RE: Dilemma Black Fuzzy is MOLD

[Guest guest]

dry black powdery stuff is usually Aspergillus niger

VERY BAD STUFF

" Aspergillus niger is a fungus and one of the most common

species of the genus Aspergillus. It causes black mould on

certain types of fruit and vegetables, and is a common

contaminant of food.

Disease risks

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspergillus_niger

Aspergillus niger is less likely to cause disease than some

other Aspergillus species, but if large amounts of the

spores are breathed in, the serious lung disease

aspergillosis can occur. Aspergillosis is particularly

frequent among horticultural workers breathing in peat dust

which can be rich in Aspergillus spores. It is less harmful,

though not entirely free from risks, if eaten and

digested... "

However, it may cause a nasty sinus infection that may not

even be detected by your local doctor - and is difficult to

get rid of...

do not sniff, smell, touch or allow to become airborne.....

This is not the smooth darker spots associated with tannins

in the ferment. The smooth dark spots are associated with

the brown squidly stuff than hangs down from the mushroom.

and may form pockets that are isolated on the underside of

the otherwise creamy white smooth mushroom. Those dark or

black spots are normal

Fuzz --- Dry --- Appearing on top

usually forms in concentric circles .... is...MOLD ... (or

mould)

Advice .... dump it all.

first saturate a coffee filter or paper towel in bleach.

be sure to bleach whatever you used to cover the ferment as

this is contaminated as well.

then lay on top of the mushroom et al. cover again with

clean paper towel and allow a few minutes for the bleach to

work then dispose of per local regulations.

There should be pictures of mold here

http://www.happyherbalist.com/pictures.htm

Ed Kasper LAc. Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist

Acupuncture is a jab well done

www.HappyHerbalist.com Santa Cruz, CA.

Dilemma

Hi,

I just talked to a friend of mine in Florida and he's

concerned about

his culture. This is his second brew since he acquired the

culture and

he told me that he had black spots on the culture that was

powdery,

like fine ground coffee and it would stick to the straw when

he

submerged it. It doesn't sound good to me but I need your

opinion. He

has also been using 10 tea bags instead of 5 for a 1 gallon

jug, which

he thought he read somewhere or just misunderstood.

I have never heard of black spots and I've read just about

all the

websites pertaining to Kombucha and what they are supposed

to look

like. His tea is into it's 8th day of fermentation and the

cultures

are only about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick, with the black spots.

Could

this be some kind of mold, I'm puzzled.

Any help you can give me would be much appreciated so I can

pass it on

before he drinks any of it.

Thanks,

Judy