IBIV KOMBUCHAKombucha Starter Culture for Healthy Raw Premium Fermented Tea (1/4 Cup Starter Tea Makes 1/4 Gallon)

I picked up this scoby in January of 2021, and I am still using it over 4 years later. Very healthy, very productive. I've thrown maple syrup, apple cider and yerba mate at it over the years and it doesn't even flinch.I would order it again in a heartbeat if I needed to...

NOTE: This amount of starter liquid only makes a quarter gallon. I didn't not see this in the title before purchase.This SCOBY looked healthy and was actually 2 discs that were fused on one side so if you have more starter liquid you could easily do two batches right away. While a SCOBY of any size will do just fine for any sized batch (if the ratio is super lopsided it will take longer) the amount of started liquid was far less than I anticipated. This was my fault though, I was simply comparing SCOBY reviews and didn't pay attention to the title that clearly states it makes 1/4 gallon. I was able to eke out a 6 cup first batch with the amount of starter liquid I had, 3/4 cups.I know a healthy SCOBY when I see one so I was happy from the start (except for not having a lot of starter liquid) and after 4 days a new SCOBY started to form. After exactly a week I was happy with the flavor and tartness and made a new batch. The first batch is in its 2F (second fermentation) now but it seems to be moving along nicely.Also, for those that say the SCOBY is dead because it sank...SCOBY position is no indicator or effectiveness. Just wait a couple of days and you will see results.Very happy.

At first I thought I got a bad starter baby because it was not working after the first week because it did not make a new scoby on top. I have made kombucha in the past and usually after the first week you have a new kombucha floating on top. I then read after shipping it might take longer for a new kombucha baby to form. Sure enough I waited for 2 weeks or more and then I had a nice fat kombucha baby floating on top. The second batch I made after one week also had a new kombucha baby. So be patient when you get your kombucha starter baby and give it more time to form. Of course the longer it ferments the stronger the tea so don't get discouraged your next batch after one week will not be so vinegary tasting. You can bottle it with fruits for a second ferment on the counter for a day or two to sweeten it up. Enjoy.

I purchased my scoby 2 months ago. The instructions were very easy to follow. Make sure you have all your equipment, brewing jar, bottles (I reused kevita and synergy bottles). The first fermentation goes for 7-9 days, second fermentation 5-6 days. I started off with 8 cups of tea for about 6 wks. Now I’m brewing 12 cups, this makes enough for 9 bottles/week. I enjoy prepping and making a new brew with different fruit. My favorite combo is cherries, blueberries and pineapple with a slice of ginger root. I’m saving so much money and it tastes so much better than store brands. Here’s a few tips: homemade kombucha is quite fizzy. Remove the cap very slowly to release the carbonation, otherwise you will have a kombucha volcano taking place. I use a fork as a strainer and pour the kombucha into a glass. Then later I strain the fruit and mix it into Greek yogurt. Some of the benefits I’ve noticed: my digestion is better, good regularity, skin clear and healthy, less cravings for sweets. I drink kombucha shots first thing in the morning and between meals. I am very happy to make the commitment to brewing kombucha, I wanted to get fermented food in my diet, drinking the kombucha and eating the fermented fruit works for me.

***EDIT: I got my new scoby and used the heating pad around the sides and she preformed splendidly. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because it only comes with 1/4 cup of starter liquid and I'd prefer a full cup. Just be sure to follow the instructions and make 1/4 gallon of booch for your first batch.***The scoby I received looked healthy but it never "woke up" and ended up forming mold. I know this is probably my fault since it is March and the house is cold. I will order another one and try using a heating pad around the sides of the container. If that doesn't help I will order from another brand.

I made my sister her own kombucha brewing kit and got this to help her start out. It worked wonderfully and she has made several batches from it. The Kombucha has turned out tasting wonderful and has made her very happy. Would definitely recommend for someone getting into brewing.

Disappointed that I couldn't just simply ask for a replacement. I have been brewing kombucha for about 4 years, and just needed a new starter. After about 3 weeks, no results. I don't know why, and did NOT want to give a bad rating, but I could not get a reply to my request for a replacement. I will be more than happy to change my rating. I just want a viable scoby.

I have made kombucha for about 4+ years, bought from two different sources, Kombucha Mamma and another source here on Amazon before obtaining one small SCOBBY from this seller (IBVI).IBIV has been the best BY FAR so far, I am so impressed, after my first brew with this baby SCOBY I have gotten the biggest, fattest, healthiest SCOBY baby EVER!It usually takes me at least one to two batches to get a really good, sweet enough and tasty batch, when I start with a new SCOBBY...Not with IBVI, my very first batch/brew: AMAZING AND DELICIOUS RESULTS!!Thank you so much!!!