What is the Kombucha Mother? 

The Kombucha mother, also known as SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast), is the central element of Kombucha fermentation. It resembles a kind of gelatinous pancake floating on the surface of the liquid. Don't be fooled by its strange appearance; it is the key to transforming simple sweet tea into a fizzy drink full of benefits. 

How does the Kombucha Mother work? 

The magic of fermentation relies on the Kombucha mother. The SCOBY or Kombucha mother is a natural support for the great diversity of microorganisms in Kombucha: yeasts, lactic bacteria, and acetic bacteria. It is composed of cellulose produced by acetic bacteria. All this contributes to the slightly tangy taste and natural fizz that Kombucha lovers adore. 

Why is it essential? 

The Kombucha mother is the discreet artisan of fermentation, responsible for creating probiotics and essential acids. Without it, your sweet tea would remain... well, just sweet. It’s a bit like having a magic wand to transform simple ingredients into something complex and fascinating. In short, it is essential for producing this drink with multiple benefits. 

 How to care for your Kombucha Mother? 

Caring for your Kombucha mother is like taking care of a houseplant… but less complicated and more fun! Here’s how to keep her healthy: 

• Feed her with tea  Your SCOBY loves sweet black or green tea. Add sugar to feed the mother, and she will do the rest. 

• Keep her at room temperature: Neither too hot nor too cold. Ideally between 20°C and 25°C. A temperature that is too low would slow down fermentation, while excessive heat could damage her. 

But that’s not all! If you’re tempted to make your own Kombucha at home, know that you can easily obtain a Kombucha mother. How? By fermenting your own sweet tea! During fermentation, a new mother (called baby SCOBY) will form on the surface. It just takes a little patience and a few days to see her appear. The more you continue to brew Kombucha, the more "babies" SCOBY you will have — a bit like a little army of mothers ready to be shared with your friends or used for other batches. 

Can I give my Kombucha Mother a name? 

Why not! Some people like to give their Kombucha mother a little name, especially when they regularly make it at home. So, call her Gertrude, Bob, or even Madame SCOBY if you feel like it! After all, she is a living part of your fermentation process. 

How do I know if my Kombucha Mother is healthy? 

A healthy Kombucha mother should be smooth on the top, with filaments underneath. If she has white/hairy spots, that’s mold. 

The Kombucha mother may not be the most beautiful to look at, but she is absolutely essential for producing this drink with multiple benefits. Whether you are a lover of our Kombucha or considering diving into home brewing, taking care of this little gelatinous “pancake” can open the doors to artisanal fermentation. And who knows? You might end up giving her a little affectionate name, as she will be invaluable on your Kombucha journey!