Probiotics Kitchen - Jun Komucha Tea Q & A

FAQ

JUN KOMBUCHA

What is Jun Kombucha?

Jun kombucha is made by fermenting green tea + raw honey + Jun Scoby, resulting in a light and delicate beverage. Just like regular kombucha, Jun is also packed full of beneficial probiotics, acids and enzymes.

What is Jun Kombucha Scoby?

Jun Kombucha scoby, as we fondly call the "mother", because it's what transforms the honey green tea into a highly probiotic drink - Jun kombucha tea. It all starts with the Scoby aka mother. SCOBY actually stands for Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast.

What does a kombucha scoby looks like?

A scoby is a pale cream colored slippery jelly like mass. Since they are made up of alive bacteria and yeast, the appearance can differ. Some are lumpy or have holes, some smooth, and comes in all shapes and sizes. All these scobys will make you delicious healthy jun kombucha. When brewing, a healthy scoby may sink, float, or hover sideways, either way fermentation will go on.

What is the difference between Kombucha Tea and Jun Kombucha Tea?

Jun Kombucha is similar to kombucha in the sense that both are fermented drink made from tea. Jun kombucha is made with raw honey and green tea, whilst kombucha is brewed predominately with black tea and sugar. Jun has a mild, light and delicate taste profile and a shorter fermentation time (4 to 7 days). Kombucha tea taste bold and bright, but if left to ferment for too long can taste vinegary, and a batch of kombucha is brewed for typically 10 to 14 days. In conclusion, all these probiotic drinks are beneficial for the body, and providing excellent hydration. Depending on your needs, consuming one or or the other is a matter of individual taste and lifestyle preference.

JUN KOMBUCHA BREWING AT HOME

Where can I find the guide for making jun kombucha tea?

See: How to make jun kombucha tea guide.
See: Second Ferment Jun Kombucha guide

What supplies do i need for making kombucha tea?

Most of the items you need could easily be found in your kitchen. You will need honey, loose green tea / green tea bags, a glass container as brewing vessel, jun scoby and starter liquid.

Is there a specific type of honey? What type of tea?

Jun needs pure honey (unflavored) and raw (if, possible. pasteurized honey may destroy or remove some natural properties.)
The most common green tea types are;

- Gyokuro

- Sencha

- Long Jing (Dragon well)

How long should i brew my Jun kombucha?

Jun Kombucha can be brewed from 4 to 7 days.

Can i use plastic container as brewing vessel?

We find that glass is one of the best options for fermenting because it doesn't scratch easily and is relatively inexpensive. Plastic can scratch and might harbor foreign bacteria, which can potentially harm your jun kombucha culture.

Where do i get starter liquid and why is it necessary?

All our live jun kombucha scoby comes with strong starter liquid to start your first kombucha brew easily. The purpose of the starter liquid is to lower the PH of the honey green tea to prevent growth of mold and harmful pathogens. It's especially important before your new scoby grows on top of the liquid to prevent any airborne contaminants. You then use a cup of your finished brew to start off your next batch and so on.

JUN KOMBUCHA TROUBLESHOOTING

What are the signs that my jun scoby is making jun kombucha properly?

When you first put your scoby into the honey green tea, it might sink, float or hover sideways. It's okay. Around the fourth day, you should see a thin layer of jelly on the top of the liquid. It is a sure sign your jun kombucha is fermenting properly. Other signs to look out for would be bubbles rising to the surface and the liquid becomes a little sour and less sweet.

There is a cloudy layer developing on top of the liquid. Is this normal?

Yes! The cloudy jelly like white layer is the beginning of a new baby jun kombucha scoby. It will take the shape of whatever vessel you are using to brew your jun kombucha tea. They are a natural byproduct of the fermentation process.

My kombucha does not sit on top of the liquid, it sank to the bottom of my container / is floating sideways. Is this normal?

The scoby may sink, float, or sit sideways. Any of these is normal and will not effect the brewing process.

I want to take a break from making kombucha tea. What should i do?

It's easy. All you have to do is prepare the usual honey green tea + finished jun kombucha concoction and put your scoby in. Cover and store away until ready to resume. Remember, don't keep scoby in the fridge and if it ever looks like the liquid is running low, top up with honey green tea to continue "feeding" your scoby.

My Jun kombucha scoby has a hole in it. Can I still use it?

Jun Kombucha scoby will work just fine even with holes or if they have been torn or misshaped. Even a small jun kombucha culture will effectively ferment a full gallon of Jun kombucha.

How do i prevent mold?

The likelihood of encountering mold is very very low, if you are brewing your kombucha properly. Brewing vessel should ideally be kept in a well ventilated location, out of direct sunlight and with the cover securely fastened. Once mold has developed, you should throw away your scoby and any liquid in it. Clean and sanitize/sterilize all equipment and start over.

Guide to Jun kombucha second ferment