Kombucha

Start with a scoby from Kombucha Co and a gallon jar. Prepare your jar by cleaning it thoroughly and then removing any cleaning products by rinsing with white vinegar. Do not use apple cider vinegar in this process to avoid worms.

Ingredients

9 tea bags or 3 tbsp loose leaf tea
1 cup sugar
12 cups cold filtered water

Directions

Boil 4 cups water and remove from heat. Steep tea for 10 minutes. Remove tea. Add 1 cup sugar, stir to dissolve completely. Allow tea to come to room temperature (68-82 degrees).

Pour cold into jar with with scoby and starter or 2 cups original kombucha. Pour in remaining water.

Place cotton cloth over jar and secure with rubber band. Store in a warm place away from direct sunlight with plenty of airflow.

Do not disturb scoby for 7-21 days (stirring introduces contaminates which may mold). Taste to determine readiness.

If ready, place in serving growler for an additional 7-10 days for carbonation.

Optionally add 6 pieces crystallized ginger, 1 tsp powdered lemon peel, and 2 tbsp food-grade lavender in growler.