Re: Brewing Containers?

[Guest guest]

What I've read so far is clear glass for brewing and stainless steel for boiling

the water. Ceramic can contain lead, which will be leached by the acid in the

tea.

Blessings!

From: lael_shae <lael_shae@...>

Subject: Brewing Containers?

kombucha tea

Date: Saturday, August 30, 2008, 2:29 PM

I purchased on of those opaque ceramic brewing containers for continous

brew, then read somewhere that you should brew in clear glass. Is this

true? Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Yeah, this says it's lead-free and is sold for Kombucha brewing. I just wonder

about it not being clear glass? Here's the link to see what I am talking about:

http://www.happyherbalist.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD & ProdID=90

Rob <revrobroberts@...> wrote:

What I've read so far is clear glass for brewing and stainless steel for

boiling the water. Ceramic can contain lead, which will be leached by the acid

in the tea.

Blessings!

[Guest guest]

Should be O.K. if he's (happyherbalist.com) selling it. He's well into

KT, and an alternate therapist to boot.

B (UK)

Lael Shae wrote:

> Yeah, this says it's lead-free and is sold for Kombucha brewing. I just wonder

about it not being clear glass? Here's the link to see what I am talking about:

http://www.happyherbalist.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD & ProdID=90

>

> Rob <revrobroberts@...> wrote:

> What I've read so far is clear glass for brewing and stainless steel for

boiling the water. Ceramic can contain lead, which will be leached by the acid

in the tea.

> Blessings!

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lael...

Your container should be just fine. Other than the issue already mentioned,

there is no reason not to brew in ceramic.

I'd simply keep an eye on it for any crackling of the glaze as time goes on.

Most people brew in glass because it is readily available in the appropriate

size and many of us like to watch what is going on.... :-)

Gayle

Re: Brewing Containers?

> Yeah, this says it's lead-free and is sold for Kombucha brewing. I just

> wonder about it not being clear glass? Here's the link to see what I am

> talking about:

> http://www.happyherbalist.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD & ProdID=90

>

> Rob <revrobroberts@...> wrote:

> What I've read so far is clear glass for brewing and stainless steel for

> boiling the water. Ceramic can contain lead, which will be leached by the

> acid in the tea.

> Blessings!

[Guest guest]

Ellie,

I have this exact container and it has been working very well for me. I

usually bottle 1 gallon every 1-2 days now that the weather has warmed up.

Anyone have some advice on how to slow the process down?

- Jeff

On Wed, May 6, 2009 at 5:02 PM, Ellie <elya21@...> wrote:

>

> the link was wrong:

>

>

>

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=1823915889 & SKU=14959424 & RN\

=2125

>

[Guest guest]

On May 6, 2009, at 4:02 PM, Ellie wrote:

> the link was wrong:

>

>

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=1823915889 & SKU=14959424 & RN\

=2125

Ellie,

The only thing (to me.... and I haven't even bought my own yet) I

don't like about it is the plastic dispenser. I make every effort

not to use anything plastic because of all of the related health

issues. However, I'm not sure if just a plain gallon-2 gallon jug

will work.

I am thinking about these jars at the Container Store:

http://www.containerstore.com/browse/index.jhtml?CATID=74062 & howMany=999 & viewAll\

=true

The ones I saw yesterday that I really like are the Montana Glass Jars

(on the left) or the other glass jars that look like a cookie jar

Glass Container Jars with Glass Lid. However, no spouts.

Is it necessary to have a spout? If yes, why? If yes, can you use

stainless steel with ss dispenser for brewing? If not, how do you

reconcile the plastic?

Vicki

[Guest guest]

Ellie,

From what I understand while glass is the preferred brewing

container, food grade plastic is OK too. (I bring this up because the

spigot is plastic)

Actually, I'm looking into a brew container myself and this would be

fantastic!

Anyone else care to weigh in?

[Guest guest]

Vicki, take a look at this one, more money though:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=395 & f=23882 & q=glas+jars & fromLocation\

=Search & DIMID=400001 & SearchPage=1

Ellie

________________________________

From: 2dc <victoria2dc@...>

kombucha tea

Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 6:18:52 PM

Subject: Re: Brewing containers?

On May 6, 2009, at 4:02 PM, Ellie wrote:

> the link was wrong:

>

> http://www.bedbatha ndbeyond. com/product. asp?order_ num=1823915889 &

SKU=14959424 & RN=2125

Ellie,

The only thing (to me.... and I haven't even bought my own yet) I

don't like about it is the plastic dispenser. I make every effort

not to use anything plastic because of all of the related health

issues. However, I'm not sure if just a plain gallon-2 gallon jug

will work.

I am thinking about these jars at the Container Store:

http://www.containe rstore.com/ browse/index. jhtml?CATID= 74062 & howMany=

999 & viewAll= true

The ones I saw yesterday that I really like are the Montana Glass Jars

(on the left) or the other glass jars that look like a cookie jar

Glass Container Jars with Glass Lid. However, no spouts.

Is it necessary to have a spout? If yes, why? If yes, can you use

stainless steel with ss dispenser for brewing? If not, how do you

reconcile the plastic?

Vicki

[Guest guest]

Personally I think that's a fine container. If one is willing to spend the money

to purchase it, that is.

I for one would rather have the more expensive one with the chrome finished

brass spigot.

>

> > the link was wrong:

> >

> > http://www.bedbatha ndbeyond. com/product. asp?order_ num=1823915889 &

SKU=14959424 & RN=2125

>

> Ellie,

>

> The only thing (to me.... and I haven't even bought my own yet) I

> don't like about it is the plastic dispenser. I make every effort

> not to use anything plastic because of all of the related health

> issues. However, I'm not sure if just a plain gallon-2 gallon jug

> will work.

>

> I am thinking about these jars at the Container Store:

>

> http://www.containe rstore.com/ browse/index. jhtml?CATID= 74062 & howMany=

999 & viewAll= true

>

> The ones I saw yesterday that I really like are the Montana Glass Jars

> (on the left) or the other glass jars that look like a cookie jar

> Glass Container Jars with Glass Lid. However, no spouts.

>

> Is it necessary to have a spout? If yes, why? If yes, can you use

> stainless steel with ss dispenser for brewing? If not, how do you

> reconcile the plastic?

>

> Vicki

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

On May 6, 2009, at 4:28 PM, Ellie wrote:

> Vicki, take a look at this one, more money though:

>

>

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=395 & f=23882 & q=glas+jars & fromLocation\

=Search & DIMID=400001 & SearchPage=1

Thanks Ellie!

That looks good. I don't mind paying the money because health + NO

doctors, none of their #$% & pills, etc. Spend it here or spend it on

fixing health problems... that's my goal.

The question for me is: do you have to have a spigot for some

reason? Do u know?

Thanks,

Vicki

[Guest guest]

This is the one I use and its excellent.

zoe

Ellie wrote:

> Hi,

> could someone please tell me if this dispenser is good and safe for continuous

brewing method?

>

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=1823915889SKU=14959424 & RN=\

2125

>

> Thank you all so much

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If the spigot is a concern, the plastic that is, have a look at this site

that sells brass and chrome ones.

http://www.infused-vodka.com/spigotsforyourinfusionjars.aspx

- Jeff

On Wed, May 6, 2009 at 5:25 PM, Mateo <matthewrachansky@...> wrote:

>

>

> Ellie,

> From what I understand while glass is the preferred brewing

> container, food grade plastic is OK too. (I bring this up because the

> spigot is plastic)

> Actually, I'm looking into a brew container myself and this would be

> fantastic!

>

> Anyone else care to weigh in?

>

[Guest guest]

Jeff, those metal spigots would be far more dangerous than the plastic.

zoe

jeff giesbrecht wrote:

> If the spigot is a concern, the plastic that is, have a look at this site

> that sells brass and chrome ones.

> http://www.infused-vodka.com/spigotsforyourinfusionjars.aspx

>

> - Jeff

>

> On Wed, May 6, 2009 at 5:25 PM, Mateo <matthewrachansky@...> wrote:

>

>

>> Ellie,

>> From what I understand while glass is the preferred brewing

>> container, food grade plastic is OK too. (I bring this up because the

>> spigot is plastic)

>> Actually, I'm looking into a brew container myself and this would be

>> fantastic!

>>

>> Anyone else care to weigh in?

>>

>>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Even the chrome ones?

- Jeff

On Wed, May 6, 2009 at 11:30 PM, zoew <mtnwalker2b@...> wrote:

>

>

> Jeff, those metal spigots would be far more dangerous than the plastic.

>

> zoe

>

>

> jeff giesbrecht wrote:

> > If the spigot is a concern, the plastic that is, have a look at this site

> > that sells brass and chrome ones.

> > http://www.infused-vodka.com/spigotsforyourinfusionjars.aspx

> >

> > - Jeff

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Yes Jeff,

Don't take my word for it. Google Kombucha-Metal and see what

comes up. The ONLY metal that can be used is Stainless Steel

and then only for a short time.

zoe

jeff giesbrecht wrote:

> Even the chrome ones?

>

> - Jeff

>

> On Wed, May 6, 2009 at 11:30 PM, zoew <mtnwalker2b@...> wrote:

>

>

>> Jeff, those metal spigots would be far more dangerous than the plastic.

>>

>> zoe

>>

>>

>> jeff giesbrecht wrote:

>>

>>> If the spigot is a concern, the plastic that is, have a look at this site

>>> that sells brass and chrome ones.

>>> http://www.infused-vodka.com/spigotsforyourinfusionjars.aspx

>>>

>>> - Jeff

>>>

>>>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Zoe,

No worries, I believe you, I was just wondering why people were making a big

deal about the plastic vs the metal. From what I understand of the reaction

and leaching etc plastic is much safer then the metal.

Personally I haven't gotten enough confidence to do my second ferment in

glass yet. I tried it before and so didn't want to experience an explosion

that I burped the bottles every day. The problem was that I love the fizz

and burping daily removes that build up.

I might experiment with glass in the second bottling stage again, but right

now plastic is just too convenient.

- Jeff

On Thu, May 7, 2009 at 12:32 AM, zoew <mtnwalker2b@...> wrote:

>

>

> Yes Jeff,

> Don't take my word for it. Google Kombucha-Metal and see what

> comes up. The ONLY metal that can be used is Stainless Steel

> and then only for a short time.

> zoe

>

[Guest guest]

Exactly Jeff,

Plastic is much safer than metal.

Personally I don't do a second ferment at all. No need to. My brew

is quite fizzy right from the get go- actually foams up much like a

beer. Since I add a few hibiscus flowers to the tea it has a

rich pink color and lovely flavor right from the tap. Into my

glass it goes and is drunk almost immediately. I keep my jar

just outside the kitchen door so its right handy anytime I want a

drink and I do drink copious amounts but of course I have built up

to it so its not a problem.

At one time I did bottle in grolsch bottles but found that to be

quite unsatisfactory since they could not be burped without gushing

out and I did have two explode on me. Thats when I quit

bottling in glass and went to plastic, but eventually the plastic

did begin to leach and affected the taste so now I don't bottle at

all. Sometimes I will draw off about 1/2 gallon into a glass

juice container so I can redo the main jar, but that container

is drunk within 2 days so I don't call this bottling. It does

have a lid but its not airtight. This kills most of the fizz, but even

then there are bubbles in my glass, just not the foamy stuff.

zoe

jeff giesbrecht wrote:

> Zoe,

>

> No worries, I believe you, I was just wondering why people were making a big

> deal about the plastic vs the metal. From what I understand of the reaction

> and leaching etc plastic is much safer then the metal.

>

> Personally I haven't gotten enough confidence to do my second ferment in

> glass yet. I tried it before and so didn't want to experience an explosion

> that I burped the bottles every day. The problem was that I love the fizz

> and burping daily removes that build up.

>

> I might experiment with glass in the second bottling stage again, but right

> now plastic is just too convenient.

>

> - Jeff

>

> On Thu, May 7, 2009 at 12:32 AM, zoew <mtnwalker2b@...> wrote:

>

>

>> Yes Jeff,

>> Don't take my word for it. Google Kombucha-Metal and see what

>> comes up. The ONLY metal that can be used is Stainless Steel

>> and then only for a short time.

>> zoe

>>

>>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Not sure how I missed this reply till now.. sorry about that Zoe.

My hibiscus' haven't started flowering but I shall try that with a second

ferment. I only reuse plastic bottles one time for the second ferment and

then discard. Right now I have an endless supply from my wife who drinks

them from her work.

Yeah I was really paranoid about having an explosion as I can just imagine

the glass going everywhere as the bottle exploded like a bomb. Maybe I'm

over visualizing it but then maybe not. Till the plastic doesn't work I'm

going to keep going that route.

Cheers,

Jeff

On Thu, May 7, 2009 at 1:15 AM, zoew <mtnwalker2b@...> wrote:

>

>

> Exactly Jeff,

>

> Plastic is much safer than metal.

>

> Personally I don't do a second ferment at all. No need to. My brew

> is quite fizzy right from the get go- actually foams up much like a

> beer. Since I add a few hibiscus flowers to the tea it has a

> rich pink color and lovely flavor right from the tap. Into my

> glass it goes and is drunk almost immediately. I keep my jar

> just outside the kitchen door so its right handy anytime I want a

> drink and I do drink copious amounts but of course I have built up

> to it so its not a problem.

>

> At one time I did bottle in grolsch bottles but found that to be

> quite unsatisfactory since they could not be burped without gushing

> out and I did have two explode on me. Thats when I quit

> bottling in glass and went to plastic, but eventually the plastic

> did begin to leach and affected the taste so now I don't bottle at

> all. Sometimes I will draw off about 1/2 gallon into a glass

> juice container so I can redo the main jar, but that container

> is drunk within 2 days so I don't call this bottling. It does

> have a lid but its not airtight. This kills most of the fizz, but even

> then there are bubbles in my glass, just not the foamy stuff.

>

> zoe

>

[Guest guest]

I don't like buying Chinese-manufactered stuff, either, and have put back a

lot of items after checking to see where they were made unless I had no

alternative. But, glass jars are one thing you can still find made in the

US. Anchor Hocking is US made, there may be others, but AH I am sure of.

http://www.anchorhocking.com/made_in_usa.html?catid=124

Polly

2dc wrote:

... if it would fit in an American (or should I say Chinese

> made/American purchased) jar? Nothing is made in the USA anymore.

[Guest guest]

when I want something and it was made in China I contact the company to see if

there is lead in the item, i found a lot of things made in the USA

Blessings

[Guest guest]

Hi, newbie here, we are currently drinking my first brew, and I'm

sharing a mama this weekend... <me all proud> But I actually

have something to contribute here:

> That sounds very much like the Anchor Hocking cookie jars.

> They are great for brewing. Lead free and made in the USA.

> Just remember that the total volume of the container is one gallon

The Anchor Hocking cookie jar that *I* am using (specifically

recommended by my old-school guru) holds TWO gallons (2). It is

readily available in the states at Wal-Mart, approx $13, if I

remember correctly.

Re. 's question about the cover:

> > I figure that is because many of us brew in mixing bowls, which

> > don't naturally have a lid. Or does the kombucha need to breathe,

> > and that is why a cloth is needed? Thanks for any thoughts!!

Everything I've read (granted I'm new at this), indicates that the

scoby needs air, thus you should cover w/ clean fabric or porous paper

(muslin, T-shirt, tea towel, paper towel, coffee filter, etc., tho'

NOT cheesecloth, b/c fruit flies can enter the loose weave).

Of course, I'm going thru last week's archive b/c I'm new to the

list, so probably will find in a few clicks that someone else

already answered this question!

Cheers,

Vicki

>

> > Greetings!!

> >

> > I have been having so much fun brewing my KT, even though I've only

> > been doing it a few months, I am enjoying the fruits of my labor

> > tremendously... and now even my husband is beginning to indulge,

> > which means I need to make even MORE kombucha.

> >

> > So I went to the store to find some more glass bowls to have more

> > batches brewing at the same time, and I actually found this gallon-

> > sized, clear glass jar that came with a glass lid. It looks like a

> > cookie jar. The lid has a rim, so sits snug on the base, but it is

> > not air tight. Is this fine to use the glass lid as the cover while

> > I am brewing? I know most directions say to cover with a cloth, but

> > I figure that is because many of us brew in mixing bowls, which

> > don't naturally have a lid. Or does the kombucha need to breathe,

> > and that is why a cloth is needed? Thanks for any thoughts!!

> >

> > smiles,

> > christine