How and where to properly store kombucha at home and when
Kombucha is considered a very useful product that contains a large amount of valuable components. To make this unique infusion, you must follow a number of recommendations. To maintain its freshness and useful characteristics, the product requires systematic special care. Therefore, many people are interested in how to store kombucha.
What is
A kombucha-based infusion is called Kombucha. It contains various vitamins, acids and enzymes. They contribute to the restoration of normal microflora in the body.
The use of this product makes it possible to cope with a number of pathologies. It allows you to get rid of colds, damage to the kidneys, liver and stomach. The product has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
With prolonged use of the drink, it is possible to achieve energy supply, normalize metabolic processes and improve digestion. It also helps to cope with hypertension, allergies, candidiasis and other pathologies associated with disorders of the microflora.
The infusion is also used in cosmetology.The product contains many trace elements that help tighten pores, increase the elasticity of the dermis and improve its turgor.
Optimal storage conditions
Usually the culture is kept in glass jars. The use of metal or plastic utensils causes the appearance of negative oxidative reactions. In this case, the drink loses some of its beneficial properties. Therefore, it is recommended to store jellyfish in glass. The jar containing the product should not be sealed. It is necessary to put a piece of gauze on it, which will protect the drink from dust and ensure normal air circulation.
Do not store the drink in the refrigerator. At low temperatures, the development of the culture stops. The suitable temperature regime for the product is + 22-25 degrees. At lower parameters, there is a risk of losing some of the valuable qualities. When storing the product, it should be borne in mind that it should be in a dark and not too humid place.
Storage methods
Sometimes people need to take breaks from their drink. Various storage methods are acceptable.
In solution
It is allowed to keep the mushroom in a container with solder. This should be done in a dark, cool place. It is allowed to place it on a glazed balcony or in a closet. In winter, the container can be placed in a dark place near the window. In this case, it is recommended to wash the fungus often under running water and constantly change the solution.
In the fridge
Some people consume the infusion exclusively in the summer. In this case, for the winter, the drink should be removed to a cool place. If necessary, when taking a break from using kombucha, it is best to keep it in a bag.To do this, it is recommended to take the product out of the jar, wrap it and put it in the refrigerator. The best option would be a compartment for vegetables.
Under the influence of low temperatures, growth processes slow down.At the same time, the culture falls into so-called hibernation. If you put the mushroom in a tea solution and increase the temperature, it will start to grow again. After a week, the fluid should be drained. In this case, the next drink will already acquire valuable qualities.
Dried
If you don't plan to use the kombucha for a while, it needs to be dried. For this, the product must be washed and placed in a dry dish. It is recommended to turn it over all the time. Thanks to this, the culture will not rot.
The best option for storing the product is a deep container. From above it should be covered with a cloth to prevent dust from entering. When the mushroom is completely dry, it can be placed in a cupboard or in the refrigerator. To activate the growth processes, it is recommended to keep the product in a sweet infusion.
About home shelf life
With the systematic washing of the mushroom with boiled water, it will be able to retain its characteristics for a long time. For some time, the culture can be kept without maintenance.
The specific period depends on the conditions:
- it is allowed to store the product in the refrigerator for 20-30 days;
- in the freezer, Kombucha can stand for 3-5 months;
- in a heated room the shelf life does not exceed 14 days.
Possible problems
Before consuming the drink, it is recommended to make sure that the mushroom is healthy and on the surface. It is important to keep it smooth and translucent.There must be no foreign elements in the structure of the product.
Like other living organisms, the fungus can get sick. In order to identify problems in a timely manner, it is recommended to constantly monitor the appearance of the product.
The culture is invaded
An increase in kombucha size indicates normal health and proper care. At the same time, too large a Kombucha takes up a lot of space. In addition, it is difficult to reach and rinse. It is recommended to carefully remove old layers - this will not harm the Medusomycete.
sinks to the bottom
A healthy product should float on the surface of the infusion. However, sometimes it sinks to the bottom and does not float. This is typical for old mushrooms that are about to develop a new culture and cease to perform their functions. The appearance of a film on the surface of the infusion indicates the development of a young culture. It is recommended to move it to a clean container filled with tea.
At the same time, it is not recommended to use old mushrooms to make a drink. They produce too much acid. This culture is allowed to be used exclusively for making vinegar.
Ripens too slowly
When the medusomycete is kept in low temperature conditions, its development is suspended. To speed up the production of the drink, it is worth moving the culture to a warm room.
The appearance of a brown bloom
The appearance of a brown film indicates a violation of the rules for the care of crops. In such a situation, it must be rinsed off by removing the top layer. Then it is worth taking better care of Kombucha.
small spots
The appearance of spots on the surface of the fungus indicates its damage by sugar particles and fragments of tea leaves. In this case, the culture does not need to be treated. To solve the problem, it is recommended to better dissolve the sugar and strain the infusion.
Mold
If mold appears on the surface of the mushroom, it should not be discarded. In such a situation, it is recommended to rinse the culture well. In this case, special attention should be paid to the folds. Then rub the jellyfish with vinegar and rinse. For this, it is recommended to use boiled water.
Kombucha is a very healthy product that many people consume. In order for the medusomycete to retain a maximum of valuable vitamins and not deteriorate, it must create suitable conditions.