More reasons to brew kombucha

Have you heard about kombucha?  It is a fermented tea.  I read that it originated in China and other parts of Asia over 2000 years ago.  

To brew it, you will need:

-water
-tea
-sugar 
-SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast) pellicle with kombucha (the starter tea) 

A new batch can be brewed with just the kombucha as starter tea as the SCOBY culture is present in it but it will take a longer time to ferment without the pellicle.  The SCOBY pellicle is usually supplied with kombucha.  However, if you only have the pellicle, you can use two tablespoon of distilled white vinegar to replace the kombucha as the starter tea. New SCOBY pellicles will form as a by-product of the fermentation process.  

I became interested in learning about kombucha when I found out that the SCOBY pellicles used in the production of kombucha can be dried to become a leather like fabric that you can use as art and craft material.  Watch this video to see how the material can be created with kombucha.

As shown in the above video, you can make SCOBY pellicles in petri dishes:

-by pouring two tablespoon of kombucha (must be unflavoured starter tea) into each dish.

If your intention is to make art and craft material with the SCOBY pellicles produced, you can: 

-add colourings of your choice to each dish.

-leave them to ferment for 2-3 weeks till pellicles are formed.

-check thickness of pellicles.

-when thick enough, take them out of the dishes to dry under the sun for a day.
-bring them in to air dry in a well ventilated area.

You can start crafting with them when they are dry.  As to what you can make with them, check out videos shared at GiY: Bio Buddies.  I like how they were able to make lanterns with them.

Other than that, why should anyone take the trouble to brew kombucha?  Based on my research, it is a beverage filled with:

-amino acids

-vitamins B
-vitamins C

-minerals

-antioxidants 

-probiotics

Drinking it regularly will:

-boost immunity.

-enhance mood.

-fight allergies.

-detoxify and defend body of infection and disease.

-detoxify liver which will put you in a happy mood.

-increase metabolism.

-improve digestion.

-rebuild connective tissue. 

-helps with arthritis, gout, asthma, rheumatism.

-cancer prevention

-reduce glucose levels.
-aid healthy cell regeneration.  

The tea you buy to brew kombucha should be organic as you do want them coated in pesticides which can inhibit the fermentation and brewing process and can eventually kill your SCOBY.  These are the type of tea you can use:

-pure black tea (reported to make it much more flavourful).
-green tea
-white tea 
-oolong tea 
-hibiscus tea
-a blend of the above

You should avoid using teas:

-that are scented or flavored teas which can effect the growth of your kombucha culture.

-like Earl Grey that will introduce naturals oils as they float on top and suffocates the SCOBY.

-like Chai which contains cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, all of which have antibacterial properties, that will kill the SCOBY.
-that are herbal like peppermint or chamomile as they will not be able to provide the nutrients necessary to feed your kombucha culture. 

Do not start the process till you have the following utensils on hand:

-stock pot or sauce pan
-long *wooden spoon

-glass jar with a wide opening to ease adding or removing SCOBY pellicles in size of: 

1/2 gallon or 2 quarts (64 oz / 1.9 Liter) glass jar - 2 units 

-Tightly woven cloth to cover the jar like:

clean napkins or
tea towels or

coffee filters or

paper towels

-Airtight Bottles:
Six 16-oz glass bottles with plastic lids or
swing-top bottles or
clean soda bottles

-Small funnel to ease pouring into bottles

*Note: prolonged contact between the kombucha and metal both during and after brewing can affect the flavor of your kombucha and weaken the SCOBY pellicles over time.

To start, wear a pair of gloves and spray Isopropyl Alcohol (IA) on the utensils you will be using:

-spoon
-sauce pan
-jars
-funnel
-cookie tray work surface (if you are also making kombucha leather)

Here are the steps based on all the articles I have read about brewing kombucha.

If you still have doubts about your ability to start, you can watch this video I found on You Brew Kombucha Youtube Channel as the brewer shares a lot of answers to questions that you are most likely to ask as you start brewing your own kombucha. 

You can also learn from Raw Brewing on how to start a Kombucha Brew Log so you can record the processes correctly.  It will help you nail the acidic flavour that you prefer best for your kombucha.

Once you have started brewing your own kombuca and have a collection of pellicles in your SCOBY hotel, check out this article:

10 Smart Ways to Use Your Kombucha SCOBY 

Documentary: We're All Plastic People Now

This documentary investigates the hidden story of plastic and its effects on human health.

Keeping Your Bags in Shape

I discovered a new way to keep a round bag I crochet in shape.  I made use of the inner packaging from this cookies container.

This is how it looks like.

After washing it, I cut a slit at its vertical edge to make it fit perfectly into the bag.

So, be on a look out for these PVC inserts in all shapes and sizes.  There may be one that can be used to keep your bags in shape.  Throw in some silica gel packets to reduce the chances of moisture getting into your bags. You do not want your bags to smell musty from growth of mold.  

You do not have to buy silica gel as they are usually supplied with food product or health supplements that you have purchased.  You should avoid using silica gel packets that are stained.

If you cannot find PVC inserts in the right size, you can use cushions that have gone flat on you.  You can fold it up and tuck it into your bag or cut it up to size to sew.  

It does not matter if the cushion protrudes out of the bag.  Hopefully, the dustbag that you have received on purchase of your bag is large enough to hold and protect it.  You can also re-use your neck or baby pillows that you may have kept in storage somewhere for the same purpose. If the baby pillow is too small, wrap a towel around it to fit the bag.  You can also slip towels in laundry bags

Don't forget to add the silica gel packets.  There are many ways you can make use of them if you start collecting them.  

Just a Bag in Many Ways

This is...

I can use it that way or this way.

You think it is too small?  This is even smaller.

Let's attached them together.  A nice way to keep my mask separate from the rest of the items I want to bring along.

No, the strap for the handle is not too short.  I can lengthen it.

When you can create a bag that can be used in multiple ways, you will enjoy using it for a longer period of time.  What other add ons can be attached to a bag to make it look different?

What about a flap that you can hide inside the bag when you want to use the one with buckle already made?

And yes, I can slip the smaller bag inside the bigger one to compartmentalise it.