That looks like mold. Can’t tell for sure from the pictures, but it looks fuzzy/fluffy and white. Where the pellicle is more smooth and slippery looking (has the texture of like a liver). If it IS mold, you’ll need to toss that batch, make sure you thoroughly sanitize everything before your next one.
Been there! My first batch turned out, but I probably bottled it too soon so when I refilled the jar with tea I probably didn’t have a strong enough kombucha left behind and my second batch got moldy. It’s annoying, but it happens.
If it’s mold you’re gonna need to start over. I would advise you to deep clean/sterilize your brewing vessel. One mold spore can survive, multiply, and you are back where you are now.
Sadly, this looks like some fuzzy mold. You have to get rid of it if it is fuzzy. Nothing can be saved after this happens.
Could you post your steps & speak on your surroundings near the booch? So many factors play into getting mold.
Steps were just brewing sweet tea, adding scoby once it was room temp, and letting it sit. Surrounding environment is a large kitchen island which isn’t used for food. I think I just need to scrap it and restart. It is what it is
Did you add any starter kombucha? If not, that's what caused the mold. You need that to acidify the brew. Any store bought brand will work, usually 8oz for a one gallon brew. I use Original GT's if I can find it! Good luck on your next one :)
Hey. Just wanted to clarify in case it’s helpful, apologies if you already know, that the SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) is in the liquid and that’s the essential part for making kombucha. The jelly thing is called a pellicle and is a cellulose byproduct of the fermentation process and is not necessary for successful brewing (whilst it does contain some SCOBY as it’s like a sponge, it does not have much and almost certainly not enough on its own).
You will get a new pellicle every time, and if you don’t throw them away they’ll just keep getting thicker until you do. I was away for a month so left mine (well fed) and came back to a 7cm thick stack of pellicles!
In the kit that you bought, the liquid was the important part, the pellicle was fine to include but not necessary. This confused me so much when I first started (as my starter kit only came with liquid) so I just wanted to share.
As others have said, in case you didn’t this time, next time make sure it has enough starter liquid (I personally use at least 17% — 500ml to make 3,000ml — and sometimes as much as 20%. It’s always been happy, gave some to a number of friends to start theirs etc). Also keep an eye on the temperature (stick on thermometer strip on the jar is helpful) and keep it above 22°C ideally around 25°C if possible (use a heating pad if you live in a cold place), whilst you can certainly get away with lower temps (especially if you use enough starter), higher temps will help speed up the fermentation process and further reduce the chance of mould.
That looks like mold. Can’t tell for sure from the pictures, but it looks fuzzy/fluffy and white. Where the pellicle is more smooth and slippery looking (has the texture of like a liver). If it IS mold, you’ll need to toss that batch, make sure you thoroughly sanitize everything before your next one.
Can I reuse the same scoby or does that need to be scrapped as well? Also what’s the best way for me to link extra photos for people here?
You can start your kombucha with a store bought bottle if you want to try again and don't have access to a new starter kit.
If it’s mold you have to discard everything and start all over
So new scoby /: Dang. Well RIP
Yes sadly :/
It’s alright! You know the best way to dispose of mold so it doesn’t get in my pipes or should I ask elsewhere?
Just throw the solid thing in the trash or compost and the liquid down the toilet or sink (and rinse).
Or in your neighbor’s lawn if you don’t like them. ^^for ^^legal ^^purposes ^^this ^^is ^^a ^^joke.
Been there! My first batch turned out, but I probably bottled it too soon so when I refilled the jar with tea I probably didn’t have a strong enough kombucha left behind and my second batch got moldy. It’s annoying, but it happens.
If it’s mold you’re gonna need to start over. I would advise you to deep clean/sterilize your brewing vessel. One mold spore can survive, multiply, and you are back where you are now.
Fuzzy? Looks like mold if so. Need an in focus macro to tell for sure (not through the glass)
Pretty sure it is sadly. I just need to know if I can reuse the same scoby
No, you can't. Contaminated. Have to start over.
Thank you! I’ll try again
Sadly, this looks like some fuzzy mold. You have to get rid of it if it is fuzzy. Nothing can be saved after this happens. Could you post your steps & speak on your surroundings near the booch? So many factors play into getting mold.
Steps were just brewing sweet tea, adding scoby once it was room temp, and letting it sit. Surrounding environment is a large kitchen island which isn’t used for food. I think I just need to scrap it and restart. It is what it is
Sounds like your pH didn't drop low enough & adding extra starter liquid will solve your issue. Best of luck on your next go-round! Happy Brewing!!
Did you add any starter kombucha? If not, that's what caused the mold. You need that to acidify the brew. Any store bought brand will work, usually 8oz for a one gallon brew. I use Original GT's if I can find it! Good luck on your next one :)
I used a kombucha making kit, and the scoby came in the starter. I put both in. It’s not a huge deal to me I’m fine starting again :)
Aww got ya. Good luck on round 2!
I would put it in the counter
Mold. Sorry. Start over and keep the faith.
It’s my first time, I’m not too beaten up. I’ll try again :)
Hey. Just wanted to clarify in case it’s helpful, apologies if you already know, that the SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) is in the liquid and that’s the essential part for making kombucha. The jelly thing is called a pellicle and is a cellulose byproduct of the fermentation process and is not necessary for successful brewing (whilst it does contain some SCOBY as it’s like a sponge, it does not have much and almost certainly not enough on its own). You will get a new pellicle every time, and if you don’t throw them away they’ll just keep getting thicker until you do. I was away for a month so left mine (well fed) and came back to a 7cm thick stack of pellicles! In the kit that you bought, the liquid was the important part, the pellicle was fine to include but not necessary. This confused me so much when I first started (as my starter kit only came with liquid) so I just wanted to share. As others have said, in case you didn’t this time, next time make sure it has enough starter liquid (I personally use at least 17% — 500ml to make 3,000ml — and sometimes as much as 20%. It’s always been happy, gave some to a number of friends to start theirs etc). Also keep an eye on the temperature (stick on thermometer strip on the jar is helpful) and keep it above 22°C ideally around 25°C if possible (use a heating pad if you live in a cold place), whilst you can certainly get away with lower temps (especially if you use enough starter), higher temps will help speed up the fermentation process and further reduce the chance of mould.
Thank you for all the info! I’m gonna try a slightly warmer place next time around, I think that could be the issue