They say a healthy scoby is a happy scoby, and that a happy scoby can brew you delicious kombucha for years to come! But with all the love you pour into your brewing process, a question may linger: how long does this symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast REALLY last?
The good news is, with proper care, your SCOBY can become a kombucha companion for a long time. A scoby has no “expiration date,” and the jelly-like mass that forms at the top of your brew, the scoby, constantly grows and produces new “pellicles,” those leathery discs we also affectionately call “mothers.”
While the SCOBY is a long-hauler, those mother pellicles are different. With time, you will need to thin out the pellicle layer by splitting your scoby.
This keeps your brew healthy and productive.
So, do you need to replace your scoby? You probably never will… if you maintain a healthy brewing environment free of mold or contamination, your scoby will keep churning out delicious kombucha for years.
What are the signs it’s time for a scoby refresh?
- Mold: This is a big red flag. If you see any mold on your scoby, it’s best to discard it and start fresh with a new scoby from a reputable source (I have homegrown scoby sets available, by the way).
- Blackening: A slight brown tinge is typical, but it’s time to say goodbye if your scoby turns completely black.
- Thinning and Weakness: A scoby may not be brewing effectively if it becomes thin and fragile. A healthy scoby should be thick and gelatinous.
How to keep your scoby happy and healthy for the long haul:
- Use clean equipment: Sanitation is critical to preventing contamination.
- Maintain the right temperature: Kombucha thrives in warmer environments, ideally around 68-75°F.
- Use the correct sugar ratio to tea: This feeds the scoby and helps it ferment properly.
- Don’t over-brew: Give your scoby some time to rest between brews. Especially if you are starting from a new scoby set and establishing a scoby.
- Taking a vacation: Store your kombucha correctly if taking a brewing break.
Following these simple tips, your kombucha scoby can become a cherished companion on your brewing journey for years!