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Bloom & Boil

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Kombucha and why should I make it at home?
    • Kombucha is a fermented tea packed with probiotics, antioxidants, and tangy flavor. Home-brewing lets you control the ingredients, flavors, and sweetness-plus it saves money over store-bought bottles. Our Starter Kit makes it easy to begin.
  • What do I need to start brewing kombucha?
    • You'll need a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), starter tea, sugar, tea, a large glass jar, cloth cover and time. Our Starter Kit includes everything but patience. 

  • How long does it take to brew kombucha?
    • It usually takes 7 -14 days depending on temperature and your flavor preference. Warmer environments speed up fermentation, cooler ones slow it down.

  • What kind of tea should I use?
    • Black or green tea works best-avoid flavored or oily teas. Herbal teas aren't the best option either. Try our Organic Assam or Oolong Loose-Leaf Tea for bold, clean fermentation.
  • How do I know if my SCOBY is healthy?
    • A healthy SCCOBY is firm, slightly spongy, and may have brown stringy bits (yeast). Our SCOBY + Starter Tea comes active and ready to go, grown in small batches for optimal fermentation. 
       
  • Can I flavor my kombucha?
    • Yes! After your first fermentation, you can add fruit, herbs, or spices in a second fermentation. Store in flip-top bottles like the ones in our Refill Kit to lock in carbonation.

  • Is kombucha alchoholic?
    • Home-brewed kombucha contains trace amounts of (typically under 0.5%), but fermentation time and flavoring methods can affect this.

  • How do I care for my SCOBY between brews?
    • Store it in a small amount of stater tea at room temperature in a clean glass jar with a clean, cotton covering to avoid unwanted invaders-this is called a SCOBY hotel. Our Refill Kit keeps you stocked between brews.

  • What's the cloudy stuff at the bottom of my jar/bottle?
    • That's yeast sediment-it's totally normal and part of the fermentation process. You can strain it or leave it for extra zing. 
  • How do I keep mold from forming?
    • Stick to clean equipment, use the right sugar and tea, and keep your brew away from other fermenting foods. Our kits include clear instructions and quality ingredients to reduce risk.
  • Can I reuse my SCOBY?
    • Absolutely! That's the point. A healthy SCOBY can be reused for many batches and even grows new layers.
  • How do I know when it's ready to drink?
    • Taste is the best test! Around day 7 start sampling daily with a straw. When it's sweet and tangy to your liking it's ready.

  • Where can I find everything I need to get started?
    • Right here. Explore our Starter Kit, Refill Kit, and organic loose-leaf teas to begin your kombucha journey with confidence.

  • Is kombucha acceptable by different religions?
    • Kombucha is generally considered acceptable in many religious traditions, especially when consumed in its typical low-alcohol form (less than 0.5% ABV). However, practices and interpretations vary. It is always best to consult your religious advisor:
      • Buddhism & Hinduism: Generally, kombucha is not restricted, especially when consumed as a health tonic and not for recreational purposes.
      • Christianity: Most Christian denominations do not restrict kombucha, especially in its natural, non-intoxicating form.
      • Islam: Some Muslims avoid kombucha due to trace alcohol content. Others accept it if it's not consumed to intoxicate and remains under the 0.5% threshold. 
      • Judaism: Unflavored kombucha made with kosher ingredients may be acceptable, but flavored varieties or those with added alchohol might require kosher certification. 
      • Everyone: At Bloom & Boil, our focus is on wellness and intentional living. Our Starter Kit and Refill Kit help you control the ingredients and fermentation time, allowing you to tailor your brew to your values.
  • How can I test the alchohol content in my kombucha?
    • Most home-brewed kombucha contains less than 0.5% alchohol by volume (ABV), but if you want to be sure-especially for dietary, legal, or religious reasons-you can test it at home using a few methods:  
      • Use and Alcohol Test Strip 
        • These Test Strips change color based on alcohol levels. They are quick, but not as accurate a lab tests. 
      • Use a Hydrometer
        • A hydrometer measures the sugar content before and after fermentation. The change helps you estimate alchohol levels.
      • Send to a Lab
        • If accuracy is critical-send a sample of your kombucha to a certified lab. This is the most reliable method. 
      • Keep It Low
        • To keep your kombucha under 0.5% ABV:
          • Limit second fermentation to 7-10 days
          • Avoid adding too much sugar or juice during second fermentation
          • Store in a cool place once it's fizzy enough