Scoby Hotels, Storage, & Care

A kombucha scoby, also known as a "mother" or a "culture," is a crucial component of making kombucha. It is a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast that ferments sweet tea into the tangy, probiotic-rich drink that has become increasingly popular in recent years.  But what do you do with a kombucha scoby once it has been used to make a batch of kombucha?  Can it be stored for future use, or does it need to be discarded? In this article, we will discuss the best ways to store a kombucha scoby to ensure that it remains healthy and viable for use in making kombucha.  We will also provide tips for maintaining the health and vitality of the scoby, and address common questions about storing kombucha scobys.

What is a scoby hotel?

A scoby hotel is a storage container for kombucha scobys.  It is essentially a jar or other container that is used to hold multiple scobys, along with some of the kombucha liquid that they were growing in.  Scoby hotels are often used by kombucha brewers who have multiple scobys and need a way to store them. They can also be useful for keeping extra scobys on hand in case a main scoby becomes contaminated or otherwise unusable. To create a scoby hotel, you can use a large glass jar or container and add the scobys to it, along with some of the kombucha liquid that they were growing in.  Cover the jar with a breathable cloth or coffee filter to keep dust and other contaminants out, but allow the scobys to breathe.  Remember to feed the scobys every few weeks by adding some sweet tea to the jar to provide them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and continue fermenting. In general, a scoby hotel can be a convenient and effective way to store multiple scobys and keep them healthy and viable for making kombucha.

Should I store my extra scobys or throw them out?

It is generally recommended to keep a few extra scobys on hand, but whether or not you need to keep extra kombucha scobys on hand will depend on your personal preferences and situation.  Some people may find it useful to have extra scobys on hand in case their main scoby becomes contaminated or otherwise unusable.  Others may not feel the need to keep extra scobys and may prefer to simply buy a new scoby if necessary.  There are a few potential benefits to keeping extra scobys on hand in addition to having a backup that can save you the time and effort.  Keeping extra scobys can allow you to experiment with different types of kombucha or brewing methods.  For example, you could use a different scoby to make a batch of kombucha with a different type of tea or sweetener, or to try a different fermentation time or temperature.  Overall, whether or not you need to keep extra kombucha scobys on hand will depend on your individual preferences and situation. It's up to you to decide whether the potential benefits of having extra scobys are worth the effort of storing and maintaining them.

How are scobys stored?

To store a kombucha scoby, first make sure that it is healthy and free from mold or other contaminants.  You can do this by examining the scoby and discarding it if it appears to be unhealthy or contaminated.  Once you have a healthy scoby, you can store it in a clean glass jar with some of the kombucha liquid that it was growing in.  This will help to keep the scoby hydrated and prevent it from drying out.  Make sure to cover the jar with a breathable cloth or coffee filter to keep dust and other contaminants out, but allow the scoby to breathe. You can store the jar of kombucha and scoby in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry.  Remember, the scoby will continue to grow and ferment, so if you are not planning to use the scoby relatively quickly, it's a good idea to feed it every few weeks by adding some sweet tea to the jar to provide the food and nutrients it needs to stay healthy and continue fermenting.

Is it really necessary to "feed" a stored scoby, and if so, how often?

It is not strictly necessary to feed a stored kombucha scoby, but it can be helpful in maintaining the health and vitality of the scoby.  Feeding a scoby involves adding some sweet tea to the jar or container where the scoby is stored.  This provides the scoby with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and continue fermenting.  If you are not planning to use a stored scoby right away, it's a good idea to feed it every few weeks to ensure that it remains healthy and active. To do this, simply add some cooled sweet tea to the jar or container where the scoby is stored.  Bottom line: while it's not absolutely necessary, feeding a stored scoby can help to extend its lifespan and make it more viable for use in making kombucha.

Can a scoby be stored in the refrigerator?

It is generally not recommended to store a kombucha scoby in the refrigerator because the cold temperatures can slow down or halt the fermentation process.  This can cause the scoby to become inactive, which can make it difficult or impossible to use for making kombucha.  If you need to store a scoby for an extended period of time and cannot keep it at room temperature, it may be possible to store it in the refrigerator, but you should be aware that this may affect the health and viability of the scoby.  In general, it's best to store a kombucha scoby at room temperature in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry.  This will provide the ideal conditions for the scoby to ferment and grow, and will help to ensure that it remains healthy and viable.

How long can a scoby be stored for?

Well, if you continue to feed it and maintain it, indefinitely.  Without feeding, a kombucha scoby can typically be stored for several months.  However, the exact length of time that a scoby can be stored will depend on various factors, such as the health and vitality of the scoby, the conditions in which it is stored, and how often it is "fed" with sweet tea.  In general, it's a good idea to check on the scoby periodically to make sure it is healthy and not contaminated. If you notice any mold or other signs of contamination, it's best to discard the scoby and start over with a new one.

Can a stored scoby be used to make kombucha right away, or does it need to be "revived" first?

A stored kombucha scoby can typically be used to make kombucha right away, without the need for any special "reviving" process.  However, it's always a good idea to check the health and viability of the scoby before using it to make kombucha.  To use a stored scoby to make kombucha, first examine the scoby to make sure that it is healthy and free from mold or other contaminants.  If the scoby appears to be healthy, you can use it to make a batch of kombucha by following the usual steps for making kombucha.  It's important to note that a stored scoby may not be as active as a fresh scoby, and it may take longer for it to ferment the sweet tea into kombucha. This is because the fermentation process can slow down or halt when a scoby is stored, and it may take some time for the scoby to become fully active again.  In general, you can use a stored scoby to make kombucha right away, but it's a good idea to keep an eye on the fermentation process and be patient. It may take a little longer for the kombucha to ferment and be ready to drink, but a stored scoby can still be used to make high-quality kombucha.

How can I tell if a scoby is healthy and viable for use?

There are a few key signs that can indicate whether a kombucha scoby is healthy and viable for use. Here are some things to look for:

• The scoby should be a creamy white or tan color, and should be somewhat translucent.
• The scoby should be firm and elastic, but not brittle or hard.  It should also not be soft and mushy.
• The scoby should be free from mold or other contaminants.
• While it may be a little bit funky because it's likely to get pretty vinegary in there, the scoby should have a pleasant, fermented smell, without any off or unpleasant odors.

If a scoby exhibits these characteristics, it is likely to be healthy and viable for use. However, it's always a good idea to examine the scoby carefully and use your best judgement to determine whether it is healthy and suitable for making kombucha.  If you are unsure about the health of a scoby, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it, as it's always better to start with a new, healthy scoby -- rather than to try to use one that may be contaminated or otherwise unhealthy.