Heating panels help keep things constant and more reliable. Cooler temperatures take longer to ferment and due to the slower build-up of acetic acids the cooler temperatures are more prone to contamination by mold and pathogens. Regardless if one prefers cool brewing or a faster warmer ferment, or the Continuous Brewing Method, the pH should be at 3.0 or lower for kombucha tea as well as other lactic and acetic acids ferments. For kombucha brewing, Time and Temperature are 2 of the 4 most critical variables, others being type of tea and sugar. Most researchers seem to favor a 6-8 day ferment at 80 F. (22 C) where a balance between taste and health are believed arrived at. Nowadays that appears to be a little longer, a little sourer ferment at about 10 days. In my opinion, it really matters most to the individual. The kombucha will ferment visibly well in a range from the mid 60’s to the high 80’s. One German researcher thought that a 90 degree temperature to be more optimal. The Home Brewer should keep in mind that at temperatures above 103 F enzymes begin dying off, in the low 60’s the kombucha favorite yeasts go dormant and other yeasts begin to flourish. Temperatures that are too high kill enzymes, temperatures that are too low and too slow drying may promote mold. Different ferments have more desired temperatures; 65 to 75 degress range during primary fermentation for beer, while 70 and 75 degrees as specified in many wine kits. For Kefir brewing, the best fermentation temperature is between 84 F (22°C and 30°C). Which is also ideal for kombucha. Some yogurt needs to be the 100-113 F range, while others like Caspian Sea Yogurt is fine in the 70-80 range. Researchers have found nearly 30 different bacteria and 25 different yeasts in Kefir cultures. Every bacteria and culture has specific temperature requirements. This is why a constant low temperature can't be compensated with a longer fermentation time, or a constant high temperature with a shorter fermentation time. Brewing needs some balance, like hatching an egg. When drying herbs, the right temperature is also important. With too low temperatures and maybe too high humidity, mold develops easily. Too high temperatures kill the life force, the enzymes of the food. goo.gl/XrR77w
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AuthorEd Kasper has been a leading advocate of safe and healthy kombucha since 1997. He has served as a consultant and adviser to several national, regional and local kombucha brewers, including many kombucha brewers online. Archives
June 2017
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