does a fruit tea brew kill?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Allen on April 7, 2009 at 10:55pm

If the scoby has a smooth consistency and doesn't look sick, and the brew doesn't look like the yeast is running away with the brew, and the finished kombucha tastes good, then you are probably fine. The reason behind what you have heard about the scoby turning into a yeast patty is that the scoby does best on real tea, some flavored teas (Earl Gray for sure), have essential oils in them which hinder the growth of the bacteria, allowing the yeast to run away with the brew. Just keep an eye on it and see how it develops. A brew that has had a yeast takeover will be sharply acidic from too much acetic acid. Here is a link with more info on the bacteria/yeast balance. Its how I got my culture back on track after the yeasties ran away with it.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bonnie Parker on April 8, 2009 at 2:32pm

Thank you Allen! It looks healthy but has a strong peach smell. Which smell really good but, not sure if its good for the scoby. Def gonna check out that link thanks again!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bonnie Parker on April 8, 2009 at 2:46pm

After looking at the link, I saw that it is over yeastie (lol). Yesterday it nearly climbed out of the jar because the yeast produced more carbonation than it could handle. What a fun science project this is turning out to be!

▶ Reply to This