Johnny M Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Jo I have read people doing their first ferment for anywhere from 5-30 days. It depends on the climate your in, the size of your scoby, and I'm guessing other factors I'm not aware of. Robin said hers takes 1 week. Mine took 12 days and I'm in a fairly warm climate here in San Francisco so who knows! Just let it ferment and taste it every 2 or 3 days if it's too sweet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Strathdee Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 I second this. This batch, I discovered that I like it more at 10 days than at 7, but just let yours go until you're ready. Right now, mine has attracted a swarm of vinegar flies, so I think it's a little over-done ;0) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan W Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 I second this. This batch, I discovered that I like it more at 10 days than at 7, but just let yours go until you're ready. Right now, mine has attracted a swarm of vinegar flies, so I think it's a little over-done ;0) Oh eww Robin. Unless you are referring to James and the kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Strathdee Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Oh eww Robin. Unless you are referring to James and the kids. I wish I was! No, only my littlest body builder likes it (she's my mini). But here in MO we have these little buggies that look like normal gnats or fruit flies, but they love vinegar! I first encountered them when I started cleaning my windows with homemade cleaner. Since then they've gotten into bottles of the flavored stuff I leave open for too long, cleaning solutions... Now they're hanging out on top of the coffee filter and tea towel that cover my booch. It's kinda gross, but I guess it means I'm doing it right. In other news, it's gonna be 70 degrees here this weekend. Great for painting a front porch, not so great for killing the enormous swarms of flies and gnats, etc, that cropped up from our long hot summer. What's a girl gotta do to get some winter around here?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan W Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 I wonder if vinegar flies are W30 compliant? I think they are. Move to Oregon please. 40s in the mornings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Strathdee Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 I think so too. Also the worm I probably ate when I, exhausted and delirious with fatigue, ate through a nasty spot on an apple. Like, really gross. And we get 30's in the am. Then 70's during the day. A 40 degree temp swing is nothing here! It's ridiculous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan W Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Oh yeah..I totally think worms are w30 compliant. We have those swings too but only in the summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homerfrizzell Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Robin, Should you wish to get rid of those pesky flies, they especially like apple cider vinegar. I use a bit of that in a jar with some holes punched in the lid - very effective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Strathdee Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 Robin, Should you wish to get rid of those pesky flies, they especially like apple cider vinegar. I use a bit of that in a jar with some holes punched in the lid - very effective. This is happening NOW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon Simpson Thumann Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 I just can't bring myself to drink it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silk Posted December 4, 2012 Share Posted December 4, 2012 On the topic of kombucha, I have a question that goes beyond the whole30. I sometimes make my own kombucha, but there's mixed opinions on whether someone like me should drink it at all. I have chronic hepatitis c, possibly for 43 years now, though I just got the diagnosis 4 years ago. My liver's in excellent shape; I thank my years of clean living for that, though genetics might also have something to do with it, dunno. Kombucha seems to sit well with me when I drink it. But, some say it's good for liver disease and some say it's not, due to the alcohol content. I'd be interested to hear any opinions / thoughts. I also make beet kvass from time to time and am wondering if that has any alcohol content, or is that particular to kombucha? I don't think kvass has any alcohol in it, but as long as I'm here, writing to well-knowledged folks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jo Ferris Posted December 4, 2012 Share Posted December 4, 2012 @silk the amount of alcohol in beet kvass and kombucha is SOOOOO minimal (less than 1%) that it shouldn't have any adverse effects on your liver. especially because these things are known to support liver function ... the good outweighs the minute amount of bad in this case. IMNSHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine K Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 i have been reading some mixed science on this stuff. Especially when people are making it at home. The one thing i read is that some people who are making it in ceramic pots are getting lead poisoning. It also has caused some belly issues and allergies for some. Just make sure you look into the do's and DONT's of making it. Its only healthy if its healthy lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Strathdee Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Christine K - I would imagine that if those folks are getting lead poisoning, there would have to be lead in the pots. Not good all the way around. Most booch brewing sites will tell you to use glass. And, while you do have to be careful that your SCOBY doesn't mold, I'm not convinced that it could cause allergies. One would likely have to be allergic to something used already, correct? It IS a probiotic bacteria, so one should always start with a small amount and build to a level that the gut tolerates well. You're right - it's only healthy if it is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carie Skeahan Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 I have found I prefer black tea. I used green tea and green/black mix, but like just black the best. I do 1 cup sugar per gallon, 8 tea bags and have found 2 weeks is still too sweet, but 3 weeks is too long (too bitter). 2.5 weeks seems to work for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gte510i Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 I let my 'booch go 3 weeks on the primary fermentation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torena Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I'm so glad to see this topic as I had just started my first batch of booch on Saturday! I'm using an Earl Grey for it. The recipe I followed said to wait 7 days, so I'll be testing it on Saturday evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmary Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I'm so glad to see this topic as I had just started my first batch of booch on Saturday! I'm using an Earl Grey for it. The recipe I followed said to wait 7 days, so I'll be testing it on Saturday evening. I'm so sorry, torena, but Earl Grey doesn't really work for Kombucha. You need a tea without essential oils. I like Oolong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torena Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 When you say it won't really work, what should I expect? Will the flavor be off? Will I kill my SCOBY? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmary Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 When you say it won't really work, what should I expect? Will the flavor be off? Will I kill my SCOBY? From what I understand, the essential oils tend to kill off the scoby. I guess if your scoby still looks healthy, you might be lucky, but I would watch it a little closer than normally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan W Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 From what I understand, the essential oils tend to kill off the scoby. I guess if your scoby still looks healthy, you might be lucky, but I would watch it a little closer than normally. Omg..Missmary, no wonder my booch has been so lame. I used Earl Gray. I've blamed it on everything but never thought of the tea. I finally tossed it when I left town for 2 weeks. So glad I saw your post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca30 Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Hmm. This might be one of those "your milage may vary" situations. I know Robin used Earl Grey and reported success. I would stick it out and taste test on Saturday. You have already come so far! : ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Strathdee Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Uhh...I use Earl Grey and my booch and SCOBY are killer! Maybe just check the ingredients on your tea? See what happens with what you have now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca30 Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Uhh...I use Earl Grey and my booch and SCOBY are killer! Maybe just check the ingredients on your tea? See what happens with what you have now? I was totally going to try Earl Grey anyway when I have a SCOBY to spare. I just love it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homerfrizzell Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I've had good success with hibiscus tea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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