New member questions

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I am new to this group and am dying to ask a few questions.

I started a new colony recently, after having not grown kombucha for 15

or so years. There is a lot I have forgotten, and much to learn. I

have read in several places that one must be careful with cultivation so

as not to produce " something else " when trying to make KT. What is

" something else, " other than something harmful or at the very least

unhelpful? How do you know if your KT is " off " ? I need to make sure I

have a good specimen, and that what I am raising is healthy.

My cultures are routinely producing babies every 7-10 days, so I think

they must be viable, but I remember from the first time I raised

cultures that the tea I made was noticeably affecting my energy level in

a very positive way; this time, not so much. In fact, I can't say I can

tell any difference at all, and wonder if I am just drinking lots and

lots of sugar.

I bought a bottle of GT Dave's kombucha tea (gingerberry) which made me

feel exhilarated almost from the first swallow. How do I make something

like that in my own kitchen? What have they got that I don't have?

Their website contacts are unhelpful and don't really provide support

for growers.

Can anybody lend any advice here? What I need is to know that I have a

good batch, and how to make it the most effective for my health.

Thanks,