nice setup! I am also a brewer, and I just ordered this thing which is going to be here Saturday!
I'm stoked to start using it for both booch and beer! It looks like it'll be WAY easier to use than carboys and even easier than a bucket because there is zero need to rack from one to another. I'm really hopeful that it works out well!
Yeah, exactly. Also, I believe wine grapes have quite a deal more acidity too. Although I imagine the acid produced by the scoby should help your cause to some extent. I have used something like these before for cider and mead to give the end product a little more challenging palate. It may be worthwhile to start out with regular ol' Welch's and balance the acids/tannins and see if you can get something that suits your tastes.
Bormioli Rocco Officina Water Bottle | 37.25 oz, Italian Glass Pitcher | Airtight Seal & Metal Clamp | Easy to Carry Handle, Dishwasher Safe & Eco-Friendly | Safe for Infused & Carbonated Drinks https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B010POD138/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_roxxFbSPYX48M
Thanks!
And absolutely I do. Here's the one I bought, but you can get it as cheap as $80 if you get it without the stand (it comes with a wall mount) and lifting strap.
So far it seems pretty well made, especially for the cost and when compared with the cost of stainless steel stuff!
I use these EZ cap bottles like most others on this sub. ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064ODUDK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-AklFbSV7N3XN ). You can get them on Amazon as well as most brewing suppliers. This should help with carbonation as long as you have your ratios balanced, 1F liquid plus added fruits or sugars for 2F.
I don't do it myself but I don't know if mason jars are pressure rated/pressure safe. You might get a bit, but it definitely won't be the same as fermenting in a swing top/beer bottle. Plus there's definitely the risk of them exploding.
You also might have issues with reusing the GTS bottles. The plastic caps are probably likely to deform and lose its seal.
I'd recommend getting more swing top bottles, specifically ones that are pressure rated. I use these but really there's a ton of brands on amazon to buy from.
It sounds like you're including enough fermentable sugars to get a good carbonation, to me it sounds like your issue may be the packaging.
Interesting, I understand your point about gluconic acid ABV calcs by the app I am using for tracking https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sebeto.kombucha&hl=en_US
I just feed temperature/pH/BRIX ant it makes the calculations. Not sure what formula they're useing thought, how about you? How are you calculating the ABV
Okay then the caps are good. It's no longer necessary for you to do but I use this for image hosting, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.moosen.imgur&hl=en. I take a picture then share the picture to the app then copy the image address then reply to reddit with the image address.
I have two of these. I'm using them to dispense my starter into fresh 1 gallon batches. https://www.amazon.com/Northern-Brewer-Fermentor-Universal-Fermentation/dp/B011VDMYAI/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1536414336&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=big+mouth+bubbler&psc=1
I bought the spear version of this for food on accident. This model or other “pen” models which are cheaper would work https://www.amazon.com/Apera-Instruments-AI311-Replaceable-2-00-16-00/dp/B01ENFOIQE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2PPE6N6EK1RIM&keywords=apera+ph+meter&qid=1670862211&sprefix=apera+ph+meter%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW.... Make sure you buy one for solutions and not solids testing.
Ph strips are adequate for home brew and more advanced meters are required for commercial $150-200. These are good: https://www.amazon.com/Kombucha-Instant-Read-Strips-Dispenser/dp/B07G2N6BNW/ref=asc_df_B07G2N6BNW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241959084166&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2105278668521889206&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&...
I have used it to aerate nutrients but I was using coco and not hydro so would aerate the nutrient solution for 24-48 hours at a time in 1 gallon bucket then water the plants this helps developed the bacteria and also fully oxygenates the water. I would be concerned about biofilm and clogging if doing hydro depending on the setup. Once they get clogged even boiling in hot water and soap never fully restores them. I used one to aerate my kombucha in a 5 gallon fermenter for the first 48 hours after mixing new batch to speed up the process and after every batch it would be pretty clogged, boiling only helped a little. I just ended up using the tube directly with no stone, big bubbles but less fuss. The hose size is not for a regular aquarium pump, you need an adapter or I just shoved the smaller hose inside the larger hose to convert. The small bubbles are nice but I would honestly go with something more simple and cheaper like this. Air Stone Amazon
Oh wow thank you, very good info. I added a stainless steel air stone to my tank for C02 and it carbonates in hours instead of days, I also stopped waiting for the kombucha to chill and just carb it still warm as soon as I put it in the fridge. I have thought about buying a nice stainless steel spout so perhaps I can do higher PSI with less foam. I like my kombucha super bubbly. Here is the stone, Highly recommend if you are impatient like me 0.5 micron Stainless Steel Diffusion Stone
I actually have one of these and use it with every other batch. Agreed, it does provide for a fizzer drink with less foam.
Filter, my ass. Discard everything, wash that thing thoroughly. Lots of soap and hot water.
In future, strongly consider a cloth cover with a tight-fitting band or mesh lids like these. Canadian link.
Where have you been trying to get tea from?
I have used earl grey and various herbal teas mixed with green or black in the past for booch and I have never had any problems.
Try a small batch to see what happens.
Yes. This 100%. I am a water treatment chemist by trade and I use pH strips for my kombucha. I don't need to know the pH down to 0.1 accuracy so the 1.0 value pH strips work just fine. I use these. I have a $2,000 pH meter in my field test kit but I still use the test strips.
If you do use a probe based solution like this, you need to calibrate it with fresh buffer solutions at least weekly and be aware that the probe will likely need to be replaced every 1-2 years if well maintained (calibrated regularly and stored in a high ionic strength KCl solution).
Or, as one comment below says - your taste buds are actually surprisingly accurate once you have brewed a few batches.
For my 100l brews I use a "hop spider" to contain the loose leaf.
Kombucha: Healthy Beverage and Natural Remedy from the Far East
-Gunther W. Frank, 1995
from Amazon UK
Can get it on Amazon. I like this brand, handed down from another r/kombucha sage brewer:
Blue Spirulina Powder - Maximum... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XC7KSRP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
with their help I’ve successfully cloned GT’s sacred life
I stopped using flip tops because they go off like hand grenades' if you over do the f2..
I use these now..
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LYWDK00/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have done like 10 batches so far with no issues... you can crack them open and let co2 out at your leisure.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PVCHPC5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I use these 8 oz. ones. Perfect serving size for me, too.
For OP, you can get replacement lids (for better seal) which are called F217 lids:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084T99C98?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I have ordered these, and there are others like them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0863YJCSP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I did have some of them crack when I tightened them.
I have ordered these, and there are others like them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0863YJCSP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I did have some of them crack when I tightened them.
I have ordered these, and there are others like them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0863YJCSP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I did have some of them crack when I tightened them.
If you 21 years old or older this one will work if not then go for the low abv version.
​
I only need to dry one or two bottles at a time because I just rinse them out as I empty them. Propping them in the dish rack works for my purposes.
You could get something like this to take care of more bottles at once: https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Kitchen-Organizer-Cutting-Cabinet/dp/B073XHZKG3/ref=sr_1_7_mod_primary_new?keywords=wood+bottle+drying+rack&qid=1662071093&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=8-7
Nothing specific. I typically make 2 gal batches - 400grams sugar and typ about 60 grams of tea (60-70% green to black tea). I will that brew in the conical for about a week and then add another 2 gal batch. I don't brew a huge volume at one time because it could be more susceptible to mold due to the low acidity. Once it gets to the tartness I'm looking for, I will pressure transfer to the corny keg. This is where I will let it go into 2f. I use the following to add pureed fruit. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QRYVCQS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1. The batch that is now in my kegerator I used about 8 oz of ginger root, 2 bags Walmart brand frozen Raspberries and 1 1/2 Walmart brand frozen pineapple juice concentrate. I blend the root and the raspberries and put in the above linked hop filter. I also pour the juice concentrate in the same while I lower it in the corny but before I put on the filter top.
It'se been working extremely well.
I discuss with that. In this book it mentions a recipe to start brewing from 0 . This sub doesn't explain that but it exists.
Thanks for the feedback; I will throw it out.
I purchased this SCOBY online, and I've had only miserable results with it. It never had a good yeast response. I did one batch prior to this one, and it didn't have much activity. After 14 days I moved on to a second batch as I had read that it can take 2-3 batches before a SCOBY gets going.
Unfortunately, this is the last of this SCOBY and I will not buy this brand again.