How to Grow Kombucha (Scoby) Mushrooms
- 1). Clean the growing container, cooking pan and all utensils with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and allow them to air dry. Keep your hands clean during the process to prevent the introduction of undesirable molds or bacteria into the mushroom growing medium.
- 2). Heat 3 qts. of distilled water in a saucepan and allow to boil for one minute. Although distilled water generally is germ and chemical free, the water must be heated to brew the tea. If you are not using distilled water, allow the water to boil for five minutes.
- 3). Add six tea bags to the hot water and allow them to steep for 15 minutes. Remove the tea bags from the hot water, using a clean recently washed tool such as a large stainless steel spoon.
- 4). Add 1 cup of sugar to the water-tea mixture and return to boil for one minute to dissolve the sugar. Remove the pan from the heat. Turn off the stove, cover the mixture and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- 5). Prepare the growing medium by adding the cooled tea mixture to a large, clean glass bowl or other container. Do not use any type of metal or porcelain or ceramic container. They may contain trace amounts of lead easily dissolved by the acidic mushroom growing mixture.
- 6). Add 4 tbsp. distilled vinegar to the mixture. You can use white, apple, white wine or cider vinegar.
- 7). Add the kombucha mushroom, or "mother" mushroom, to the mix, picking it up with very clean hands or sterile gloves. It may float, sink or fall to one side.
- 8). Spread tape across the bowl to prevent the towel (next step) from sinking into the bowl and contaminating the mixture or having contact with the growing mushroom, or new baby, that will form across the top of the mixture.
- 9). Spread a clean, thin towel or cloth across the top of the container. Secure it on the sides with a large rubber band or more tape. Leave undisturbed and covered for eight days in a 78- to 82-degree Fahrenheit location. A new kombucha mushroom ready for harvest will appear on top of the mixture in eight days.
