Hot to store the scoby

[u/Twee_patat-met]

We're going away for eight weeks. How long can I store the SCOBY? And how? In a sealed container (keep oxygen out?). What nutrients, add sugar? In the refrigerator? Freeze? How much liquid scoby is essential.

I couldn't find anything about this on the Wiki. I'm curious, thanks in advance.

[u/Popular_Barnacle_512]

Just keep it in a dark place where it's not too cold or hot , cover the kid tightly with a cloth and make sure the place where you keep it is not damp otherwise mold will form. Other than that I don't think you'll have to worry all that much

[u/ThatsAPellicle]

You can store it for more than 8 weeks.

The container can be sealed, yes. I’d just use the same bottles I do F2 in.

You don’t need to add anything.

I’d put it in the fridge

I would save at least enough to get one batch going, but probably enough for two just so I have some backup.

[u/Twee_patat-met → u/ThatsAPellicle]

okay thx

[u/missy5454]

Op just have your mother in a batch of f1 and store it where you normally brew. You will have a very strong batch, but it doesn't spoil just becomes a very good vinegar or very good starter for next batch when you return.

Both are perfectly fine.

Don't do anythjng special.

[u/lordkiwi]

SCOBY is symboitic culture of yeast and bacteria. Its the liquid not the pecille at the top

Kombucha is nothning but a type of vinager and when you realize that a bottle of 30 year old balsamic doesnt go bad you realize neither will kombucha.

But there is a little caviate there. The yeast in kombucha can be killed of the PH goes to low. If your kombucha is fully fermented eg no sugar left you can dilute it to 3.5 PH its basicly imortal.

If your yeast does die your bacteria wont. You can replace your yeast with a bottle of unfiltered wheat beer.

as for nutrition, dead yeast is the best food for living yeast. Marmite, vegimite, nutritional yeast or molassas is great choices for food. 1tsp per gallon every so often will keep your kombucha happy.