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Kombucha and Kefirs my home 2 yours
On this page you will find lists of what you will need for your cultures,& what to do when they arrive in the mail,along with other info.
Scroll down to see the section on your culture.
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Kombucha info is in section 1
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Milk Kefir info is in section 2
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Water Kefir info is in section 3
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Juice kefir info is in section 4
Plus keep on reading down the page for pictures of "My System" of fermenting kombucha tea in my home.
On further down the page you will find Kombucha,Milk kefir,Water kefir & Juice kefir pictures.
Section 1-Kombucha info:
(I have kombucha pictures on down the page)
All kombuchas will be mailed to you double bagged in zipper bags floating in the starter tea, make sure to not throw out the starter tea you will need it.
Kombucha cultures & Kombucha tea are called by many names amoung them are Kombucha Mushroom,SCOBY,Manchurian mushroom,Bambucha,Combucha,K-tea on & on but they are all Kombucha cultures. Also a kombucha baby is the newest formed culture from the batch but it is the same as a mother & becomes a mother as soon as its put in its own jar of tea.
For bulk orders of kombuchas add Distilled white vinegar to starter tea I send to make enough.(I only send 1 to 2 cups of Kombucha starter tea with bulk orders to help prevent leaking during mailing) Read your listing on how much is included with your order.
~What you need ~stainless or glass pot for boiling sweet tea, ~stainless or sturdy plastic spoon, ~pure water, ~organic or regular sugar (I include a few other sugar options in the info I send), ~organic or regular white,green or black Tea bags (or a mixture of these), ~clear glass jars, ~ rubber band, ~breathable cover for jar, ~plastic sieve or strainer, ~ distilled white vinegar. Go here for Kombucha tea step by step directions
What to do with your culture & starter tea on arrival:Read all the info provided in the package,have all supplies ready before starting. If you are not starting right then, but will within 24Hrs, put the bag with culture & starter tea in the fridge. If it will be longer than that before you are going to start the K-tea either leave in the bag or take them out of the bag & put in a clear glass jar with a breathable cover, Sit safely in the fridge.The culture can be stored in the jar in fridge like this for up to 2 months (best not to store for more than a few days though) make sure that the culture stays covered with K-tea or distilled white vinegar while stored.(in the future store all unused cultures this way).If you store kombucha culture or starter tea in the fridge for any length of time,the fermenting will go slower.The longer it's stored the longer it'll take to ferment.If you stored the culture &/or starter tea 10 days or under allow extra 2-5 days to fermenting time etc
FYI~Using Flavored tea for your Kombucha tea (K-tea) is bad. Like "Earl Grey" is a flavored tea,it is black tea blended w/ bergamot oil. Any oils or flavors can alter the make up of your culture & K-tea while fermenting.Don't use any teas with flavors,oils-sage,mint,orange,etc.You can however add any teas, juices, natural flavorings & dried fruits you want to your K-tea after the tea has been fermented & you have removed your culture.(more info on teas to use for kombucha on down the page)
~The culture from me needs to be only grown in green,white or black tea or mixture of these for 3-4 batches before using other teas you have researched thoroughly.I however only recommend you ever use these 3 teas for the health of you & the K-tea & cultures as herbal teas can permanently weaken the Kombucha culture or even kill it.(white tea may take longer on 1st batch) ~
Kinds of fermenting containers/jars-Only use clear glass when fermenting K-tea as it will detoxify its container,Don't use plastic,pottery,ceramic,crocks (glazed or unglazed)colored glass or crystal containers, K-tea will leach toxins from them that will harm the cultures & you.Empy glass jars such as: mayo,apple sauce,Spaghetti sauce,Pickle or canning jar etc work great.
Breathable cover-Use a coffee filter,paper towel or cut up cloth etc for breathable cover,as long as it keeps dust and bugs out and lets the tea breath it will work.(Makes sure the cover won't allow bugs in,Cheescloth can let bugs in)
For more info & pictures on kombucha Click here and see my day to day pictures of kombucha & links to more of my info on kombucha. (And keep scrolling down for more kombucha pictures on this page)
Please read: I keep getting questions from my buyers about info they have read stating that it is safe to touch fermented kombucha tea or a kombucha culture with stainless or other metals for brief periods. I personally would never touch either with any metal including stainless for even a second. My experience is any metal touching the tea or cultures causes an immediate reaction from cloudy tea to black spots on the cultures even black residue on the tea.(the black I am talking about is more of a residue not the dark brownish/blackish slime that is normal) This black when it comes into contact with your skin will stain it and is very hard to wash off, So in no way would I want to drink the fermented K-tea that has been touched with metal, or drink K-tea that had a culture in it that had been in contact with metal. Again I Strongly stress, Never touch K-tea or the cultures with any metal, Including Strainers,utensils,lids,jewelry or Pots. The only time you can use metal(stainless Pot & spoon)is in the process of making kombucha is when boiling the sweet tea.
Section 2-Milk Kefir info:
(I have Milk kefir pictures on down the page)
~What you need~Plastic strainer,~small plastic spoon,~Breathable cover,~Rubberband,~Clear glass jars for storage & making kefir,~distilled white vinegar,Fresh milk or boiled and cooled jug milk.(optional Lid for fermenting jar) Go here for Milk kefir step by step directions
After Kefir has been mailed & it arrives in your mail, it will smell soured & the milk will be curdled, It really is not a pretty smell, But that is OK.Use the curdled milk it comes with in the first batch,I recommend throwing out the first batch you make and to only start drinking after the second batch is made.
What to do with your kefir grains on arrival: Un-pack as soon as possible. Read over all the direction & info provided in the package,have all supplies before starting. If you are not going to make the Kefir in 24 hrs or under, just take the bag & put it into the fridge. If it will be longer than 1 day before you are going to prepare the kefir grains, either leave in fridge in baggie or put them in a clear glass jar & Sit safely in the fridge.Keep covered with milk.Milk kefir really should be started ASAP,its best to never store the grains for more than 72 hours ever.
On your first batch-Add contents of bag that comes in the mail, with the kefir grains & curdled milk in it, You can do this batch with 1 cup of milk so as to reactivate the grains.Do not use the first batch of milk kefir you make.
Jars & cover:You can use any clear glass jar, such as a empty clean coffee jar,mayo jar,apple sauce,spaghetti sauce,pickle jar or a canning jar etc.Any jar around QT size. Cover with a coffee filter or paper towel held on with a rubberband.
Kind of milk to use-It's best to use a quality fresh milk(cold or room temp fresh/raw whole: Cow or goat milks etc).Or you can heat & use store bought Organic or regular jugs whole cow,Soy,Rice,Goat milks.(you must use the heating method for pasteurized/homogenized whole milk–never use ultra pasteurized milk) At low heat, bring the milk to almost boiling (just starting to simmer), stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat & cool to room temp. The reason for heating the milk is to eliminate the competing microorganisms.(the heating method is for milk that has been Homogenized & or Pasteurized like from your Grocery store,etc but can also be used for other milks if so desired)
Do you need recipes for using kefir milk go here Recipes & ways to use Kefir milk
Section 3-Water Kefir info:
(I have water kefir pictures on down the page)
~What you need~.Plastic strainer,~small plastic spoon,~plastic wrap,~Rubberband,~Clear glass jars for storage & making kefir,~lids for jars,~distilled white vinegar,pure water,~Fresh fruit such as a lemon,~Dried fruit such as dates,~Sugar. go here for Water Kefir step by step directions & recipes
What to do with your water kefir /crystals/grains on arrival.Un-pack as soon as possible. Read over all the direction & info provided in the package,have all supplies before starting. If you are not going to make the Kefir water within 24 hrs, just take the bag & put it into the fridge. If it will be longer than 1 day before you are going to prepare the kefir, leave in fridge in baggie or put it in a clear glass jar & Sit safely in the fridge.Keep covered with fresh sugar water.When making your first batch of Kefir water after getting the crystals in the mail: Use the water it comes floating in added to the very first batch.
Jars-You can use any clear glass jar, such as a empty clean coffee jar,mayo jar,apple sauce,spaghetti sauce,pickle jar or a canning jar etc.Any jar around QT size.
One of my buyers emailed me thse 2 pictures & the recipe he used for his water kefir, He bought 1 TBS of water kefir and had about 3/4 a QT jar full after 10 days. Thank you Gary for sharing.
 
And his recipe:
- Brown Sugar 1/4 cup-
- 1 teaspoon Blackstrap molasses un sulfured organic-
- 2 cups Spring Water from start and now-
- Grated and squeezed thru Cheese Cloth Ginger juice about 1 teaspoon liquid.
- And when I get Boiled egg shell one half goes in, I have done that 2 times. For 24hrs. Use the pics they are yours.
The Ginger is root not dried. 2.99 a lb. and I got 1/4 lb and still have lots left. Any Super Market has root.
Section 4-juice Kefir info:
(I have juice kefir pictures on down the page)
~What you need~.Plastic strainer,~small plastic spoon,~Plastic wrap,~Rubberband,~Clear glass jars for storage & making kefir,~Lids for jars,~distilled white vinegar,pure water&/or spring water,pure fruit juice.
What to do with your juice kefir crystals/grains on arrival.Un-pack as soon as possible. Read over all the direction & info provided,have all supplies before starting. If you are not going to make the Kefir water within 24 hrs, just take the bag & put it into the fridge. If it will be longer than 1 day before you are going to prepare the kefir, leave in fridge in baggie or put it in a clear glass jar & Sit safely in the fridge.Keep covered with juice/pure water mixture.When making your first batch of Kefir juice after getting the crystals in the mail: Use the liquid it comes floating in added to the very first batch. Go here for Juice kefir recipe/step by step directions
Jars- You can use any clear glass jar, such as a empty clean coffee jar,mayo jar,apple sauce,spaghetti sauce,pickle jar or a canning jar etc.Any jar around QT size.
After you read this page here is some more kombucha info links:
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I added info near the top of my about me page with pictures of how a kombucha looks after being mailed and how it progressed daily here: About the Seller
I have some ebay guides with info you can also check out
I have other info at these links
Plus more answers to your questions at the bottom of this page, and as always I will be happy to answer any questions.
My system...
Some people have asked where I get all my kombucha cultures? They are all grown in my home by me.
Below is a picture of only part of my jars, In the picture you can see I use all size jars & you can see my milk kefir(my water kefir is hiding behind other jars).
All kombuchas are pulled every 8-10 days,then all jars are washed,rinsed & restarted. I do this in batches as seen by the labels on the cupboards I do 5 batches every 8-10 days(IE: Batch "A", Batch "B" etc). I have short cupboards so most of my jars are QT size & under. We also prefer how the K-tea taste with only filling the jars between 1/2 to 3/4 full(it produces the taste my kids prefer most).
I am happy to offer them on ebay so you to can enjoy learning to make K-tea.
 I use every size jar you can think of, I dont waste any jars.  I also get different size and shaped cultures since the new baby culture will grow to the size and shape of the jar as seen below, These are all new baby cultures harvested after 8 to 10 days of forming in the above jars.They are ready to ferment a batch of K-tea. They range in color from a creamy off white to a creamy peach/orange.
 (click to enlarge) Here we see an example of how to store your extra baby cultures in the fridge,Make sure thay stay covered with kombucha tea.(Only ferment and store kombuchas in clear glass jars)
More Kombucha pictures lower down the page
Milk Kefir Pictures
Finished milk kefir pictures from the Side & top.
QT jars below (all pictures are between 12 to 24 hours depending on temps)
Below you can see the Kefiran whey on the top and some on the sides
  
More Milk kefir pictures with & without flash. Just click to enlarge.
   
The pictures show the clear Kefiran why in pockets on the bootom and sides, the whey can be anywhere in the jar including on top
Water Kefir pictures
Pictures of the water Kefir crystals/grains & 1 of the jar doing water kefir (water Kefir sits 24 to 48 hours)
 
Juice Kefir picture
  
More pictures
Jars of finished Milk & water Kefir
Below Jar of fermenting Kombucha tea,Some water Kefir grains/crystals & milk kefir grains.
Kombucha babys do not always turn out perfect looking.
 Here is a picture of a baby that has a gas bubble caught inside of its layers, This can happen to mother kombuchas as well,Sometimes after several batches this will happen. The kombuchas are fine.  This picture is the same baby from the top, The bubble on this baby formed on the bottom,& the air caused it to flip over.So you can see the yeast cells in the picture. This baby is good and can be used to make a batch of K-tea.
Added Info on the Seller feedback stars (DSR) Please read
Help keep your favorite sellers in business so they can continue to give you quality products, great service and low prices.
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When a sellers star rating falls below 4.8, eBay negatively affects a seller’s business by limiting exposure in search results, holding Paypal funds and other ways as well. When a buyer leaves 4 stars ebay considers the seller a bad seller.
(new for fall 2008 if any star falls below 4.3 a seller can no longer sell on ebay)
Note: Starting the week of May 19,2008 feedback will be changing, Sellers feedback % will be based on the last 12 months .
Please consider the thoughts below as to how you will leave the stars for your next seller.
The "Item as Described" Star rating -All flaws were described, measurements given (if necessary),you understood what you were buying, and an accurate picture was posted.
The "Communication" Star rating -Shipping notification was sent and all questions were answered within 24 to 48 hours (allowing for Holidays & weekends)
The "Shipping Time" Star rating -Was the package mailed out by the next mailing day the seller offers after your payment cleared (remember not all Paypal Payments are instant and can delay mailings). Please see the shipping label to confirm the date your package was sent. Seller is not responsible for carrier delivery times.
The "Shipping & Handling" Star rating -Remember S&H charges include postage fees by the carrier plus any handling fee for packing materials to insure that your order will arrive safely. Were the charges more than quoted on the auction page?
Thank you for your support and your business and If you have any comments or suggestions, please email us.
I sell only items I would want to receive.
Thank you for stopping by to check out my items.
I care about what I sell & enjoy helping others learn how to grow kombuchas,Water Kefir & Milk Kefir, I hope every buyer will enjoy buying from me.
I strive for buyer satisfaction,& to only offer 5 star service.
About items I sell:
~Kombucha cultures (K-tea)~Milk Kefir grains~Water Kefir crystals (grains)~
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Kombucha: a wonderful natural pro-biotic tea you can make yourself, Great for the immune system & overall health. Grown in my home by me.Removed from the mother culture (& K-tea) after 8 to 12 days of fermentation, only sold young & fresh.Made with reverse osmosis water, organic sugar & organic green tea.
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Milk Kefir: I rich pro-biotic milk based drink that has endless uses, Great for the immune system & stomach problems. Very tasty & natural, mine are made in Fresh milk.
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Water Kefir: A pro-biotic soda like drink, Many variations of flavors so you can find the flavors you like best. Kids love it!! Great for the over-all immune system. Made with organic/natural fresh fruits,organic dried fruits & reverse osmosis water.(mine are made with as many Organic & fresh fruits as I can find)
Now you too can enjoy making kombucha tea,Milk kefir & Water Kefir in your home.
Mailed double bagged in ziplock bags to help prevent leakage & safely packaged in a box & mailed by Priority mail to help insure freshness.
I am proud to offer these products to you.
Buy More Kefirs,Kombuchas & Kits & Save on S&H $$$
Browse all the kombucha & Kefir listing in my eBay store & on Auction, to see if something catches your eye.
Thanks again for looking & bidding on my items.
Come again. I love repeat customers.
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"Users claim Kombucha Tea"
Gives you energy, boost the immune system, aids in weight loss, helps digestion & gives support with cancer, these are just a few of the benefits people claim come from drinking kombucha tea.
Fermented kombucha tea in a glass
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