What Should My SCOBY Look Like?

Not all SCOBIES are created equal!

Just because your SCOBY doesn't look pretty doesn't mean there's something wrong with it. A SCOBY that has been used a few times will get stringy bits hanging off (these are just a build-up of yeast and are totally harmless). A fresh SCOBY that has grown is usually milky white in colour and often perfectly grown to the shape of your vessel. It will also darken in colour as the tea you use stains it.

Depending on how long you brew for, the thickness of your SCOBY will change- if you leave a brew for a very long time, you may find a thick SCOBY grows which easily peels apart into a couple of smaller SCOBYS.

Also keep in mind that your SCOBY will change shape based on the vessel shape you use. Just because a SCOBY isn't perfectly round doesn't mean it is any less healthy than a round one.

When to not use a SCOBY:

Your SCOBY should never have mould on it. If you see bright coloured spots (often blue/green or purple) or 'furry' patches on your SCOBY throw it away along with the brew!

Mould isn't common or normal when making Kombucha as it is too acidic for many things to grow. So if you do get mould, review how you are washing and sterilising your jars and itensils.

If something ever looks weird it is always best to just throw out the entire brew- nothing is worth getting sick over!

Happy Brewing!