Kombucha appeared in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century and became widespread in the 80s. Nowadays, it is undeservedly forgotten and is quite rare, despite the fact that the drink obtained with its help has valuable therapeutic and prophylactic properties.
Instructions
Step 1
Kombucha is a strange-looking culture. The upper part is dense and shiny, while the lower part looks like a cluster of hanging threads. Biologically, it is a symbiosis of yeast and acetic acid bacteria. Most often, glass 3-liter jars are used to contain kombucha. Never use metal utensils and containers made of polyvinyl chloride or polystyrene for this purpose.
Step 2
Keep the jar of kombucha in a shaded area away from the window, as direct sunlight and cold are equally harmful to it. It is best to place the container with the mushroom in a special box. Try to keep the drawer ventilated and odor-free.
Step 3
Cover the container with a napkin or gauze to keep out dust and insects, but in any case do not close the jar with a lid. The mushroom should.
Step 4
Kombucha feels best at a temperature of about 25 degrees. Temperatures below 17 degrees are bad for him.
Step 5
To prepare the tea solution, use only pre-boiled and cooled water. You cannot put the mushroom in water with poorly dissolved sugar, or just pour it on top. This causes burns on his body.
Step 6
Kombucha must be rinsed periodically, preferably in spring water. In summer this should be done after 1 - 2, and in winter after 3 - 4 weeks.
Step 7
The fungus can become sick and die if the tea solution does not change for too long. If a brown coating appears on the top layer, rinse the mushroom well, remove the top layer and place it in fresh tea solution.
Step 8
If for any reason the kombucha is left without your care and attention (for example, during a long trip), the water has evaporated from it, and it has dried up, do not rush to throw it away. The mushroom will come to life if it is poured with fresh tea solution.
Step 9
What if you decide not to use kombucha for a while, but want to keep it? Remove some of the mushroom. Place the jar in the refrigerator. Rinse the mushroom frequently with cool water. At low temperatures, its activity is noticeably reduced.
