How to Store Your Kombucha Culture

If you want to keep a back up culture safely away, if you're going on vacation, or if you just need a break from brewing, you have several options.

• If you're only going away for a couple of weeks, brew a batch like your normally would before you leave. When you come back the tea may be over-fermented and very acidic, but you can use this as your starter tea. And just something to remember if you're doing this: the SCOBY just needs enough sugar/O2 to survive/feed on.
• Refrigerate your kombucha mushroom in a glass jar with some unflavored kombucha tea. Or kick-start the brewing process for several days to get the pH down, and refrigerate the mushroom in its brewing container.
  -This will make your kombucha culture dormant. It won't be completely inactive, but the SCOBY will be active at a very slow rate, and it can keep this way for months.
  -I recommend keeping the lid loosely covered so that CO2 doesn't build up and so the top doesn't pop off.
  -Consider giving the SCOBY some fresh air/oxygen by opening the lid every now and then. If the kombucha has become/smells really acidic and the SCOBY has been in the fridge for awhile, I sometimes add a little sweet tea to the kombucha (sweet tea ratio: 1 quart water:1 tsp (4 g) loose-leaf tea:1/4 cup (50 g) sugar) to give the yeasts something to feed on.
  -Refrigeration is the most common method of storing SCOBYs.
  -However: when you start brewing again, you need to remember that the TEMPERATURES NEED TO BE THE SAME for the sweet tea and the SCOBY, because hot temperatures can kill the mushroom. The easiest way to do this is to let your hot sweet tea solution cool down overnight to room temperature, while letting the culture that used to be in the fridge warm up overnight to room temperature.
  -When you start brewing again, it may also take a few cycles for your SCOBY to kick back into full gear.
• It's not recommended to freeze your kombucha culture but it is possible:-It is recommended to use the "fast-freeze" setting of your freezer so the SCOBY will be frozen ASAP. If your culture is frozen too slowly, crystals may form which may damage the culture's cells.

How to Brew Kombucha Tea

Don't let people talk you into thinking you can't brew your own! It seems like a lot at first but it is really super simple! I'm going to try to keep this as simple as possible. I found that looking videos up on Youtube helped me understand the process when I was learning. (although, I'm still trying to 'master it!). 

What you will need: 

Equipment:

• 4 quart stainless steel pot
• Glass measuring cup
• Wooden spoons
• 4 quart glass container
• 1 clean cotton dishtowel or other fabric (I cut up old curtains; you just need something that isn't too thin becuase gnats LOVE kombucha and they will find a way through the little holes in the fabric).
• Rubber band
• 4 24-ounce ball jars with lids
• Cheesecloth or Paint strainer bags (I use paint strainer bags from Lowes)

Ingredients:

• 6 organic black tea bags
• 1-2 organic green tea bags
• 3 quarts of filtered water
• 1-2 cups organic white sugar (depending on how sweet you want it)
• 1 kombucha culture (SCOBY)
• ½ cup starter liquid (starter liquid will be 1/2 cup of tea from previous batch; if this is your first batch it will be apple cider vinegar).

**Not all ingredients need to be exact measurements. It all really depends on your taste. The only measurement I would recommend keeping at the required amount would be the starter liquid.

Preparation:

1. Create a clean work area and thoroughly wash your hands and brewing equipment.
2. Bring 3 quarts of water to a low boil and then stir in the organic white sugar.
3. When the water has come to a boil, turn of the heat source and remove the pot from the burner. Add organic black tea bags and steep for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature. If you add it when the tea is too hot it will kill your SCOBY and if the tea is too cold it will cause the SCOBY to go dormant. 
5. Pour the tea into the glass container and add the starter liquid (kombucha from previous batch or the liquid that arrived with the culture).
6. Place the kombucha culture on top of the tea with the smooth shiny layer facing up.
7. Cover the fermentation container with a cloth and secure it with a rubber band or string.
8. Place the fermentation container in a warm, quiet, dim place (your brewing cabinet) and brew for 7-10 days. (The longer it brews the healthier it will be, but it will also lose the sweetness over time).
9. Remove the white cloth from your glass container. Your “mother” culture will probably produced a “baby”; remove both cultures from the bowl and separate the baby from the mother by pulling apart gently. Put both cultures in a separate glass bowl and add newly harvested tea to cover.
10. Strain out the "floaties" by pouring your Kombucha into a new container that has your cheesecloth or paint strainer bag in it.
11. Pour the remaining kombucha tea from your glass container into ball jars and store in refrigerator.
12. Allow kombucha tea to chill and it is ready to drink. The kombucha tea will continue to ferment while in the ball jars (at a slightly slower speed if refrigerated) so the taste will change over time.
13. Start the process again right away in order to preserve the cultures (you can make two separate batches with the “mother” and “baby” cultures).

Notes:

I like to use dedicated kombucha brewing equipment separate from my normal kitchen supplies, this reduces the possibilities of contamination.

Both the caffeine (from the black tea) and the sugars will be consumed by the culture during the fermentation process, leaving you with trace amounts. Taste before you harvest your kombucha; if it is still sweet, it is best to allow a few more days of fermentation. If it is too tart, try diluting with a bit of water (and next time reduce the fermentation time by one or two days).

The kombucha “mushroom” or “scoby” should be shiny, smooth and light in color. If you see signs of mold or anything that seems weird, it is best to discard the mushroom and start with a fresh one.

SEE BLOG POST ON STORING EXTRA SCOBYs.

What is Kombucha Tea?

Kombucha is a tea drank for medicinal purposes. Kombucha tea has a 2,000 year history as a tonic or elixir and is believed to have originated in China. According to anecdotal reports, kombucha tea offers many life enhancing and healing qualities including:

• Increased energy
• Clear skin
• Improved hair and nail quality
• Weight loss and reduced fluid retention
• Arthritic pain relief
• Improved digestion
• Detoxification
• Allergy reduction
• Assists with addiction
• Speeds healing
• Improved mental health
• Regulation of blood glucose
• Reduces PMS
• Improved immunity

Like many other alternative therapies, I have not found a formal study on the health benefits of kombucha consumption, so there is no “proof” of its healing qualities. In my own practice I drink about 4-6 ounces of kombucha in the morning and afternoon, and I believe it has enhanced my digestion and overall health. I don’t think of it is a cure-all but rather a component of a whole foods diet.

While mass-produced kombucha tea products are increasingly available at natural food stores, you’ll save money and enjoy a better product if you brew it at home. 

What is a SCOBY?

SCOBY is an acronym standing for Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast. Also known as, a Mushroom, Mother Culture or Kombucha Mother. 

The culture mainly contains a symbiosis of acetic acid bacteria and one or more yeasts. The culture itself looks somewhat like a large pancake, and though often called a mushroom, a mother of vinegar or by the acronym SCOBY (for "Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast"), it is scientifically classified as a zoogleal ma. It takes on the shape of its container, but varies in thickness depending on how long it has been allowed to develop and the acidity of the tea medium during the development period. The culture is leathery and non-elastic, similar to a thick calamari. 

Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Whipped Strawberry Lemonade

If you're fan of strawberry lemonade, you'll love it in smoothie form too. This smoothie recipe has more than 100 percent of your daily intake of vitamin C, which may help increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels and strengthen bones. And all for just 89 calories!

Nutrition facts: 89 calories, 0g fat, 23g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 1g protein

INGREDIENTS

• 8  large  strawberries, stems and leaves removed
• 1  cup  sparkling mineral water, chilled
• 2  tablespoons  honey
• 4  large  fresh mint leaves
•     Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)

DIRECTIONS

In a blender, combine strawberries, sparkling water, lemon juice, honey and mint; cover and puree on low speed for 15 seconds, then on high speed for 1 minute. Serve with or without ice.

Strawberry, Banana & Flax Smoothie

Adding flax seeds to you diet is a great way to increase your intake of omega-3s, which are associated with a lowered risk of heart disease, cancer, and depression.

Nutrition facts: 278 calories, 7g fat, 43g carbohydrate, 7g fiber, 16g protein.

INGREDIENTS

1/2  medium  banana

1/2  cup  frozen unsweetened strawberries

1 1/2  cups  skim milk or light soy milk

2  tablespoons  ground flaxseed

DIRECTIONS

Blend all until smooth

Banana & Kiwi Smoothie

The fuzzy kiwi fruit may be small in size, but talk about a triple threat. It's loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which keep skin firm, promote healthy bones and teeth, and protect you from cancer and heart disease.

Nutrition facts: 155 calories, 2g fat, 28g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 7g protein

INGREDIENTS

• 1    banana, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1    kiwifruit, peeled and sliced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1  cup  low-fat yogurt
• 1/2  cup  ice cubes
• 2  teaspoon  maple syrup, optional
• 
  

DIRECTIONS

Combine all of the banana, kiwi, yogurt, ice, and syrup in a blender and whir together until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

I also recommend adding a scoop or two of protein if you're dieting/working out.

Natural Facial Scrubs & Exfoliator Recipes

Homemade scrubs are the easiest natural skin care product to make at home yourself. There are so many natural ingredients that you can use for facial scrubs and body scrubs. Use ground seeds, nuts, powders, sugars, grain powders and more! The grittier the product, the harsher it is on skin. 


Additional ingredients you can add to your scrubs:

• Oatmeal: Great for homemade face masks. Moisturizing. Can be a bit sticky and you must grind it down to a fine dust or it will make a mess.

• Dark brown sugar: Makes a wonderful skin exfoliant and smells great too!

• Salt: The bigger the grain the harsher the scrub. Great healing agents. Be cautious on sensitive skin.

• Baking Soda: Perfect texture for an exfoliant.

• Walnut Shell Powder: natural, gentle exfoliant in face and body scrub products.

• Jojoba Meal is used in cosmetics as a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliant for scrub products. Add jojoba meal to body scrubs, face scrubs, soaps, lip exfoliators etc.  

• Rice bran powder is gently exfoliating and is a old Japanese secret for smooth, soft skin. Rice bran powder is said to prevent wrinkles, quickly heal blemishes, absorb the dirt and oil from the pores, balance the natural oils in the skin, and moisturize. It can be used with clays, nut meals, adzuki bean powder, milk powders, oatmeal, powdered sea vegetables, herbal extracts and herb powders for face mask and body wrap formulations.

• Fruits: Fruits contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids, a natural skin exfoliator. Use the juices.

1. Salt Exfoliate

Ingredients:

1 cup salt, any kind 

1 cup Carrier oil, any kind

1 cup liquid soap

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients and massage into the skin then rinse well. Salt is natures' healing ingredient for all!

2. Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

3 Tbl Milk

About 2 cups white sugar

1.5 tsp olive oil

1 Tbl honey

Instructions:

mix all ingredients till it's not runny( more sugar may be needed...apply to dry face, in a circular motion wash off with warm water then cold water pat dry.....Do Not Heat...store in refrigerator.

3. Lemon Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

juice from 1/2 of a lemon

2 Tbsp table salt

add sugar until thick but not dry

Instructions:

Apply to damp face and let sit 2-3 minutes, then scrub gently using circular motions.Rinse well with warm water Leaves skin smooth and soft, and the lemon helps to "brighten" complexion.For best results, follow with avocado honey moisturizing mask

4. Exfoliation mask 

Ingredients:

baking soda

hydrogen peroxide

water 

Instructions:

Mix into a paste and apply to your skin. Let dry on the skin then wash off with cool water.

Natural Facial Toner Recipes

Skin Toners have several benefits: Close pores, remove the traces of left over soap, remove impurities from the skin. Toners restore the skins' natural pH balance. The skin has a pH balance of 5.5, while water can have a pH balance as high as 9.5 depending on where you live and on how hard the water is. Over the counter toners are filled with harsh alcohol  and other ingredients. Make a facial toner at home with these simple ingredients.


Ingredients:

• 4oz of Witch Hazel
• 10 to 20 drops of your Essential oil. (Amount of drops may depend on which oil you are using, their strength and how many different oils you are using. Read the label to see the recommenced amount.)

Mix ingredients in bottle. Shake well before each use. Apply to face with cotton ball after cleansing.

Witch Hazel

Essential oils to add to toner for each skin type: 

• Sandalwood Essential Oil has an astringent effect on oily skin and helps soothe irritated skin. Use sandalwood in facial blends to help balance the skin. Also helpful for removing wrinkles and scars.
  

• Tea Tree Essential Oil is helpful within acne products and can help fight cold sores and heal wounds and is an effective acne fighter.
  

• Carrot seed essential oil is used primarily for its healing properties and effects on the skin. It stimulates circulation, repairs and tones the skin, increases elasticity, reduces the formation of wrinkles, and scars.
  

• Patchouli essential oil is an effective anti-inflammatory. Patchouli helps to tighten the pores of the skin and is used to combat wrinkles. 
  

• Rose Otto Essential Oil, Bulgaria is also useful in facial formulations as it helps with dry, maturing skin and wrinkles.
  

• Helichrysum Essential Oil  unrivaled skin toning benefits. Helichrysum oil is great for mature and dry skin. A wonderful healing oil that's gentle yet effective on acne, wrnikles, burns, eczema, scars, sunburns and stretch marks.

MY FAVORITE WEBSITE FOR ESSENTIAL OILS: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index2.html

OTHER RECIPES:

1. Toning Mask

Ingredients:

1/2 tsp. of sea salt

2 egg yolks

1/2 cup of yogurt

Instructions:

Add all ingredients, apply to face and let dry. This is an exfoliating, tightening and soothing facial application

2. Chamomile Astringent

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint (or 2 tbsp dried) 

2 tbs dried chamomile flowers, crushed 

4 cups water 

Instructions:

Combine ingredients in a small saucepan. Boil for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Strain liquid into a jar, cover and refrigerate. Will keep 2 weeks refrigerated. Apply with/ cotton balls to skin. Especially good for very oily skin

3. Basil Toner

Ingredients:

2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves

1 cup boiling water. 

Instructions:

Steep 10-20 mins. Cool, and apply with cotton ball