Why do you have to use raw kombucha with scoby to make more kombucha?

rindarubyrindaruby Raw Newbie

I accidentally used flavored (2nd fermented) tea with my scoby. I read that you have to use raw inorganic kombucha to make a batch of kombucha with scoby. I thought i was putting started tea in my batch, then I realized it was flavored. I can't find anything answering why it has to be unflavored starter tea. Can I keep my batch and see how it turns out. Or do I need to go ahead and throw it away. I was advised to keep it and see if it turns out ok without mold. But I'm kind of scared to chance it. 

ClaireT

Answers

  • ClaireTClaireT Raw Master

    It sounds like an interesting experiment. Maybe the flavor has the potential to damage the scoby?

    rindaruby
  • rindarubyrindaruby Raw Newbie
    Yea it's basically an experiment now. We'll see. Right now I looks like mold is growing on the surface but so do the pictures online. I read to just see what happens it'll turn a color if it's mold. I'll post pics.
    ClaireT
  • RyanBreyRyanBrey Raw Jr. Leader

    Wow! Can't wait to see how this turned out.

    rindarubyClaireT
  • rindarubyrindaruby Raw Newbie

    I'm glad to say the kombucha came out great. I'm making my third batch now. The scoby looks great. I can't say if it would've gone well using store bought flavored kombucha, but since it was home made maybe that's why it was fine. No signs of mold at all. 

    ClaireT
  • rindarubyrindaruby Raw Newbie

    I still need to post a picture...coming soon. 

    ClaireT
  • ClaireTClaireT Raw Master

    I'm glad it came out okay (and with no mold)! I bet it's good. Experimentation can turn out awesomely sometimes. smile

  • Bucha BellyBucha Belly Raw Newbie

    The reason you use raw kombucha as your starter is purely a precaution. SCOBY can be sensitive, and little changes can kill them (which is devastating if you have been growing one for a long time!)

    I own Bucha Belly so we have to be really careful with our SCOBY to make sure it can keep producing fresh kombucha all the time!

    That being said, I have a friend who has used coffee instead of tea with really interesting results, and experiments all of the time. My advice would be to keep experimenting, but make sure you maintain a pure healthy SCOBY just in case! 

Sign In or Register to comment.