The Complete Guide to Flavoring and Carbonating Kombucha

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2024

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  • @u2sandrah
    @u2sandrah 5 років тому +273

    I have watched hundreds of videos on kombucha to get ideas and inspiration... and this half hour is my absolute favourite by far! I hope they make a part two... Awesome mixture of creativity, technique, passion and goofiness.

    • @MB-fr6gu
      @MB-fr6gu 5 років тому

      I am still confused, can I reuse the scopy, and isn’t affect the flavor for the other pot

    • @TessiSue
      @TessiSue 5 років тому +3

      @@MB-fr6gu As far as I understood it you take most of the liquid away from the scoby and use this liquid as a base for these recipes. The scoby is not in these liquids anymore.

    • @MB-fr6gu
      @MB-fr6gu 5 років тому +2

      Tessi Sue
      Thank you for reply
      After I am done I made the juce.. Where I should keep the scopy and how for next use..

    • @shijima_za6036
      @shijima_za6036 4 роки тому

      Definitely 🙌

    • @voulafisentzidis8830
      @voulafisentzidis8830 3 роки тому +9

      I've been making kombucha for six months and only use the scoby (which I created from plain kombucha) for the first ferment, which keeps it clean. I re-bottle and add fruit to my second ferment. It's fantastic and better than anything I've bought.
      I've just made a cream soda flavour (2nd ferment - half tsp brown sugar, plus one tbs vanilla extract in 330ml bottles. Refrigerate between 2 to 4 days after 2nd ferment.). Now my new favourite flavour along with my blueberry one which has no added sugar.

  • @AlbanGruget
    @AlbanGruget 4 роки тому +440

    11:47 : Winter : Hops
    14:22 : Winter : Hibiscus Lemon
    15:40 : Spring : blackberry Ginger
    16:24 : Spring : Ginger Tumeric
    20:26 : Summer : Mango Mint
    20:40 : Summer : Cucumber Melon
    22:50 : Automn : carrot and apple juice
    23:20 : Automn : Gin lemon

    • @Bonercide
      @Bonercide 3 роки тому +16

      The real hero here, got 8 mins in and they had gone over nothing

    • @TelepathShield
      @TelepathShield 2 роки тому

      It’s Autumn, and Turmeric

    • @angeladonovan7354
      @angeladonovan7354 2 роки тому +3

      How do you get the fruit out of the bottles?

    • @saraanderson2784
      @saraanderson2784 2 роки тому +2

      @@angeladonovan7354 I usually use chop sticks or metal straws.

    • @truthofthematter9409
      @truthofthematter9409 2 роки тому +6

      I can tell you that carrot and green apple would be amazing

  • @BeckyBee863
    @BeckyBee863 2 роки тому +143

    I grew a scoby from a Publix kombucha during quarantine, his name is Brad, he has many clones and last year I made over 200 gallons of kombucha, all beginning from my original endeavor. I enjoyed this, thanks for sharing.

    • @Fairylander123
      @Fairylander123 4 місяці тому

      Wow! That is amazing!

    • @thedahlhouse1299
      @thedahlhouse1299 4 місяці тому

      Good info but really hard to listen to when guy in red shirt is talking over the other.

    • @LemonLine45617
      @LemonLine45617 3 місяці тому

      It’s hilarious that you had enough emotional attachment to name them 😂

    • @JoshxIZ
      @JoshxIZ 2 місяці тому

      What do you mean by "publix kombucha"

  • @PierrePblais
    @PierrePblais 3 роки тому +277

    there is some really great ideas here.
    One thing I find many UA-camrs unfortunately don't really talk about when it comes to Kombucha is all the flavoring possibilities that you can explore in your primary fermentation by using different base. The SCOBY does not require tea to do its thing it requires sugar, so any sweet liquid will work, some will work better then other of course, and regular black tea is a great stable base. However I have played around with different tea, like white tea, puer, oolong, also chai blend, earl grey blend, and other quality tea blends I source from a local loose tea provider.
    I have also great success making my primary with various herbal tea or herbal blends, One of my favorite that I got from TNGTF is Lemon Verbena kombucha (which you can then flavor with ginger in your 2nd ferment, and is to die for), Catnip is very interesting, almost hoppy in flavor, actually doing hibiscus herbal tea as first ferment instead of doing in the 2nd is also really interesting, Rose petals also good, Skullcap also great, fresh elderflower is another great one from TNGTF (just make sure you pick only the flowers and remove all stems).
    I have also done Coffee kombucha, Maple syrup Kombucha (just maple syrup and water, can't get simpler then that), and even raw apple juice. And then when you start cobining all this with 2nd fermentation aromatics... the possibilities really are endless!
    Of course one thing to be aware of when you do this is that the SCOBY will store some of the flavors from the liquid, with a lot of the herbal stuff it will be too subtle to notice, but if you try your hand at some more intense liquid like coffee, you might want to keep that scoby separate.

    • @carinaterrazzino546
      @carinaterrazzino546 3 роки тому +24

      Thank you for the comment. I've always wondered if kombucha could be made starting from herbal teas other than black tea. Now I'll try with yerba mate.

    • @michaelcordeiro12
      @michaelcordeiro12 2 роки тому

      how was the coffee kombucha? Did it taste like coffee?

    • @darahrouge
      @darahrouge 2 роки тому +1

      I tried Indonesian green tea and it went very acidic very quickly.. anyone know why?

    • @kalianyvazquez199
      @kalianyvazquez199 2 роки тому +3

      Thank you!!! I was looking for information on trying things other than black tea.

    • @annaaust8445
      @annaaust8445 2 роки тому +4

      great! i have so much lemon verbena that i dried this summer!

  • @cindybaisiger5520
    @cindybaisiger5520 2 роки тому +54

    I made a very festive holiday kambucha using red rooibos tea and flavored it with star anise, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. It's sooo good and gas just the right kick.

    • @ladydovile
      @ladydovile Рік тому

      This sounds delicious! Did you use rooibos tea instead of back tea or did you use it like a flavouring like you would use hibiscus tea?

    • @cindybaisiger5520
      @cindybaisiger5520 Рік тому

      @@ladydovile yes, I did

    • @joyworthen
      @joyworthen Рік тому

      Great idea. Thanks.

    • @rockinroadways5626
      @rockinroadways5626 Рік тому

      Hi Cindy
      Your recipe is sound good and I like to try but I’m the keto diet. After finish the process. Did the sugar still remaining or not? I never do kambucha. Thank you

    • @afshirinzadeh5682
      @afshirinzadeh5682 Рік тому

      @Cindy Balsiger did you use black tea?

  • @rahullalchandani7220
    @rahullalchandani7220 Рік тому +4

    I'm a beginner and have made two batches so far, falling in love with the process of fermentation and these videos are my new Netflix.

  • @marcofdzcruz
    @marcofdzcruz 4 роки тому +62

    You guys, this video is amazing. I love the recipes and the atmosphere you created. Keep it up! One quick comment on why ginger and turmeric produce so much carbonation. The rhizomes all have their own set of yeasts, and yeasts are the ones that actually produce C02, so when you add them to the booch, which already has bacteria and yeasts, you produce a lot more carbonation.

    • @impalamama7302
      @impalamama7302 9 місяців тому +1

      Plus the rhizomes do contain more starch as well, that going to produce more gas than something that just has mostly simple sugars like found in fruit and berries.

  • @katjacehovin3570
    @katjacehovin3570 4 роки тому +42

    My grandmother has been growing her Kombucha since I can remember...but we grow it in hibiscus tea, never in black one:) so the color of the drink is red. We've used it for vinegar too, it's amazing:)

    • @kenzz9682
      @kenzz9682 2 роки тому +1

      That sounds lovely! Now I wanna try making kombucha with hibiscus tea.

  • @Cameroner1
    @Cameroner1 5 років тому +41

    This ended up being super easy. I screwed up in so many places and still ended up with a great result. Thanks for sharing

    • @janicedarmody6253
      @janicedarmody6253 4 роки тому

      Thanks for sharing that. I’m a beginner also and I don’t know what I’m doing but it’s carbonating so I’m hoping it’ll turn out decent.

    • @voulafisentzidis8830
      @voulafisentzidis8830 3 роки тому

      @the super family ost a new scoby layer grows each time the glass container is moved so best not to touch it between batches.

  • @iannotivan1868
    @iannotivan1868 5 років тому +1054

    Word to the wise: I tried doing a melon-cucumber batch last week, had to throw it out because the cucumbers actually turned into pickles while carbonating! lmao

    • @KoriandrOfTheStars
      @KoriandrOfTheStars 5 років тому +37

      LOL what in the world 😂😂Amazing 🤣🤣

    • @moleratical7634
      @moleratical7634 5 років тому +85

      I've done cucumber-mint on several occasions. It's probably my favorite and I've never had an issue with pickling. I think your problem was you let the booch get a bit too sour is all.

    • @Mandenga100
      @Mandenga100 5 років тому +22

      😂😂sorry I just had to laugh about this.

    • @CosGirl100
      @CosGirl100 4 роки тому +58

      Mmmmm pickle bucha 🤤

    • @migleyak
      @migleyak 4 роки тому +9

      I made my first batch in a post-gherkin jar and it smelt like gherkins! only smell though

  • @stingraytingvideo
    @stingraytingvideo 5 років тому +234

    I've found that a paper coffee filter and an elastic band makes the perfect cover for the first stage.
    Also, my favourite combos for flavours are ginger & lemon, and pineapple & ginger, strawberry/raspberry & elderflower ☺️

    • @lorrie2878
      @lorrie2878 5 років тому +6

      I use a coffee filter, too. And I just bought a pineapple!

    • @lucysomeone3455
      @lucysomeone3455 5 років тому +1

      Ginger sounds fun!

    • @lulu-fp7im
      @lulu-fp7im 5 років тому +1

      Is white sugar used? Also, the black tea... does it matter which kind?

    • @stingraytingvideo
      @stingraytingvideo 5 років тому +11

      @@lulu-fp7im yes, I use white sugar for the most consistent results. The yeast digests the sucrose as part of the fermentation so your end product will actually contain very little sugar (depending on how long you ferment it). As for the tea, it needs to be real tea (camellia sinensis) without any added flavourings (to avoid oils and other contaminants) so plain black tea or plain oolong would be ideal if you're just starting out. Green tea is also fine but you may need more starter liquid to get it going.

    • @lulu-fp7im
      @lulu-fp7im 5 років тому +1

      @@stingraytingvideo oh man. I used a black earl grey. Did I mess it up?

  • @ThoughXperiment
    @ThoughXperiment 3 роки тому +40

    I brew my own probiotics drinks, kombucha, geer, pop and wine.
    For flavored bubbly kombucha I recommend using different tea mix as the base. I use green tea for citric flavors, black tea for chocolate, coffee, deep flavors, chamomile + horchata for sweet frutal flavors and green tea + ginger for herbal flavors.
    When flavoring think as a bartender/chef 🤣😎
    My favorites flavors are:
    Blackberry + ginger
    Strawberry + mint
    Passion fruit + vanilla
    Cinnamon + clove + anise
    Lemon + pimienta + nutmeg
    Apple + Cinnamon + Clove
    I use a mix between dry and fresh fruits and herbs 😉
    Also, you can always add a measure of white ron ir vodka to make your kombucha a little more daring 😅
    Fermentation is an addition after you know how it works, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, beer, wine, vinegar, are few of the things I do at home and they are better than the industrial versions

    • @dekeik7912
      @dekeik7912 Рік тому +1

      Sounds great. thanks for sharing. i would like to try

    • @ThoughXperiment
      @ThoughXperiment Рік тому +1

      @@dekeik7912 new combinations:
      Strawberry+Basil
      Mango+passion fruit
      Pineapple+Cinnamon
      Dragon fruit+Mint
      They are so freaking good!

    • @katie94668
      @katie94668 3 місяці тому

      @@ThoughXperiment how do you make chocolate kombucha? 👀

    • @ThoughXperiment
      @ThoughXperiment 3 місяці тому

      @@katie94668 I use cacao nibs, cinnamon and vanilla. Let simmer for 4 days and you will have a very tasty kombucha 😊

    • @elizabethkasera3826
      @elizabethkasera3826 3 місяці тому

      At what stage exactly do you add the vodka?

  • @bigsky1970
    @bigsky1970 5 років тому +15

    I think this video actually set me on the right path to start brewing my own. I never realized it would be so easy. Love farmer's markets as well.

    • @jessmtnz
      @jessmtnz 2 роки тому +1

      You made this comment 2 years ago... how did it go!?

  • @Lady-Lilith
    @Lady-Lilith 4 роки тому +9

    I have been reusing my big GT Dave's bottles for my own kombucha for a while. It's so great! My fridge has a lot of weird vertical space and not much horizontal space so a big, tall bottle is ideal. I also have a lot of flip top bottles. I've tried a lot of flavors and so far my favorite is just straight up mango juice added to flavor and provides enough sugar for the carbonation to happen in 3 to 4 days at room temp. I get a nice, sweet and tart tea with good fizz.

    • @dianekiki9651
      @dianekiki9651 2 роки тому

      That's my problem space in the fridge....I have a lot of GT bottles and they fit nicely.

    • @Turntuppusha
      @Turntuppusha 2 роки тому

      But how does the little alien rejuvenate the new sugar water into a tea ? Does is release some of it from the scoby into it ? Or

  • @magnusbrogren2849
    @magnusbrogren2849 5 років тому +49

    Omg that’s a lot of juniper berries!! Just one is a lot of flavour! I’d go for max 2-3 berries and balance it with something sweeter that has some sugar in it, like apple. Thanks for an inspirational video. I especially like the fall carrot cinnamon one :)

  • @roybello8944
    @roybello8944 Рік тому +1

    been brewing for 3 years now anywhere i go, constantly bringing with me my starter and scooby whenever i am onboard ships for 6 months. i cant live without Kombucha, its so good.

  • @LadyOfRain1
    @LadyOfRain1 5 років тому +117

    As suspected, the flavours that included the most "prebiotic" component are carbonating the most. You are feeding the probiotics inside, keeping them happy and they are multiplying...ergo more CO2 to release. Have I mentioned fermented foods are my life's passion?! Good work, Boys!

    • @miniou7456
      @miniou7456 5 років тому +2

      Heather Mitchell-Adams ah wow thanks for providing the link! Guess carbonation = better for your gut then

    • @AnaGomesmyst
      @AnaGomesmyst 5 років тому +1

      I WANT IT TOO! can you recommend any books ? :D

    • @LadyOfRain1
      @LadyOfRain1 5 років тому +9

      @@AnaGomesmyst the Big Kombucha Book by Hannah Krum is great!

    • @AnaGomesmyst
      @AnaGomesmyst 5 років тому +2

      @@LadyOfRain1 thanks a million

    • @HisLilyPrincess
      @HisLilyPrincess 6 місяців тому +1

      Healthy Kids, Happy Kids is a great read with a lot of explanations on fermentation and the microbiome.

  • @jenpitre9444
    @jenpitre9444 4 роки тому +6

    Two questions:
    What kind of heating mat did you use? I have trouble with a cold kitchen in the winter.
    I need tips for cleaning the swing top bottles, with all the flavourings. Bits of food get stuck and it is a right pain to clean the bottle.

  • @Lightpaintkid
    @Lightpaintkid 5 років тому +88

    I am a beer brewer and soon to be kombucha brewer too. Idea, you can dry hop the bottle using a cheese cloth like with beer making. This will allow you to control the bitter flavor depending on how long the hops stay in solution. I would look for aromatic hops, which adds more floral qualities. Also, have you guys heard of a ginger bug? Fresh ginger, sugar and water will ferment and give you a great base to add flavor to, cheers

    • @samonelett2111
      @samonelett2111 5 років тому +2

      Thanks for this tip!

    • @RazdolbayStudio
      @RazdolbayStudio 5 років тому +3

      Actually, i’ve tried dry hopped kombucha(commercial one). it was great, if I had to choose one drink for the rest of my life, I would choose this. Guys did it with galaxy hops and this kombucha was released in collaboration with russian “Zagovor” craft brewery. only in Russia unfortunately. Maybe it can be found in Berlin “Protokoll” bar.

  • @matthewmarra7125
    @matthewmarra7125 3 роки тому +1

    I started my bucha days several years ago. I found home cook dude's how to video the most informative and practical. Here are a few thoughts:
    Buying french lemonade in those bottles is the way I go. My fav shape and cheapest way.
    I take out chunks after 3-5 days so they do not start fermenting.
    Rose hips are amazing.
    Stoked to try Juniper berries and hops.
    Thanks and I love all your how to vids for other foods and fermentations. You inspire

  • @stingraytingvideo
    @stingraytingvideo 5 років тому +241

    Technically, the SCOBY is actually in the liquid kombucha itself. The pellicle (gelatinous cellulose thing) is not needed to create a batch of kombucha (as they demonstrated in this video when they make a batch from some starter tea) . The pellicle forms on the surface when the SCOBY is trying to regulate the amount of air the liquid is in contact with. No harm in including the pellicle when brewing though since there's a lot of liquid SCOBY in it anyway so it's like a host for the SCOBY. This is why sometimes you get little SCOBY pellicle forming after you bottle it for the second fermentation stage.

    • @freekruka3705
      @freekruka3705 5 років тому +2

      amazing facts thanks

    • @ashishdhingra8034
      @ashishdhingra8034 5 років тому +1

      Is it safe for drinking If additional pellicle are there in the bottle during second stage (sorry I just came to know about kombucha a few days ago).

    • @7merkaba7
      @7merkaba7 5 років тому +12

      SCOBY DOUGH WHERE ART THOU

    • @b_uppy
      @b_uppy 5 років тому +5

      @@ashishdhingra8034 yes, quite safe, and the pellicle is edible.

    • @MsSmontalvo
      @MsSmontalvo 5 років тому

      @@ashishdhingra8034 Yup!

  • @NME_hbb
    @NME_hbb Рік тому +14

    Love this, thanks for sharing! Question, do you have a trick removing the fruit from the glass bottles?

    • @phibi8694
      @phibi8694 10 місяців тому +1

      I usually use a skewer, but for smaller parts like herbs I find that filling the bottle with a bit of water and shaking the stuff out works best.:)

  • @writerinrwanda
    @writerinrwanda 4 роки тому +7

    Thank you so much for this tutorial, someone gifted me a scoby. I've just made my first flavoured batches: passion fruit, and tree tomato + apple. They are amazing! I'm a total convert.

  • @nicklong7442
    @nicklong7442 3 роки тому +2

    Just picked up a scoby from a lady on FB market place today and I am beyond excited to start creating flavors after my first batch is done brewing! Thanks for the great content!

    • @dianekiki9651
      @dianekiki9651 2 роки тому +1

      Good for you..the friend that gave me a scoby didn't realize she should have given me started tea too....so it took me a while to figure that one out....so this week I'll start my F2.

  • @johnthree1611
    @johnthree1611 5 років тому +49

    How do you get all the stuff out of the bottles, to clean them?

    • @dantewitter8743
      @dantewitter8743 4 роки тому +6

      If you can’t wash it out, I’ve found combining multiple skewers together and stabbing the contents can get the majority out

    • @michelle-howdoyou
      @michelle-howdoyou 4 роки тому +11

      That’s what I keep thinking! How the heck do you scrub out those skinny necked bottles???

    • @BooRadley13
      @BooRadley13 4 роки тому +2

      I like the skewer method. And a bottle brush works good for the neck. It’s the big wine jugs that I have issues with.

    • @JillianWestplate
      @JillianWestplate 4 роки тому +4

      I have a chain mail scrubber that sometimes works in narrow necked bottles. I drop it in and spin the bottle around to add some mechanical abrasion to the soap for cleaning

    • @dianebassett1930
      @dianebassett1930 4 роки тому +6

      Drop in a few dried beans or any other small objects and a few thin torn strips of paper towel, then a bit of soap and water... shake and swirl to scrape around the inside of the bottle, then dump out. But even so, I have stopped using those bottles!

  • @EricaMorgan
    @EricaMorgan 2 роки тому +9

    I started out with wine making. I made some dandelion wine from wild foraged dandelions which was delicious. But I quit drinking a year ago. I think making kombucha will actually be even more fun because like you said, making alcohol is more complicated. I’m so excited to try all of the different flavors!

    • @nanacheryl1
      @nanacheryl1 Рік тому +1

      During prohibition it was real common for people to make their own dandelion wine

  • @haydenhollenbaugh3958
    @haydenhollenbaugh3958 5 років тому +5

    I have been making 5 gal batches on my homebrew system. It ages in a brewing bucket with a mesh over the top. It is very beer-like. Then it gets kegged. This has been my favorite way to make kombucha so far. cheers
    I will be doing a batch (inspired by you guys). I steep at 190F so I'll drop that to 170F and add about .5oz and then let ferment. Then put it in a closed/sealed bucket and dry hop with about 1oz.
    That melon cucumber sounds amazing though.

  • @Arek.Arkadiusz
    @Arek.Arkadiusz Рік тому

    I love that your brother is in this video.
    I've watched some of your vidoes and you often don't explain what your're doing and use terms, that mere mortals don't know.
    Your brother keeps in mind that we are not experts and asks you about stuff, so you explain it more.

  • @kewlbns69
    @kewlbns69 5 років тому +20

    so much better seeing you guys together!

  • @rubi2099
    @rubi2099 4 роки тому +2

    I will try basil, juniper and lemon as an homage to my favorite cocktail right now the gin basil smashed for my first ever made batch of kombucha. Love the inspiration. Greets from Germany!

  • @adamduun8123
    @adamduun8123 5 років тому +17

    You guys are so inspiring, I am experimenting with coffee kombucha at the moment - it tastes amazing

  • @katiew8511
    @katiew8511 4 роки тому +1

    I love all the little tips as I just started my first ferment! Also loved seeing the tics, brought my son who has Tourette's over to see. Don't know if you can't suppress them or choose not to, but I love my son getting to see tics normalized.

  • @captnbrandopink
    @captnbrandopink 5 років тому +16

    I would say a great source for bottles is Grolsch beer. Sold in 4 packs, you get some beers and you get bottles for a similar price as you would empty bottles on Amazon. I've had a better experience with colored glass bottles than clear bottles as well! I use the green Grolsch bottles but also bought a set of Blue glass bottles from my brew supply store once I got more serious into home brewing my booch.

  • @nursesheris8777
    @nursesheris8777 3 роки тому +2

    I’m about to start my first batch after growing my SCOBY and I have saved all the clear bottles of GT kombucha “quava” that I drank for a second ferment, I’m so excited!!

  • @dg5450
    @dg5450 5 років тому +71

    I just made a Moroccan style flavour with sumac, saffron, thyme, honey, orange and lemon zest and orange blossom water and a guava pepper flavour with guava and red chillies and also a melon mint with hemmi melon and spearmint

    • @terrancing
      @terrancing 5 років тому +3

      I came here to say sumac would be a great kombucha flavoring!

    • @MB-fr6gu
      @MB-fr6gu 5 років тому

      D.G. Blades
      I am still confused, Do I buy scopy mince, can I reuse the scopy every time, and isn’t affect the flavor for the other pot flavor

    • @fuzzyneptune6012
      @fuzzyneptune6012 5 років тому +4

      Sounds like too much overwhelming vastly differing flavors 🤷

    • @preciousmetalhead5155
      @preciousmetalhead5155 5 років тому +6

      It sounds like you put the whole kitchen in it.

    • @brendabeyy2997
      @brendabeyy2997 3 роки тому

      How long should i wait so i can make a different taste or flavour after make the kombucha?

  • @07salvacion
    @07salvacion 4 роки тому

    Hi guys, i once made kombucha back in 1990. I used to work for a Dentist in Santa Monica. Lately i' ve been buying the Daves brand. I was sorprise how famous it is now. Thank you for the video, now I know how to add fruit, I loved it!!

  • @leslielelaind4997
    @leslielelaind4997 3 роки тому +4

    Thanks guys...
    Patting myself on the back because I just made my own home brew and now I’m excited to add flavors.
    Turmeric will probably be part of all of them and you’ve gotten my tastebuds going wild

  • @MassiveBenny
    @MassiveBenny 7 місяців тому +1

    I really love the way you dumb it down for simple folks.

  • @liahfox5840
    @liahfox5840 3 роки тому +5

    I love your idea to replace soda with Kombucha. I can't wait to get started. Can you add vanilla extract, honey, maple syrup, molasses, etc? I thought of some crazy flavors to put together.

    • @chrisrosenkreuz23
      @chrisrosenkreuz23 2 роки тому

      You will find that white processed sugar actually works best in this case. Adding different types of healthier sugars will yield a more vinegary tasting brew. But if you can afford to waste a couple batches don't take my word for it. The experience gained from the experiment will be worth it (maybe).

  • @cwade3198
    @cwade3198 4 роки тому +1

    I just made my first 2 batches. It took me a while longer as the first fermentation was delayed due to a very cool downstairs kitchen. I ordered a warming mat online and once that was in place, shazzam! I had my first drink today; which was apple-rosemary. I think I left the batch too long as it's very strong; almost at the apple cider vinegar stage, so I will make sure the next batch will stay within the 7-10 days instead of about 21 days (waiting for the heating pad). Thanks for your expert advice.

  • @RogueAstro85
    @RogueAstro85 2 роки тому +11

    Back when I was making an absurd amount of kombucha, my favorite flavors were strawberry or watermelon with basil, apple pie (apple, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla bean), mango habanero, and my all time favorite was key lime pie (key limes with vanilla bean).
    Honorable mentions: Strawberry banana was really good but looked really gross before straining. Pear and rosemary was really nice. Cherry hibiscus was awesome but I'm pretty sure it could stain wood.
    The only bad one I made was pineapple, idk why but I could never get pineapple to taste good.
    I also made cantaloupe with cucumber so I was surprised to see that you had the same idea!

    • @RogueAstro85
      @RogueAstro85 2 роки тому +1

      Oh! And lime, ginger, cucumber. Its like a refreshing non-alcoholic Moscow Mule

    • @lovedy1492
      @lovedy1492 2 роки тому

      @@RogueAstro85 w

  • @plainsight1249
    @plainsight1249 7 місяців тому +2

    My mom just had me try her Sour Cherries (frozen from last summer harvest) and Hibiscus Kombucha - It was incredible.

  • @amorestperpe
    @amorestperpe 4 роки тому +65

    If you're not literally making you're own scoby right now, I don't know what you're doing....
    I'm laying on my couch waiting for my scoby to be done in 3 weeks that I started today lol.

    • @TheJanamal87
      @TheJanamal87 3 роки тому

      Same!!

    • @Zutentu
      @Zutentu 3 роки тому +2

      How has it turned out? Are you still brewing? :D

  • @Electronics61
    @Electronics61 5 років тому +2

    Guys I am going to start making my very own kombucha. Many thanks for sharing your excellent ideas. Wish you guys more success.

  • @2davivadiva
    @2davivadiva 5 років тому +406

    I love banana dude’s energy. First time here so idk y’alls names.

    • @genial7483
      @genial7483 5 років тому +24

      Banana dude! LOL

    • @seanicboom1
      @seanicboom1 4 роки тому +11

      This channel used to be both of them together, then he started his own, "YOU ENJOY LIFE", it's also great!

    • @calartian85
      @calartian85 4 роки тому +15

      That’s Mr. Bananadude to you.

    • @tiff826
      @tiff826 4 роки тому +6

      Fuck yeah, banana dude!

    • @eilidpatt1011
      @eilidpatt1011 3 роки тому +1

      Me too. Love banana dude!

  • @eddiecarter7366
    @eddiecarter7366 Рік тому +2

    My favorites are ...
    1. Carrot Shrub
    2. Turmeric Ginger
    3. Left over Picked Beet juice
    4. Rootbeer (yes I have mimicked the ALIVE Rootbeer)
    Rosemary Blueberry, sage green apple, and the Cola are next up on my to-do list

  • @tarahnathan
    @tarahnathan 2 роки тому +5

    Awesome, can’t wait to try it out myself!
    Question:do you need to sterilize the bottles in any way before you put the kombucha?

  • @sammyelliott5554
    @sammyelliott5554 Рік тому

    Best video yet! Learned so much from this video. My wife and I are making our first batch and will flavor it on the second fermentation with blueberry and ginger. Thanks again for a great video.

  • @ИльдарХайруллин-ц2г
    @ИльдарХайруллин-ц2г 5 років тому +12

    Hey folks. Nedd ur tip. The question is : how long can kombucha stay inside the bottle? How long can I store it? Im afraid bucha will explode if i keep it at room temp for a month without burping it after 1st week.
    Any tips pls!

    • @dianebassett1930
      @dianebassett1930 4 роки тому +5

      Ильдар Хайруллин you will need to move it to a fridge to stop the fermentation

  • @IdealEnsemblesLLC
    @IdealEnsemblesLLC 3 роки тому +2

    Watched all your videos on kombucha and have been brewing my own for a couple of months now. Have you ever tried using airlocks for the second fermentation? I am on my second batch right now and they are fantastic, no need to burp the bottles and the process goes quite a bit faster.

  • @nancyjm79
    @nancyjm79 5 років тому +5

    I love it. Now I'm going to try. Question: How do you get all the fruit and stuff out of the bottle once you're done?

    • @quynhquyenbeautycenter4640
      @quynhquyenbeautycenter4640 3 роки тому

      In my experience after a second fermentation with F1 kombucha the sliced ​​fruit will become mushy and just turn the bottle upside down and shake the bottle and they will fall out.

  • @boatgalhb1142
    @boatgalhb1142 10 місяців тому

    Watching now in Feb 2024 and just started my first batch! Love your channel guys! Thanks!!!

  • @bbstucki
    @bbstucki 5 років тому +25

    The reason for a small amount of head room is that the carbon gas is released into whatever space is available until the pressure of the gas is great enough to keep any more carbonation from releasing from the liquid. This is why your 2 liter bottle of pop goes flat if you drink half and put it in the fridge. You have such a large air space that the carbonation can release and release until you have very little carbonation left. This is also why they make bottle lids with pumps in them to pressurize the airspace, if your container is pressurized, any carbonation your liquid still has will theoretically stay in solution.

  • @b_uppy
    @b_uppy 5 років тому +1

    I've used a large Mason jar with a plastic lid. It allows off-gassing without losing too much fizz. Don't over tighten, you want to be able open the jar later. Don't under tighten, the water kefir will go flat. Just tighten enough so there is some resistence to opening without straining.

  • @oldman_eleven
    @oldman_eleven 2 роки тому +3

    I love this video so much. You guys are so genuine. Ive got my first buch batch going now. 💛 thanks for your work guys

  • @annechovey1252
    @annechovey1252 5 років тому +2

    Thank you for posting these super informative videos! I recently gave up soda due to my sensitive stomach and miss the bubbly-ness it provided, and I learned about what "kombucha" is, I will definitely use the tips you provided :)

  • @austinlee5961
    @austinlee5961 4 роки тому +3

    Both cucumbers and melons are part of the pepo family as characterized by their thickened exocarp which forms a rind and their many seeds. Excellent intuition Josh!

  • @juanitalewis6504
    @juanitalewis6504 2 роки тому

    Thank you very informative im in the middle of summer on Vancouver island and my garden is exploding with fruits and berries you have given me great ideas on what to do with it all

  • @JonFD
    @JonFD 5 років тому +699

    Who remembers their first kombucha video where they kept saying cam-bucha?

    • @fucktard710
      @fucktard710 5 років тому +13

      CUMBUCHÄ

    • @N8rGrant
      @N8rGrant 5 років тому +1

      Devin Peterson only if you cant read

    • @lorrie2878
      @lorrie2878 5 років тому +8

      I wanted to leap through my phone and correct him, lol!

    • @user-zl5gi8sv7u
      @user-zl5gi8sv7u 5 років тому +14

      I do. I just watched it.

    • @francescaerreia8859
      @francescaerreia8859 5 років тому

      I will. After I watch it.

  • @shellbell8062
    @shellbell8062 4 роки тому +1

    I have my first Scobi brewing right now. So excited. I am going to try Star Anise and fig / Anise and melon. I has to be done!

  • @BOREophyll
    @BOREophyll 5 років тому +15

    What technique do you use to clean the fruit out of the bottles?

    • @MarcePeperino
      @MarcePeperino 5 років тому +5

      hot water, soap and a bottle cleaner, they are like the straw cleaners but bigger :)

    • @keirkeir9859
      @keirkeir9859 5 років тому +4

      And I eat that slimy mushy fruit! Your stomach has an easy time digesting it and will thank you

    • @publicserviceannouncement4777
      @publicserviceannouncement4777 5 років тому

      @Bennybass pro tip

  • @garthl2954
    @garthl2954 2 роки тому +1

    I just ❤💝💖 the energy, the enthusiasm and the joy you guys have derived from this exercise!!!

  • @lisa0j
    @lisa0j 4 роки тому +3

    Hey that’s really helpful. I’ve only started making kombucha so still learning. I see you are not adding any extra sugar. I like the way you open the bottles, I’ve not seen that before. Some awesome hints and tips, thanks heaps!

  • @sayntfuu
    @sayntfuu 3 місяці тому

    This relieved a lot of anxiety. I appreciated the repetition of notes that, "this is ok", "this is fine" etc. Thank you!

  • @sugarmagnolia6528
    @sugarmagnolia6528 5 років тому +6

    You guys ever make Jun? I think it ferments faster, but not sure how long would be ideal

    • @kbbl102.5
      @kbbl102.5 5 років тому

      I brew Jun! I love it so much. I go for 5 or 6 days in primary, 3-5 days in secondary, strain solids, and then I do a third ferment for another 3-5 days to get it a little bit tart and sour, then refrigerate. I consume about two gallons a week.

    • @kbbl102.5
      @kbbl102.5 5 років тому

      It does ferment faster, and it carbonates really quickly but I like it sour so I let it go for almost as long as standard booch.

  • @denisemiller4964
    @denisemiller4964 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much. I do make my own but have always had issues with the second fermentation. I am going to try to do theses suggestions. They all look good. Great job guys.

  • @Bianca-yd4qy
    @Bianca-yd4qy 5 років тому +5

    Really inspired by these flavour combos. Especially loving the seasonal idea. These guys are really entertaining to watch.

  • @belowtheindigo
    @belowtheindigo 3 роки тому +2

    These flavours look amazing but how do you get the chunks of fruit out of the bottle when you've finished drinking?? Thanks

  • @gauravvikalp
    @gauravvikalp 5 років тому +26

    My favorite is still mango, Ginger and lemon grass. It's bomb!

  • @Abrin32
    @Abrin32 4 роки тому

    diving in head first, your videos have been a big help and inspiration. I decided that kombucha was going to be a better investment than mead and I'm feeling better about that than ever. I hope its not out of the spirit of your homebrew series that I plan to make an LLC and sell at farmers markets just as soon as the country opens back up after covid. But I'm going to need a lot of practice. Thank you!

  • @jakebrownstone1803
    @jakebrownstone1803 4 роки тому +5

    I notice frozen fruit really brings out an amazing carbonation i never knew smaller air room helps carbonation as well. But my batches always are so carbonated i love it

  • @DianeRogerssydanddianes
    @DianeRogerssydanddianes 2 роки тому +2

    Your video and instructions are great! Love the "detail".
    Question. I made a scoby, I fermented 1st batch ( 1 gallon)...might be a touch too tart...took on a vinegar taste. Saved 16 0z that I put in the 2nd batch, (2 gallons). 2nd batch has been sitting on the seedling heat mat for 3 days now in a cool house. (NW Ohio). pH is 2.5. Tastes a bit sweet but really good. How does one know when most of the sugar has been eaten up? I bottled (to the top) 6 from the first batch that has been sitting for 3 days as well. Not a lot of carbonation. Tastes good, especially the "candied ginger". Flavor profile in all is good...just not much fizz. Guava, Mango, Ginger Tumeric and the candied ginger.
    I am making for my sister who has cancer and sugar is the enemy however she LOVES Kombucha. 4 or so bottles a day. It was time I started figuring out how to make the stuff! Any insight from anyone would be great! Thanks in advance.

  • @Vladyslav_Daien
    @Vladyslav_Daien 5 років тому +5

    I thought i'm doing something wrong due to mine is over carbonated too. But i't amazing. I learned to produce it watching your videos. Thanks, guys! You're adorable!

    • @adbreon
      @adbreon 5 років тому +3

      I suspect they have too much sugar in their base batch for how long they are running their first ferment. They have a significant amount of residual sugar going into the secondary ferment which is why they have so many flavors that are over carbonated. Try cutting your sugar in your base by 10%.

  • @marknasia5293
    @marknasia5293 Рік тому

    ok, so it has been a while maybe a year or more since i first watched your video. the enthusiasm you had for kombucha made me order a brew kit. i now have 4 brew kits and make about 16-18 750ml bottles of kombucha every 10 days. although i watched your video before, when revisiting it, i picked up on kombucha being tropical and i a retired in the tropics in rSE Asia. Also as to the comment you made “if this doesn’t make you wan to make kombucha…” IT DID! and my wife and I love it, we share with friends, it is great with BBQ helps to cleanse the pallet after each bite. i actually stopped buying alcohol. This is my source for regular probiotics, well a main one. Thank you so much for making this video, if i hadn’t watched it seeing the fun you guys were having, i never would have given it a second thought. Don’t buy kombucha solely, make it and buy it, mix it up. My fav ingredient is 6 pieces of pineapple and 120 ml of Ceres red grape juice. it makes and awesomely quick wine. You have helped my gut flora improve and check another item off my bucket list (make my own brew). Thank you guys! i also took up sour dough bread and make 3 loaves per week, thanks for that video also.

  • @danusiabeatz
    @danusiabeatz 5 років тому +12

    Should you add pepper some how to the turmeric one to (as they say) activate and make the turmeric beneficial?

    • @lovinglife3954
      @lovinglife3954 4 роки тому +5

      I added slightly cracked black peppercorns, it was nice, you taste the black pepper on the back of your tongue.

  • @shantimarie2754
    @shantimarie2754 3 роки тому

    If I ever have an issue with flys on my patio I pour some in a canning jar lid and usually all bugs drown themselves in it. I put it in my garden and slugs love it too.

  • @BMarie774
    @BMarie774 3 роки тому +3

    My last batch I made I used dried coconut. It..worked fine but it did leave a skim on the top and around the edges of oil that I was a bit concerned about. I found myself having to shake it much more often. Once I skimmed and bottled into smaller bottles (recycled GT bottles!), it was good. It was okay. I just knew I had a much shorter storage time frame. Where as some kombucha I’d store for months, I’d give this a shelf life of MAYBE 2 weeks.
    Edit* it was also EXTREMELY fizzy. I found myself having to off gas it extremely slowly. Like sitting there opening a bit and closing for probably five to ten minutes straight.

  • @michellechiang1683
    @michellechiang1683 4 роки тому +2

    As a matter of practicality, how do you get all the fruit/herb bits out of the bottle before you start your next batch? thanks!

  • @USSJ2Otaku3084
    @USSJ2Otaku3084 5 років тому +9

    I'm thinking about using Cayenne with Mango because I love that combination with fruits; Pineapple, Mango & maybe Starfruit. I really want to get all exotic there with fruits, spices and aromatics 😅. Now I know I won't go near this, to avoid getting kicked out of the apartment, and that is Durian 😅. I need to get my hands on to some Lychee and possible some Quenepas. Lavender and Hibiscus is highly on my list for to mix as well

    • @stingraytingvideo
      @stingraytingvideo 5 років тому +1

      Lychee kombucha sounds delish, might try that next time with some jackfruit too!

    • @USSJ2Otaku3084
      @USSJ2Otaku3084 5 років тому

      @@stingraytingvideo I have a recipe that I might use Juniper berries but I'll have to get it from my phone. One of them was based on relaxation though; it included lavender.

    • @jenedge5949
      @jenedge5949 5 років тому

      I make water kefir, (it's a lot like kombucha, but with sugar water and water kefir grains) and I made lavender last week. I think I used way too much lavender, because it was very bitter. I'll try again but with a just a teaspoon/2liters. Now elderflower water kefir tastes like a fine sparkling white wine. Delicious ✨

  • @ralsharp6013
    @ralsharp6013 4 роки тому +1

    I love this beautiful symbiotic beverage. Green tea and honey works just as well and way healthier than using refined sugar. It's cold Jun kombucha for anybody who wants to look it up. I like to flavour ours with Mulberry juice and a squeeze of lemon... my kids like ginger and lime...

    • @YOUAreTheSecretToLife
      @YOUAreTheSecretToLife 2 роки тому

      The amount of sugar left after the fermentation and carbonation process, as I understand it, is incredibly minimal.

  • @therayn0
    @therayn0 5 років тому +8

    Acidity (e. G. from lemons) is reducing the pH and surpresses the yeast activity. That might be the reason it was less carbonated

    • @FrueicWilkford
      @FrueicWilkford 5 років тому

      That would definitely explain why my first batch didn't carbonate at all, I used a ton of lemon juice and apple, cinnamon, like a nice hard cider, but a little too sour

  • @zinzun222bear
    @zinzun222bear 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks guys, I've been drinking kombucha for a few years now and spend over a hundred dollars a month. Knowing I can make it for a few bucks a week and in my own flavors is the best thing since I learned how to make cold brew in for a couple bucks a week.

  • @Mavka-m7f
    @Mavka-m7f 5 років тому +19

    Hi! I am from Ukraine😁, grow up on combocha, it was always home made, we never had in the store . Looks like some one took to US and make good money😁 . By the way , do you know we have similar texture bacteria, looks like glossy rice, you can make some yogurt😁.
    I didn't know about flavoring combocha. Such a great idea!!!
    Thank you for sharing🌼✌

  • @finnomara4148
    @finnomara4148 3 роки тому +2

    I'm wondering how you get the added flavouring bits out of the narrow neck bottles ?

    • @YOUENJOYLIFE
      @YOUENJOYLIFE 3 роки тому +1

      it's really easy, add in some water and shake it out (the human formerly known as Josh from Brothers Green)

  • @lauranygaard9257
    @lauranygaard9257 5 років тому +21

    This came at perfect time!! I’m waiting for my first fermentation to brew!

    • @isthattrue
      @isthattrue 5 років тому

      I thought the same. I started about 4 weeks ago. Currently making my third kombucha. Good luck with yours and hopefully no exploding bottles!

    • @dianekiki9651
      @dianekiki9651 2 роки тому

      Me too I'm ready to start F2 in 2 to 3 days...I know from drinking so much GTs that I'm infatuated with lemon/ginger....so that will be my main flavoring....will also try mango.

  • @Chalistyle
    @Chalistyle 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for sharing 🎉❤Totally me and my Dad favourite drink ❤ I did use diced scoby in to bottle on second fermentation as well , with grape juice is the best for me , This is the cheapest healthy energy drink for me ❤

  • @christopherarnold6209
    @christopherarnold6209 5 років тому +375

    the cucumber is incompatible with the melon because they cant-elope

  • @michaelhiggins8994
    @michaelhiggins8994 11 місяців тому

    you guys answered alot of questions! I took time off from making komucha, but am starting back up. Thanks for all the info! Ill be following you!

  • @zdenekkotras1801
    @zdenekkotras1801 Рік тому +6

    I've seen this video like a month ago and I have to admire your Kombucha pouring skills. I've been practicing it ever since but the only thing I mastered is cleaning my kitchen. You need to make some sort of tutorial for that. =D

  • @imamgiuseppe5103
    @imamgiuseppe5103 4 роки тому +1

    I'm going to open the best restaurant I'm my country thanks to your channel...thank you

  • @hugoboisclair5413
    @hugoboisclair5413 5 років тому +30

    I tried pinaple and didn't know about burping the bottles. Each time i open a bottle, 75% goes on my kitchen counter and about 25% in the glass 😂😂 im gonna apply your tips

    • @keirkeir9859
      @keirkeir9859 5 років тому +7

      I dont burp because I like the extra carbonation. Ginger and pineapple seem to make it extra fizzy for me but as I slowly release the pressure after 3 to 5 days I do it over a glass to catch what runs down the bottle... also had to clean the roof one time recently.lol

    • @gtssynergykombucha
      @gtssynergykombucha 5 років тому +12

      Feel free to email us at info@gtslivingfoods.com with any questions about brewing!

    • @lovinglife3954
      @lovinglife3954 4 роки тому

      Out it in a bowl and cover with plastic bag, this way if it explodes it won’t go everywhere, and you will catch it in the bowl.

  • @Bee-Bee108
    @Bee-Bee108 Рік тому +2

    That was the best fun 😂 Would love to see a bloopers video!! 🎉

  • @Mohammedali-qe4xl
    @Mohammedali-qe4xl 4 роки тому +4

    So how do you remove the flavourings from these tall necked bottles when the Kamboucha is finished?

    • @dana102083
      @dana102083 3 роки тому

      I woshtjat was covered..most important part! Composting worms lol...

  • @dorothy9290
    @dorothy9290 Місяць тому +1

    I made a SOCBY from GT's Trilogy flavored kombucha. It makes great kombucha! It works better than the SCOBY I purchased.

  • @swaim-em6vd
    @swaim-em6vd 5 років тому +14

    you guys inspire me to try making kombucha again, great vid.

  • @impalamama7302
    @impalamama7302 9 місяців тому

    Thanks, this is really great as I am just getting into making kombucha and I already know that I going to have to have some fruit and/or other aromatic flavorings up in there. I had thought about adding some of that Klas brand Aqua Fresca mix to the tea to add flavor, as I already add it to tea to make flavored teas like peach tea and watermelon tea. It is imported from Mexico and has natural flavorings, dried fruit puree and natural sugar. But this is really great!
    I would think mint and citrus peels would be great aromatics to include with kombucha as both are great in regular unfermented tea.
    I bet that hops kombucha would be great to have before bedtime as a hops flowers naturally promote sleep. BTW, I don't know where you live, but here in the South, blackberries don't ripen til summertime.

  • @shanlolita
    @shanlolita 5 років тому +7

    Just a concern how hard it is to get the flavouring stuffs out once you stuck them it the bottle? Any special technique?

  • @JayVeerayano
    @JayVeerayano 3 роки тому

    How do you take the big pieces of ginger out of the bottle when you're done with it. It looks difficult to clean.

  • @sophialb5388
    @sophialb5388 5 років тому +6

    The pH is stil important if you don't want it contaminated by other bacterias. The low pH prevents them from developping.
    It would be cool to have pea flowers in it, way be the kombucha would be purple :O or blackberries or a fruit that has a deep color

    • @HeartPumper
      @HeartPumper 5 років тому +2

      Hence adding that unfiltered kombucha: provides scoby & low pH.
      Pro tip: if you don't have enough starter "fluid", you could add bit of apple vinegar instead.

    • @miko8732
      @miko8732 5 років тому

      Blackcurrant

  • @ChrisBGramz4u
    @ChrisBGramz4u 4 роки тому +1

    have you tried removing the oil/fat from the avocado, making/using an avocado whey, for the kombucha? Just a thought