Kombucha - Page 40

fawn · 08-07-2009, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamalam

Unusual combination... can you tell me how much cranberry you use? Is it a sugar free version or is it sweetened?

We love ginger - but it would be nice to add a little something extra...

Kam, I buy pure cranberry juice......not sweetened, not from concentrate. I use about 1 oz. per synergy type jar. The ginger I read here helps it fizz more too.....LOVE the taste!

BikerAng · 08-07-2009, 10:18 AM

Yum, that flavor combo sounds great!

J4Christ - second ferment is when you add your flavors. When you bottle up your KT, just add some fruit chunks or juice (I even use organic all fruit preserves) to the bottle and let it sit out for another few days to ferment with the caps on the bottles.

JoSkids · 08-07-2009, 11:15 AM

I have always done a second ferment just cause I like to add a little something - apple juice is my preferred flavoring although it doesn't really add much flavor, but what if you didn't add flavoring - is a second ferment necessary? If yes, why?

Can't really imagine drinking right from my brew, but continuous people, I guess, do all the time, right?

BikerAng · 08-07-2009, 11:54 AM

I second ferment even if I don't add flavors, but I do continuous brewing and I just ferment until it's not sweet. It helps with the fizz too.

JoSkids · 08-07-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerAng

I second ferment even if I don't add flavors, but I do continuous brewing and I just ferment until it's not sweet. It helps with the fizz too.

So you bottle while still sweet, huh? Sometimes I do and sometimes I wait - I am such an inexact scientist

With the exception of the flat batch, I have liked pretty much all my variations, I think they are relatively consistent, but maybe not - guess it doesn't matter much since I am pretty much the only one drinking my "experiments" on a regular basis - everyone else in the family is a bit "askeered" of it all - luckily for me

Guess I might bottle tonight. I was thinking it was a bit sweet yesterday, but what the heck...

Kamalam · 08-07-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerAng

I second ferment even if I don't add flavors, but I do continuous brewing and I just ferment until it's not sweet. It helps with the fizz too.

Yeah, that!!

J4, just remember that once you brew with yerba mate you might always have that taste in future batches. Threre have been decidedly mixed reviews on the taste, so I hope you like it!

sbarr · 08-07-2009, 05:36 PM

I was coming in, somewhat bummed. Thinking about scobito and how he's not looking very good - and lo and behold, he looks like a small version of this. Maybe I do have a chance - although the fizz is going away and tends to be a bit flat. Anxiously watching all of yours!

Quote:

Originally Posted by pepperette

Did this up this past Wed. to see how it would do. Just under a full 4 days, and look at the scoby!

That is the black elderberry flavor, and WOW

does it smell good! Bottled it and waiting for it to chill. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

pepperette · 08-07-2009, 07:55 PM

If scobito looks like that he is indeed doing well!
I also 2nd ferment plain bottles just for the extra pizzaz!

j4Christ · 08-08-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerAng

Yum, that flavor combo sounds great!

J4Christ - second ferment is when you add your flavors. When you bottle up your KT, just add some fruit chunks or juice (I even use organic all fruit preserves) to the bottle and let it sit out for another few days to ferment with the caps on the bottles.

Thanks, you always have a way of explaining things so simply!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoSkids

I am such an inexact scientist

With the exception of the flat batch, I have liked pretty much all my variations, I think they are relatively consistent, but maybe not - guess it doesn't matter much since I am pretty much the only one drinking my "experiments" on a regular basis - everyone else in the family is a bit "askeered" of it all - luckily for me

I am pretty inexact, too, in whatever I cook. So far no matter what I've done (although I am pretty new at this Kombucha brewing) I've enjoyed too, and pretty much tastes the same.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamalam

Yeah, that!!

J4, just remember that once you brew with yerba mate you might always have that taste in future batches. Threre have been decidedly mixed reviews on the taste, so I hope you like it!

Thanks, I did read that a while back on the thread. I made a separate batch so I will have to remember not to give and scoby babies to any other brews! I took a sip of the tea before I put it in to brew and it was tasty (too sweet though, cuz I had just put the sugar in!!) so hopefully it will be okay.

The Tea Lady said Yerba Mate gives you the same kick as energy drinks or coffee without the crash, so I am going to use it as my 3:00 slump time drink.

Kamalam · 08-08-2009, 09:41 AM

J4, I would love to hear how you like your YM kombucha... how it makes you feel energy-wise - also if you like the taste. I've wanted to start a separate suntea jar, but haven't been inspired to yet. I'm very curious!

BikerAng · 08-08-2009, 09:54 AM

Yikes, DH decided to try my KT again and *gasp* he actually likes it and may start drinking it. It's not all mine anymore, the scoby's aren't a good enough deterrent (they freak him out). I may need to step up the production.

fawn · 08-08-2009, 01:06 PM

Ang, mine tries mine every once in a while thinking he'll get used to it but he has the same scrunched up nose look every time.....I'm sorry you have to share but am glad you can share good health with him....

BikerAng · 08-08-2009, 03:11 PM

He's really a good sport, and has whole heartedly embraced natural/organic/local WOE. He thinks it tastes so much better and he feels better too. I'm so glad he's into this WOE, and want him to be healthy - so I'm willing to share my KT.

He really likes the wild blueberry - I'm just a bit nervous that we may end up with gray teeth!

So far so good. I'm going to pick up some cranberry juice (100%) and more ginger today, that sounds so refreshing!

JoSkids · 08-08-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerAng

Yikes, DH decided to try my KT again and *gasp* he actually likes it and may start drinking it. It's not all mine anymore.

I am so sorry to hear this!

BikerAng · 08-08-2009, 03:37 PM

LOL, thanks Jo! The scoby's scared him away for a while, but alas - not any more.

JoSkids · 08-08-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerAng

LOL, thanks Jo! The scoby's scared him away for a while, but alas - not any more.

My DH will drink KT occassionally, but he's no real threat to my stock

. Today I was bottling and I was hoping that he would get a good gander at my "sturdy" scoby and maybe he would think twice about drinking it ever again, but he didn't but that's ok, like I said, he doesn't drink that much.

BikerAng · 08-08-2009, 06:18 PM

Yeah, DH is still just taking a sip or two - not a serious KT drinker....yet.

I just bought some Goji berries and put them in my second ferment along with some 100% cranberry juice. Next batch will be cranberry and ginger, I may throw in a bit of lemon too. I love all the different flavor combos! Anyone else use Goji berries? Hope they don't taste yucky!

j4Christ · 08-08-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamalam

J4, I would love to hear how you like your YM kombucha... how it makes you feel energy-wise - also if you like the taste. I've wanted to start a separate suntea jar, but haven't been inspired to yet. I'm very curious!

I can't wait to be able to report! I am anxiously awaiting my Yerba Mate Kombucha (what an impressive mouthful that name is!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerAng

Yikes, DH decided to try my KT again and *gasp* he actually likes it and may start drinking it. It's not all mine anymore, the scoby's aren't a good enough deterrent (they freak him out). I may need to step up the production.

I don't risk DH liking it. He is rather amused by the whole process. DD loves it. She used to buy the store bought and is rather pleased that Mom is able to make it!

I just got back from a get together for DS baseball team. Most of the adults were enjoying adult drinks. I brought a bottle of KT and felt no deprivation at all!

JoSkids · 08-08-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j4Christ

I just got back from a get together for DS baseball team. Most of the adults were enjoying adult drinks. I brought a bottle of KT and felt no deprivation at all!

Much more satisfying than a glass of club soda or a glass of water and it doesn't stand out as much.

SashimiMark · 08-08-2009, 08:02 PM

Okay I think I'm ready to give this kombucha making a try. Anyone in the Worcester, MA area got a spare scoby?

JoSkids · 08-08-2009, 08:07 PM

or start from scratch with a gallon jar, a bottle of kombucha and some sweet tea. Takes a little longer, but works just as well, but there are people here who will ship one to you. I don't harvest any so I don't have extra to ship off.

fawn · 08-08-2009, 10:11 PM

Give me a week Mark and I'll include you buddy! I can't refuse.......

SashimiMark · 08-09-2009, 08:37 AM

Cool. Thanks Misty.

metqa · 08-09-2009, 11:56 AM

Hey Sashimi! You finally coming around! Yay! LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!

SashimiMark · 08-09-2009, 02:18 PM

Well, I wanted to make some back in November but I live in New England in a 150+ year old house that is impossible to heat. so I'm thinking I should just make it during the warmer months and try to bottle enough to keep me through the colder months.

How long does it last?

fawn · 08-09-2009, 02:43 PM

A couple of months in the fridge Mark. But, you can get a heating pad for your kombucha babies.......pm or fb me your address and I'll get it out after my next go in about 10 days.

metqa · 08-10-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SashimiMark

Well, I wanted to make some back in November but I live in New England in a 150+ year old house that is impossible to heat. so I'm thinking I should just make it during the warmer months and try to bottle enough to keep me through the colder months.

How long does it last?

The GT I started with was left out a couple of months at room temp before I found it and then a couple more months in my fridge as I drank the whole case. They were strong, but I think most of us homebrewers like it stronger than store production strength.

pepperette · 08-10-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fawn

Kam, I buy pure cranberry juice......not sweetened, not from concentrate. I use about 1 oz. per synergy type jar. The ginger I read here helps it fizz more too.....LOVE the taste!

Not having ordered more cranberry juice, I just bottled an elderberry/ginger and a pomegranate/ginger to see how they do together. I find the plain elderberry a bit too fruity in a slightly sweet way , so I'm hoping the ginger adds the zing I want. I also let the big brewer go longer so it is fair tart to start. It is drinkable plain, so the flavors should be on the mark. If not, Oh Well! I'll keep experimenting!

j4Christ · 08-11-2009, 06:43 AM

Oh dear, does anyone else have fruit flies hanging around their KT brewing jars? I have mine covered with DH's hankerchiefs (I have to buy him more!) rubberbanded on tight. I don't think they can get in. They are just sitting on top of the cloth (or flying around my face

)

JoSkids · 08-11-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j4Christ

Oh dear, does anyone else have fruit flies hanging around their KT brewing jars? I have mine covered with DH's hankerchiefs (I have to buy him more!) rubberbanded on tight. I don't think they can get in. They are just sitting on top of the cloth (or flying around my face

)

I keep mine in a closed cupboard so there are few if any, but it does happen. Keep it covered. I am not sure there is much you can do.

08-11-2009, 06:43 AM	#1199
j4Christ Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 608 Gallery: j4Christ Stats: 165/139/110 5'2" w/ shoes WOE: LC Start Date: January 5, 2009 (restart)	Oh dear, does anyone else have fruit flies hanging around their KT brewing jars? I have mine covered with DH's hankerchiefs (I have to buy him more!) rubberbanded on tight. I don't think they can get in. They are just sitting on top of the cloth (or flying around my face)

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08-07-2009, 10:18 AM	#1172
BikerAng MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Duvall, WA Posts: 1,834 Gallery: BikerAng Stats: 195/167/155 5'9" WOE: Atkins - organic & humanely raised Start Date: Feb 2007	Yum, that flavor combo sounds great! J4Christ - second ferment is when you add your flavors. When you bottle up your KT, just add some fruit chunks or juice (I even use organic all fruit preserves) to the bottle and let it sit out for another few days to ferment with the caps on the bottles.

08-07-2009, 11:15 AM	#1173
JoSkids Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 5,079 Gallery: JoSkids	I have always done a second ferment just cause I like to add a little something - apple juice is my preferred flavoring although it doesn't really add much flavor, but what if you didn't add flavoring - is a second ferment necessary? If yes, why? Can't really imagine drinking right from my brew, but continuous people, I guess, do all the time, right?

08-07-2009, 11:54 AM	#1174
BikerAng MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Duvall, WA Posts: 1,834 Gallery: BikerAng Stats: 195/167/155 5'9" WOE: Atkins - organic & humanely raised Start Date: Feb 2007	I second ferment even if I don't add flavors, but I do continuous brewing and I just ferment until it's not sweet. It helps with the fizz too.

08-07-2009, 07:55 PM	#1178
pepperette MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kansas City, MO. Posts: 1,594 Gallery: pepperette Stats: 268.8/235.8/145 wishful thinking WOE: Low Carb only since 11/21/07	If scobito looks like that he is indeed doing well! I also 2nd ferment plain bottles just for the extra pizzaz!

08-08-2009, 09:41 AM	#1180
Kamalam Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Central Coast, California Posts: 244 Blog Entries: 8 Gallery: Kamalam WOE: Moving toward a plant based diet Start Date: February 2007	J4, I would love to hear how you like your YM kombucha... how it makes you feel energy-wise - also if you like the taste. I've wanted to start a separate suntea jar, but haven't been inspired to yet. I'm very curious!

08-08-2009, 09:54 AM	#1181
BikerAng MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Duvall, WA Posts: 1,834 Gallery: BikerAng Stats: 195/167/155 5'9" WOE: Atkins - organic & humanely raised Start Date: Feb 2007	Yikes, DH decided to try my KT again and gasp he actually likes it and may start drinking it. It's not all mine anymore, the scoby's aren't a good enough deterrent (they freak him out). I may need to step up the production.

08-08-2009, 01:06 PM	#1182
fawn Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 12,209 Gallery: fawn Stats: sz 18/4 WOE: Whole organic, free range, wild caught, pastured Start Date: February 7, 2000	Ang, mine tries mine every once in a while thinking he'll get used to it but he has the same scrunched up nose look every time.....I'm sorry you have to share but am glad you can share good health with him....

08-08-2009, 03:11 PM	#1183
BikerAng MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Duvall, WA Posts: 1,834 Gallery: BikerAng Stats: 195/167/155 5'9" WOE: Atkins - organic & humanely raised Start Date: Feb 2007	He's really a good sport, and has whole heartedly embraced natural/organic/local WOE. He thinks it tastes so much better and he feels better too. I'm so glad he's into this WOE, and want him to be healthy - so I'm willing to share my KT. He really likes the wild blueberry - I'm just a bit nervous that we may end up with gray teeth! So far so good. I'm going to pick up some cranberry juice (100%) and more ginger today, that sounds so refreshing!

08-08-2009, 03:37 PM	#1185
BikerAng MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Duvall, WA Posts: 1,834 Gallery: BikerAng Stats: 195/167/155 5'9" WOE: Atkins - organic & humanely raised Start Date: Feb 2007	LOL, thanks Jo! The scoby's scared him away for a while, but alas - not any more.

08-08-2009, 06:18 PM	#1187
BikerAng MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Duvall, WA Posts: 1,834 Gallery: BikerAng Stats: 195/167/155 5'9" WOE: Atkins - organic & humanely raised Start Date: Feb 2007	Yeah, DH is still just taking a sip or two - not a serious KT drinker....yet. I just bought some Goji berries and put them in my second ferment along with some 100% cranberry juice. Next batch will be cranberry and ginger, I may throw in a bit of lemon too. I love all the different flavor combos! Anyone else use Goji berries? Hope they don't taste yucky!

08-08-2009, 08:02 PM	#1190
SashimiMark MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 2,704 Gallery: SashimiMark Stats: in love with myself WOE: organic whole foods with lots of fat Start Date: January 2008	Okay I think I'm ready to give this kombucha making a try. Anyone in the Worcester, MA area got a spare scoby?

08-08-2009, 08:07 PM	#1191
JoSkids Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 5,079 Gallery: JoSkids	or start from scratch with a gallon jar, a bottle of kombucha and some sweet tea. Takes a little longer, but works just as well, but there are people here who will ship one to you. I don't harvest any so I don't have extra to ship off.

08-08-2009, 10:11 PM	#1192
fawn Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 12,209 Gallery: fawn Stats: sz 18/4 WOE: Whole organic, free range, wild caught, pastured Start Date: February 7, 2000	Give me a week Mark and I'll include you buddy! I can't refuse.......

08-09-2009, 08:37 AM	#1193
SashimiMark MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 2,704 Gallery: SashimiMark Stats: in love with myself WOE: organic whole foods with lots of fat Start Date: January 2008	Cool. Thanks Misty.

08-09-2009, 11:56 AM	#1194
metqa Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 5,571 Gallery: metqa WOE: Moderate Carbs/Atkins Start Date: November 2003	Hey Sashimi! You finally coming around! Yay! LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!

08-09-2009, 02:18 PM	#1195
SashimiMark MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 2,704 Gallery: SashimiMark Stats: in love with myself WOE: organic whole foods with lots of fat Start Date: January 2008	Well, I wanted to make some back in November but I live in New England in a 150+ year old house that is impossible to heat. so I'm thinking I should just make it during the warmer months and try to bottle enough to keep me through the colder months. How long does it last?

08-09-2009, 02:43 PM	#1196
fawn Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 12,209 Gallery: fawn Stats: sz 18/4 WOE: Whole organic, free range, wild caught, pastured Start Date: February 7, 2000	A couple of months in the fridge Mark. But, you can get a heating pad for your kombucha babies.......pm or fb me your address and I'll get it out after my next go in about 10 days.