Are you already well-versed in making basic kombucha, but wish you could easily make more than a gallon at a time?
Do you buy a lot of commercial kombucha (fermented in stainless steel vats that leach nickel with toxic silicone gaskets) and wish to completely replace that expensive purchase with a homemade version that is far better and safer for you (fermented in glass)?
If so, this advanced kombucha how-to plus video series is for you!
The technique I developed nearly 25 years ago for brewing many gallons of kombucha at once involves making a sweetened tea concentrate that you can use to make multiple gallons in a single batch.
In other words, make a lot more kombucha (I make about 5-6 gallons!) with the same time and effort required for one gallon!
More kombucha brewed with each batch also means you don’t have to make it as often, which saves even more time.
The key difference in the big batch approach is that more starter is used with the tea concentrate. This is to ensure that no mold can develop (pH of the starting brew is increased).
I much prefer making big batch kombucha versus the continuous brew method.
Making large kombucha batches utilizes clean fermentation vessels every time. This compares to the top-it-up approach in a continuously-brewed kombucha container (which gets slimy rather quickly in my experience).
Pro tip: If you wish to add additional fizz to your finished brew, know that it is very easy to bottle kombucha.
This secondary fermentation adds the additional carbonation everyone loves. And yes, the fizziness is (at least) equivalent to carbonated soda.
Big Batch Kombucha
How to make huge batches of kombucha with the same time and effort as a single gallon by making a simple sweet tea concentrate.
Ingredients
- 3 2.5 gallon glass jugs
- 1 16+ quart stockpot
- 15 quarts filtered water
- 7 cups white cane sugar preferably organic
- 28 black teabags or 28 tsp black tea, preferably organic
- 3 floursack cloths
- 3 large rubber bands
- kombucha starter & culture
Instructions
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Bring15 quarts of water in large stockpot to a boil.
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Add cane sugar, stir, and continue to boil for 5 minutes.
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Remove stockpot from heat and add tea.
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Steep for 10 minutes.
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After steeping, remove teabags or if using bulk tea, strain out tea.
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Divide sweet tea concentrate into large 2.5 gallon jars. This will be 5 quarts per jar.
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Add 2 quarts cold filtered water to each jar. This will total 7 quarts of liquid per jar. Stir.
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Let cool for 2-3 hours until tea water comes to body temperature.
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Add 2 cups of starter per jar, stir, and place SCOBY on top.
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Cover with clean floursack cloth and secure with a rubberband.
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Place jars carefully in a quiet part of the house away from the kitchen. The top of a cabinet or dresser in a guest room is a good place. Do not put in a closet.
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After 7-10 days or when a new SCOBY that is at least 1/8 – 1/4 inch thick has grown on top, the kombucha is ready to drink.
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Repeat process to make the next batch after refrigerating kombucha in glass jars and washing out the containers with mild soap and warm water.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Half green tea bags or bulk green tea may be substituted for half the black tea. Do not use all green tea as the brew will not take properly. If you wish to use all green tea, then brew Jun tea.ย
Kombucha FAQ
Want to know more about this age old fermented drink? These articles provide more detail for your research.
Fluoride in Kombucha: Should You Be Concerned?
Why You Are Addicted to Store Kombucha
Never Pack Commercial Kombucha in a Child’s Lunchbox
GTs Kombucha Now Labeled as Alcoholic!
7 Common Kombucha Myths
Can Candida Sufferers Drink Kombucha?
Kombucha: What it is and How to Make it
Does Kombucha Tea Prevent Grey Hair?
Batch vs Continuous Brew Kombucha
Have You Tried Kombucha?
Safe Traveling with Kombucha
Kombucha on Mars
Kombucha Tea: Drink It and Wear It?
How do you store that much Kombucha?
1/2 gallon and 1 gallon mason jars in the extra refrigerator.
Hi,
Where do I purchase the scoby from?
Thank you.
I would suggest Azure Standard, which has several good brands to choose from. https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=d6064a49d1