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Does Kombucha Bubble When Fermenting?

does kombucha bubble when fermenting

Have you ever tried to make your own Kombucha and wondered: Am I doing this right?

Is this supposed to be happening? Is it supposed to be so bubbly and fizzy?

Is it fermenting properly or am I just doing something terribly wrong?

I’ll cover these queries and some – but let me first start with the main question at hand

Does Kombucha Bubble When Fermenting?

Yes, your Kombucha is supposed to be bubbly while fermenting.

It is normal. Due to the process of carbonation, bubbles are set free and start creating pressure – this is what you see when your drink gets fizzy.

It’s the same with soda.

It is important to know these things in order to understand the process.

You do not need to be a prominent chemist, but you do need enough knowledge to keep yourself from falling ill – or wasting your time.

So, find out more about this tasty health packed drink.

What Makes Kombucha Fizzy?

Why is Kombucha fizzy?

Well, explained very simply – because of carbonation. it is a chemical process during which Carbon Dioxide turns to a liquid state.

When some additional pressure is applied to get kombucha foam on top, this process occurs completely naturally.

Carbon Dioxide is what is responsible for your fizzy kombucha drink , and even though you can’t see this process on a smaller level, you can see the effects that take place.

It is by no means dangerous, even though carbonated drinks may not be the healthiest option.

But Kombucha can be safe and healthy even without this.

So is Kombucha good if it is flat? And can you still drink it?

What Is The Difference Between Flat And Fizzy Kombucha?

When a drink is produced mechanically, like many of the ones you drink are, the kombucha bubbles on top are more prominent and even.

CO2 levels are higher and the bubbles are not natural.

You might prefer that taste which is very strong on the mouth.

Unfortunately, if you enjoy this, you will not get this effect if your bubbles are handmade.

If you like your soft drinks to be more on the softer side, find out how to achieve the desired effect here

There are a few contributing factors to consider when deciding if your bubbly Kombucha is safe to drink, and you can learn more here.

  1. The smell should be sweet-sour. It should remind you of a craft beer.
  2. You will notice SCOBY growth. It refers to the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast.
    • Depending on the season and the temperature, the growth may be more prominent or more gradual.
  3. The amount of yeast is just right. You should not have too much or none.
  4. The pH will be between 3.2 and 2.5. You will still need to try it to make sure it is drinkable.
  5. The color should transition to a lighter shade when it is done. Again, think of craft beer, not dark ale.

How To Make A Perfect Kombucha At Home?

If you enjoy learning visually, consider watching this video and this channel.

It shows you one of the common mistakes most people make while producing this fine drink at home.

Firstly, use starter tea, not vinegar.

Starter tea is known as Kombucha vinegar, so use this instead of other options to add acidity to your drink.

You will need about 2 cups per gallon.

Yeast is tricky to work with but you will start noticing the more you make, the more you know.

It’s just one of those things that need practice.

So don’t stress too much.

Consider keeping your drink at room temperature until it is done – only then should you put it in the fridge to enjoy it during summer.

Low temperatures will result in a low amount of yeast and good bacteria.

Keep in mind you will need to pay attention to this brew – you need to stir it before putting it in a container.

Your mixture also needs some sugar, but don’t use substitutes since it only serves to feed the yeast – not you.

However, if you wish to add some taste and spice it up – add some fruit.

Once you try it and actually like the taste, trust your gut. Literally. If you like it, bottle it and store it away.

But don’t go overboard and drink all of it in one go.

The only drink you can drink whenever and in unlimited amounts is water.

Is kombucha carbonated?

Does Kombucha Need To Be Carbonated

So we have covered steps, tips, tricks, and issues with making your own Kombucha.

We said it is safe to drink the flat Kombucha version as well.

But what are some of the pros and cons of carbonated Kombucha?

And is it a failed attempt if it turns out kombucha not fizzy.

Is kombucha supposed to be fizzy?

It is perfectly safe either way.

It depends on your personal preference, but it still keeps its nutritional value even if it is flat.

Carbon Dioxide can bother you and upset your stomach if it is sensitive, so flat drinks may do the trick for you.

It is still tasty and you will have no negative consequences on your health – but maybe it will on your taste buds.

This section will answer any additional questions and concerns you have about this brew.

  • What to do if it is flat, should you drink it or try it again?
  • And how to ensure your drink is fizzy if you prefer it that way?

 

How to make kombucha fizzy?

To make kombucha fizzy first ferment it. If you find yourself craving that fizzy sound while opening a fresh batch of your homemade brew – follow these steps.

During the first phase of the primary fermentation process, your drink is lightly covered with some cloth.

You will need to repeat the fermentation once again (a secondary fermentation) and trap those bubbles inside.

If you don’t, the bubbles will be gone since the CO2 will be free to roam around.

This carbonation is natural and will not be as fizzy as a store-bought fizzy drink – but it will be healthier. But the good news – you can achieve a very similar outcome with just a few tricks.

Take your pre-carbonated drink, and seal it in a bottle airtight – make sure no air can escape.

It is crucial to use the right kombucha bottles to achieve fizziness.

You can buy specially designed fermentation bottles for this purpose.

Mason jars aren’t gonna do the trick – no matter what your mother says.

Follow the bacteria growth, don’t stop it too early. If you leave your first fermentation going on for a long time, it will change the taste and lose the sweetness.

And you don’t want that to happen.

The secondary fermentation time is longer, so give it 3-10 days according to this guide.

If you are working on your brew during winter, try to find a warm place for it.

The guide recommends a temperature between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Or just begin this quest during the hot summer days.

It doesn’t matter how much “stuff” is in the drink, doesn’t filter it until both fermentation processes are done. Your brew will thank you for it with its bubbles.

Sugar content is crucial. The more fruit or grams of sugar the yeast has, the more yeast will grow – and the more fizz you get.

And last but not least, educate yourself. Find out what recipe is best for your taste and what works.

Find out what doesn’t and don’t be afraid to try things out. It is a drink after all, not a bomb.

You can add flavors, and fruits, mix them with other drinks once it is done, and enjoy the cornucopia of flavor and fizz.

What To Do With Over-Carbonated Kombucha?

what to do with over carbonated kombucha

It is possible to have too much fizz, even if you don’t agree.

You should use frozen fruit juice or fruit puree to enhance flavor, but in case you had a bit too much fun with it and added too much – it will be too carbonated.

If there is too much yeast you should consider filtering it before the second fermentation but leave some yeast in.

Maybe lower the temperature as well so the yeast does not grow as fast.

If you missed all these steps, have no fear – toss the bottle in the fridge.

It will soon be ready, cold, tasty, and just fizzy enough.

It is safe to use fresh juice or a fruit puree to add a bit of flavor though.

The yeast simply loves the sweets. Just don’t add sugar on top if you are using herbs or other sweet foods for this purpose since it can lead to extra carbonation you don’t want.

This outcome is not easy to predict and it is usually more of an art form than anything else.

So be careful when opening your first-ever bottle or airtight bottle of kombucha or homemade kombucha and open it over a sink to avoid a potential mess.

If you suspect this might happen, burp your bottles! It will reduce the fizz and your worries about the bottle exploding.

But there is a risk your yeast will not like it and the bubbles will die out and disappear.

So please, no shaking your bottle!

Think of your brew as an anxious being that needs to be left alone until it is ready. Don’t agitate or annoy it to come to life.

It will only create an illusion there is more fizz and your brew will be pouring itself down the drain in no time!

Check out the rest of our beverage content at Soda Pop Craft.