As a Kombucha brewer, you may have come across the term "SCOBY hotel" while browsing online or chatting with fellow brewers. But what exactly is a SCOBY hotel, and do you need one to brew delicious Kombucha at home?
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What is a SCOBY?
Before we dive into SCOBY hotels, let's quickly recap what a SCOBY is?
A SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) is the living, gelatinous disc that forms on the surface of your Kombucha brew.
It's the live bacteria and yeasts that turn tea, into Kombucha (it really is like magic).
What is a SCOBY Hotel?
A SCOBY hotel is essentially just a large container (glass or fermentation steel is best) designed to store and care for your SCOBYs when they're not in use.
It's pretty much a safe haven for your SCOBYs to rest and multiply. A SCOBY hotel typically consists of a large jar or container with a breathable lid, filled with sweet tea and kept at room temperature that provides a comfortable environment for the SCOBYs to thrive.
Do I Need a SCOBY Hotel?
A SCOBY hotel is definitely not essential for brewing Kombucha, however it can be a useful tool for several reasons:
1. SCOBY Storage: A SCOBY hotel provides a safe place to store your SCOBYs when you're not actively brewing. This is especially useful if you're taking a break from brewing or want to share your SCOBYs with friends in the future.
2. SCOBY Health: A SCOBY hotel helps maintain a healthy environment for your SCOBYs, keeping them happy and active. This ensures that your SCOBYs remain robust and ready to brew when you need them.
3. SCOBY Multiplication: A SCOBY hotel can help you multiply your SCOBYs, allowing you to share them with others or to use them to try out new Kombucha recipes, for example, our Matcha Kombucha.
So there we have it, a SCOBY hotel is a useful tool for any serious Kombucha brewer, but it's not essential for getting started. If you're new to Kombucha brewing, you can start with a simple jar or container to store your SCOBYs.
As you become more comfortable with the brewing process, you may find that a SCOBY hotel is a worthwhile investment.