Continuous Brewing - a better quality kombucha?

An 8.5l Jar - on special this week at the Warehouse :A plastic spigot would be even better!

Continuous brewing or continuous ferment is a more traditional way of making kombucha.  It was the way they made it for centuries before our modern age.  Many people say the kombucha made this way has more nutrients and health-giving qualities.  This is due to the fact that it is a true mix of long and short fermented kombucha.

Also this method seems to avoid the mould problem some people have from time to time.

Basically you are making a large quantity of kombucha in a large glass container- MUST be glass -  and after several days when it is to your liking you draw off say a small bottle full - and replace that liquid with a fresh mix of sugar and tea.  You then let that ferment again for a few days - the fresh mix will have diluted the original kombucha a bit - and then draw off another bottle - ad infinitum :-)  As you ferment this way you can draw off larger quantities as the brew will be stronger after a few weeks of this method.

You need to wash out the container when you see it needs it - you'll know by the crust around the waterline and murk - but in the old days this was done rarely and it is better not to disturb it for as long as possible.  So only clean when absolutely necessary.

In many ways this is a lot easier that the single ferment most people do - and as I say a ;possibly better quality kombucha.

You need a glass container with a spigot/tap - the Warehouse have ones for $25 this week and Briscoes ($37) etc have them too.  I don't even bottle mine - I just use the spigot/tap to pour the kombucha into a glass and drink it straight away (I don't mind that it's not very fizzy.   Then I put and equivalent amount of sweetened tea in the container to replace what I took out.  Easy peasy!

What's in Kombucha that makes it so good for you?

It's a long post - but well worth bookmarking for future reference.

Kombucha Tea contains Live Enzymes. Enzymes are crucial for proper digestion, absorption of vital nutrients, and all other functions of the body. (Enzymes are chemical catalysts.)

It contains the following substances crucial for vibrant health and longevity:

Glucoronic Acid: Made in large amounts by a healthy liver, its function is to detoxify the body. Toxins and foreign substances which are bound by Glucoronic acid are made water-soluble and cannot be reabsorbed by the body. Glucoronic acid impedes the progression of viral infections and dissolves gallstones. Since detoxification and purification are key to curing any illness, Glucoronic acid plays a vital role as one of the main components of the Kombucha tea. Glucoronic acid has been used successfully in the treatment of cancer patients due to its ability to bring about an increase in the body's own defenses. ·


Hyaloronic Acid: A key component of connective tissue. Hyaluronic acid binds water, forming a gel-like substance which holds the cells together. ·


Chondroitin Sulfate Acid: A basic component of cartilage, bone and blood vessels. ·


Mucoitin-Sulfuric Acid: A basic component of cartilage, bone and blood vessels. ·


Heparin: A polysaccharide also produced by the liver and used as an anticoagulant in the treatment and prevention of thrombosis (blood clots) and embolism (obstruction of blood vessels). Heparin also has properties which promote the transfer of fat. ·


Lactic Acid: Another key component of the tea. It is a ferment of the friendly bacteria lactobacillus acidophilus. Lactic acid plays a part in human cell metabolism and helps prevent growth of putrefactive bacteria in the large intestine. Acidophilus provides good intestinal flora necessary for a strong immune system and is recommended after the use of antibiotics. The lactic acid found in Kombucha is highly ionized and is superior to the acetic acid found in vinegar. Lactic acid increases oxygen in the blood. This may be why an increase in energy is almost immediately noticed after drinking Kombucha tea. Lactic acid is rarely present in the connective tissues of cancer patients and the lack of it leads to oxygen deficiency (hypoxia). ·


Acetic Acid: Helps to establish a good pH balance ·


Tannic Acid: Antiviral and antibacterial ·


Usnic Acid: A substance with strong antibacterial and antiviral properties ·


Folic Acid: Assists in forming body proteins, genetic material, and formation of hemoglobin. It is a vitamin essential to the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. ·


Fission Yeast: The yeast enzymes in the tea respond to the living microorganisms in the body and actually fight against troublesome yeast infections such as Candida. Unhealthy, problem causing yeasts are reproduced with spores or by budding while the yeast present in Kombucha is produced by means of fission like bacteria. Yeast is also a common source of protein and B-complex vitamins. Kombucha Tea contains all the B-Vitamins including: ·


B1 Thiamin is an oxidizing agent in the release of energy synthesis of certain nerve-regulating substances ·


B2 Riboflavin is necessary in hydrogenation processes that release energy from carbohydrates. ·


B3 Niacin works with vitamins B1 and B2 to produce energy in cells. It is needed to change glucose to glycogen; the only storage form of carbohydrates. Niacin prevents and aids in cardiovascular diseases, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, protects against pollutants and toxins, relieves migraines and alleviates arthritis. Niacin expands the blood vessels thus increasing blood flow. ·


B6 Pyridoxine aids in metabolizing and absorbing amino acids. It also plays a role in red blood cell formation. It is required for the proper functioning of over 60 enzymes, helps clear up acne and dry skin, inhibits cataract development and protects the lenses of the eyes. ·


B12 Cobalamin is essential for the proper functioning of all cells in the body, particularly blood producing cells of the bone marrow and the cells of the nervous system and digestive tract. It is a powerful rejuvenator and energizer. It improves memory, concentration, and prevents mental deterioration. Kombucha Elixir is an excellent choice for any active person looking for a real energy lift before or after physical exercise or for aiding digestion, during cleansing programs, during illnesses, etc..

Mould or Mold on Kombucha Scoby - What to do

So you've noticed some funny looking growths on your scoby - what to do? 
Firstly establish that it is mould - or mold.  Mould is blue/grey and hairy - very fine little hairs and it usually grows in circular blobs.  If it is mould then there is nothing for it but to throw the scoby and the liquid out.  Be ruthless!  I have never been able to wash the scoby and start with a fresh brew - it ALWAYS makes foul tasting kombucha - so be brave and throw the mouldy scoby out into the compost where it can do some good.

However do be sure it is mould - scobies do not always grow perfectly and there can be all sorts of interesting formations on top of the scoby - but they won't be blue and hairy :-)

For insurance against losing your scoby like this - keep a spare scoby in a little kombucha tea in the fridge or even the freezer.  When you use this the brew maybe a little slower than usual while the scoby recovers from its suspended animation. :-)

Also if you've had this happen it maybe a seasonal thing so for the next brew or two dunk the scoby down under the tea every couple of days and the acidic tea will kill off any baby mould spores.  Do this with a very clean spoon.

Green Tea Kombucha - the champagne of kombuchas

Kombucha made with green tea is a lighter more delicate version of the usual kombucha made with everyday black tea. It is not as tart and the colour is more like a lager.

However it has one downside and that is that it doesn't grow the scoby/mushroom quite as vigorously as black tea does. Your scoby will come to no harm for a few brews; but if you are concerned then the best way is to use a secondary scoby - keeping the mother for the usual black tea ferment,

Green tea kombucha may be more pleasant for your children or folk who haven't got used to the tartness of black tea kombucha. Green tea kombucha is a very pleasant way to introduce newbies to drinking kombucha.

The picture shows black tea kombucha on the left and green tea kombucha on the right.

Vitamin content of Kombucha

Kombucha Tea contains all the B-Vitamins including: · B1 Thiamin is an oxidizing agent in the release of energy synthesis of certain nerve-regulating substances · B2 Riboflavin is necessary in hydrogenation processes that release energy from carbohydrates. · B3 Niacin works with vitamins B1 and B2 to produce energy in cells. It is needed to change glucose to glycogen; the only storage form of carbohydrates. Niacin prevents and aids in cardiovascular diseases, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, protects against pollutants and toxins, relieves migraines and alleviates arthritis. Niacin expands the blood vessels thus increasing blood flow. · B6 Pyridoxine aids in metabolizing and absorbing amino acids. It also plays a role in red blood cell formation. It is required for the proper functioning of over 60 enzymes, helps clear up acne and dry skin, inhibits cataract development and protects the lenses of the eyes. · B12 Cobalamin is essential for the proper functioning of all cells in the body, particularly blood producing cells of the bone marrow and the cells of the nervous system and digestive tract. It is a powerful rejuvenator and energizer. It improves memory, concentration, and prevents mental deterioration. Kombucha Elixir is an excellent choice for any active person looking for a real energy lift before or after physical exercise or for aiding digestion, during cleansing programs, during illnesses, etc..

Kombucha Skin Care - Age Spot Removal

Living in New Zealand it is almost inevitable we will get sun spots/age spots/liver spots - all the names for those brown blotches on or skin.  By the time we're 35 or so, unless we have been devoted in our use of sunscreen, they suddenly appear.

I made some skin cream using kombucha instead of water - basically just oil (almond oil or olive oil or whatever you have on had), water and emulsifier.  I intended to use it as a general skin cream.   I rubbed a little of the cream on my hands and to my surprise and wonder my age spots started to fade a little.  I thought at first it was a trick of the light but no - they really had got paler.  My sister who was with me at the time, looked at me in a startled way - and I looked back at her equally astounded.  We thought we were seeing things.  For once we were speechless :-)

There is actually no need to make cream - if you don't mind the smell just get a cotton ball soaked in kombucha and rub it on your age spots.  Leave on for at least half an hour before rinsing off.  Repeat daily until you're happy with the result - and don't forget to use SPF30 when you go out in the sun to ensure you don't create new age spots!

Where to get a Scoby in NZ

I am often asked where to obtain a scoby.  A few people will have friends or family who can supply them with a healthy new scoby from the natural growth on their brew.  However most of us must buy them.

Trademe is the most reliable source and the sellers there seem to be responsible traders who take care to supply good healthy scobies and post them so they aren't damaged in transit.  Expect to pay around $10 to $20 for a scoby and some kombucha starter.   Delivery costs extra of course.

You are looking for a nice fresh scoby - pale and fat and fresh smelling kombucha liquid to use as a starter/acidifier.

There is also a Facebook group called 'Fermenting Freaks Forever! New Zealand' who sometimes have spare scobies to sell or share.

Don't be tempted to buy any powdered kombucha maker - it doesn't grow a scoby - it's just a dehydrated drink mix and won't have the health benefits of properly brewed/fermented kombucha.

The amazing healing properties of Kombucha.

Because Kombucha Tea acts on the whole system its beneficial effects extend to many disorders. Kombucha helps prevent disease through the strengthening of the immune system and by supplying the body with easily absorbed nutrients. It slows or even reverses aging by removing toxins, while strengthening and increasing the number of disease-fighting agents in the body. Removes heavy metals from the body. Replaces water and nutrients quickly following heavy exercise and sweating. Kombucha is a potent immune system booster. It can be an important part of treatment for a wide range of diseases. Put the word 'kombucha' into any search engine and you will see there are many reported testimonials, on the net and in books, of cures of ailments including:

Dissolves gallstones
Increases energy
Arterioscrosis/softens veins
Speeds healing
Lowers cholesterol
Lowers blood pressure
Increases blood circulation
Eliminates wrinkles/skin humectant
Relieves menopausal symptoms
Strengthens leg muscles
Chickenpox /herpes zoster remedy
Colitis/improves digestion/ nervous stomach
Poultice for wounds/ulcers
Cleanses gallbladder
Lessens anxiety
Levels glucose
Protects teeth from cavities
Activates glandular system
Acne
AIDS
Cancer
Prostrate/bladder disorders
Dysentery in Infants
Constipation
Psoriasis
Multiple sclerosis
Stronger fingernails
Arthritis
Gout
Kidney disorders
Bronchitis
Cataracts
Pain in limbs
Liver problems
Tonsillitis
Allergies
Candita albicans
Obesity/burns fat
Impotence
Pernicious anemia
Insomnia
Diarrhea
Balding
Edemas
Diabetes
Hypoglycemia
Vision acuity
Chronic colds
Sweaty feet
Back pain
Chronic headaches
Anorexia
Cystic fibroid disease
Epstein-Barr (Chronic Fatigue Syndome)
Hemarrhoids
Neurasthenic stomach-liver-kidney disorders
Aging
Thickens hair
Asthma
Candidiasis
All digestive disorders
Hemorrhoids
Fybromialgia
Incontinence in both men and women
Migraine relief
Poor digestion
Prostate problems
Low 'T' cell count
Psoriasis
And much more!

Ginger Beer Kombucha

Some people (very rarely) don't like the taste of kombucha - or it is a little sour for their stomachs.  One easy answer to this is to add root ginger to the freshly brewed kombucha.  I have seen some recipes that include the grated ginger root in the mix and then brew it - but I think this will weaken the mushroom scoby and so I wait till the kombucha is brewed to your taste and when I bottle it, I add a teaspoon of grated or minced ginger root to the bottle before sealing it.  Ginger is particularly good for the stomach and tastes wonderful - your kids will love it!  Makes it nice and fizzy too :-)