Re: first batch, temperature and fermentation

[Guest guest]

Hi, Margret! Well said. Thanks ! In search of perfection, sometimes we loose

sight. Luv, Jahjet

> >

> > Even clean hands have a million of our natural flora bacterium in the

> > surface.

>

> Janine, the key word is " natural " .

> As it is totally natural to touch a new born baby or anyone for that matter,

> it is also natural to touch the Kombucha culture with normally clean hands.

> Hands that are clean enough to cook with, are clean enough for work with

> probiotic cultures like Kombucha and Kefir.

>

> In almost 30 years of brewing I never had a contamination that rendered

> the product of my cultures unconsumable.... on the contrary, the Kombucha

> microflora very happily coexists with my microflora!

>

> > If you are handling a SCOBY without sterile glove, ....

> I'm too common sense to be so paranoid! ;-)

>

> What's 'beanies', btw?

>

> My relationship with my scobys is a close and loving one:

> I touch them and they touch me.

> That's the natural way.

> Paranoia is downright unhealthy!

>

> Gobsmacked,

>

> Margret:-) UK

>

> --

> +------------------ Minstrel@... --------------------+

> http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

> http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

> creation.com

> Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

> (Ps.51:10)

>

[Guest guest]

" beanies " was my spellcheck changing " newbies " .

I understand the natural touching, and the symbiosis you have. As for the

analogy about touching a newborn, my newborns were not being touched where

bacteria had an oppotunistic place to grow and flourish that couldn't be washed.

For myself, I would not risk picking up one bacteria off the side of my jar

(especially if it was from one of my childrens hands from school!) getting onto

my hand and into my precious brews home. Science tells me that I would be

risking not only my health, but the health of my SCOBY if I did it with any less

procedure. I have cultured what is on our hands with my children after we have

washed our hands really well. It's bacteria colonies. Different for some of

us, but live, growing bacteria nonetheless .

You have done this longer than I. I am glad and impressed that you have had no

issues.. I did not mean to offend, and that is why I explained that I welcomed

feedback. As for my paranoia , healthy or not, it's mine ! I'm too scientific

to NOT be.

Thank you for your insight and reply.

~~~janine~~~

On Apr 19, 2010, at 12:33 PM, Margret Pegg <Minstrel@...> wrote:

In message <164998.78649.qm@...> you wrote:

>

> Even clean hands have a million of our natural flora bacterium in the

> surface.

Janine, the key word is " natural " .

As it is totally natural to touch a new born baby or anyone for that matter,

it is also natural to touch the Kombucha culture with normally clean hands.

Hands that are clean enough to cook with, are clean enough for work with

probiotic cultures like Kombucha and Kefir.

In almost 30 years of brewing I never had a contamination that rendered

the product of my cultures unconsumable.... on the contrary, the Kombucha

microflora very happily coexists with my microflora!

> If you are handling a SCOBY without sterile glove, ....

I'm too common sense to be so paranoid! ;-)

What's 'beanies', btw?

My relationship with my scobys is a close and loving one:

I touch them and they touch me.

That's the natural way.

Paranoia is downright unhealthy!

Gobsmacked,

Margret:-) UK

--

+------------------ Minstrel@... --------------------+

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

(Ps.51:10)

[Guest guest]

It's stainless... (my mom always called it silverware!).

~~~janine~~~

On Apr 19, 2010, at 12:45 PM, " Jahjet " <jahjet@...> wrote:

...i kind of like the idea of plastic, better then silver or stainless.

>

> ...if that concerned, and should be, make sure to scrub your hands well,have

short nails. I have very short nails, i still give an occasional massage, so i

am in habit of keeping it short. I also rinse my hands in distilled vinegar. I

think they are allergic to latex,or I am. LOL, Jahjet

>

[Guest guest]

" I use silverware that I put in boiling water ahead of time " well i ment never

to touch scoby or KT with metal items..plastic is a better choice, but not

latex....if that concerned, and should be, make sure to scrub your hands

well,have short nails. I have very short nails, i still give an occasional

massage, so i am in habit of keeping it short. I also rinse my hands in

distilled vinegar. I think they are allergic to latex,or I am. LOL, Jahjet

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Anyone ever read Wild Fermentation?? It talks about how people are too paranoid

about germs!

Patti

________________________________

From: Janine <agratefulparrot@...>

" kombucha tea " <kombucha tea >

Sent: Mon, April 19, 2010 12:02:07 PM

Subject: Re: Re: first batch, temperature and fermentation

It's stainless... (my mom always called it silverware!) .

~~~janine~~~

On Apr 19, 2010, at 12:45 PM, " Jahjet " <jahjet (DOT) com> wrote:

...i kind of like the idea of plastic, better then silver or stainless.

>

> ...if that concerned, and should be, make sure to scrub your hands well,have

short nails. I have very short nails, i still give an occasional massage, so i

am in habit of keeping it short. I also rinse my hands in distilled vinegar. I

think they are allergic to latex,or I am. LOL, Jahjet

>

[Guest guest]

I've always heard that when we are too careful regarding these things it does

not give our immune system the chance to build up strength.

I am careful, but not to the point I am fearful. Life's too short to be

fearful...at least that's my view. ;-)

Warmly,

Velma

kombucha tea

From: patti720@...

Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:30:57 -0700

Subject: Re: Re: first batch, temperature and fermentation

Anyone ever read Wild Fermentation?? It talks about how people are too

paranoid about germs!

Patti

[Guest guest]

In message <431524.50316.qm@...> you wrote:

> " beanies " was my spellcheck changing " newbies " .

Hehehe! Seee, spellcheckers are intelligent beings! ;-)

> For myself, I would not risk picking up one bacteria off the side of my jar

> (especially if it was from one of my childrens hands from school!)

Oh yes, I totally understand that and agree with you. There is a very simple

antidote, and Jahjet mentioned it already in her post : VINEGAR.

It features extensively in the cleaning of work tops, utensils and hands.

It's better than soap even. I'm all for cleanliness.

I suppose everyone has a different standard they need live up to if they

want to life happily.

> As for my paranoia , healthy or not, it's mine !

LOL, you can have mine as well, if you want! ;-)

> I'm too scientific to NOT be.

I, too, am not ignorant of scientific things, especially biological,

but realise that there are pathological (bad) as well as helpful bacteria

and fungoid forms. Usually the helpful ones far outweighing the pathological

ones. God job!

Kombucha microflora, consisting of 'good' yeasts and bacteria working in

symbiosis, is excellent combating bad yeasts and bacteria in our gut,

for example. Officially I've read Kombucha described as an anti-bacterial,

anti-viral and anti-fungal. It's a brilliant life-form which is also a sturdy

beast which can 'stand up' for itself against bad intruders.

That's an extra insurance. :-)

> Thank you for your insight and reply.

Thank you for amazingly gracious response to my rather volcanic eruption! ;-)

I think the erupted ash cloud has already dissipated!

Blessings,

Margret UK with the ashes cloud slowly lifting (hopefully)

--

+------------------ Minstrel@... --------------------+

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

The TRUTH will set you free ( 8:32) Die Wahrheit wird dich freisetzen.

[Guest guest]

Agreed. People are. Antibacterial soaps are all the rage, and are unnecessary

for daily handwashing. Regular soap and proper washing 'procedure' are fine to

clean hands. When nurturing a SCOBY in solution (tea & sugar) though, I ONLY

want the SCOBYs stuff in there to grow, nothing more. I would hope that GT Dave

hasn't picked up SCOBY's that are creating his tea that I drink!!!

I think I shall continue to do as I've been doing. No harm in it.

Again, thank you all for the wealth of information you have provided on here.

It is much appreciated!

~~~janine~~~

On Apr 19, 2010, at 1:30 PM, patti <patti720@...> wrote:

Anyone ever read Wild Fermentation?? It talks about how people are too paranoid

about germs!

Patti

________________________________

From: Janine <agratefulparrot@...>

" kombucha tea " <kombucha tea >

Sent: Mon, April 19, 2010 12:02:07 PM

Subject: Re: Re: first batch, temperature and fermentation

It's stainless... (my mom always called it silverware!) .

~~~janine~~~

On Apr 19, 2010, at 12:45 PM, " Jahjet " <jahjet (DOT) com> wrote:

...i kind of like the idea of plastic, better then silver or stainless.

>

> ...if that concerned, and should be, make sure to scrub your hands well,have

short nails. I have very short nails, i still give an occasional massage, so i

am in habit of keeping it short. I also rinse my hands in distilled vinegar. I

think they are allergic to latex,or I am. LOL, Jahjet

>

[Guest guest]

In message <COL117-W47846079DA4DD450D7BA00A60B0@...> you wrote:

> I've always heard that when we are too careful regarding these things it

> does not give our immune system the chance to build up strength.

Yes, Velma, exactly the same thought had crossed my mind as well.

It is actually now established scientifically, that children who are

brought up in very sterile/overclean environments are far more likely

to suffer from allergies or asthma because their immune systems were

over-protected and therefore have become weak and underdeveloped.

> I am careful, but not to the point I am fearful. Life's too short to be

> fearful...at least that's my view. ;-)

Yes, I think that would describe my view as well.

Now that I've cooled down ...... warmly as well,

Margret:-)

--

+------------------ Minstrel@... --------------------+

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

Fear not tomorrow! God is already there.

[Guest guest]

I didgeridoo for them..so far no complaints. They withstand a lot! my concern

is like said improper brewing ethics and lack of common sense knowledge..I

think Margret used to say..brewing kombucha is not like rocket science.. I had

fun following and reading.Thanks, Jahjet

>

> Margret, so glad you jumped in w/comments re: touching scobies. I have only

been doing this for 20 years so you & Jahjet are more experienced than me. I use

normal cleanliness. Wash my hands w/reg. soap. Use wooden spoon that has never

touched anything else. No anti-bacterial soap should ever be used around scoby

(made of BACTERIA & yeast)? It is not being paranoid to take normal precautions

but does anyone else wonder what they did centuries ago when they drank from

cups dipped in a communal jug? Also to the lady that keeps her brewing vessels

in the dark, mine enjoy being around people, just no direct sunlight & no cigt.

smoking allowed. We need to take precautions but the little guys are really

quite strong & withstand most anything if brewing is done properly. Peace. N

>

[Guest guest]

I look at it a little differently. When you pick up the SCOBY, it then has

information about you that can be used in making the Kombucha better for YOU.

Similar to the people who put their planting seeds in their mouth to imprint the

seed with the individual information necessary to promote THEIR health. Just a

little different view. Creates a individual prescriptive brew....why not?

Love and Gratitude,

Barb

________________________________

From: Janine <agratefulparrot@...>

" kombucha tea " <kombucha tea >

Sent: Mon, April 19, 2010 1:01:30 PM

Subject: Re: Re: first batch, temperature and fermentation

Agreed. People are. Antibacterial soaps are all the rage, and are unnecessary

for daily handwashing. Regular soap and proper washing 'procedure' are fine to

clean hands. When nurturing a SCOBY in solution (tea & sugar) though, I ONLY

want the SCOBYs stuff in there to grow, nothing more. I would hope that GT Dave

hasn't picked up SCOBY's that are creating his tea that I drink!!!

I think I shall continue to do as I've been doing. No harm in it.

Again, thank you all for the wealth of information you have provided on here.

It is much appreciated!

~~~janine~~~

On Apr 19, 2010, at 1:30 PM, patti <patti720 (DOT) com> wrote:

Anyone ever read Wild Fermentation? ? It talks about how people are too paranoid

about germs!

Patti

____________ _________ _________ __

From: Janine <agratefulparrot>

" kombucha tea " <kombucha tea>

Sent: Mon, April 19, 2010 12:02:07 PM

Subject: Re: Re: first batch, temperature and fermentation

It's stainless... (my mom always called it silverware!) .

~~~janine~~~

On Apr 19, 2010, at 12:45 PM, " Jahjet " <jahjet (DOT) com> wrote:

...i kind of like the idea of plastic, better then silver or stainless.

>

> ...if that concerned, and should be, make sure to scrub your hands well,have

short nails. I have very short nails, i still give an occasional massage, so i

am in habit of keeping it short. I also rinse my hands in distilled vinegar. I

think they are allergic to latex,or I am. LOL, Jahjet

>

[Guest guest]

I look at it a little differently. When you pick up the SCOBY, it then has

information about you that can be used in making the Kombucha better for YOU.

Similar to the people who put their planting seeds in their mouth to imprint the

seed with the individual information necessary to promote THEIR health. Just a

little different view. Creates a individual prescriptive brew....why not?

Love and Gratitude,

Barb

________________________________

From: Janine <agratefulparrot@...>

" kombucha tea " <kombucha tea >

Sent: Mon, April 19, 2010 1:01:30 PM

Subject: Re: Re: first batch, temperature and fermentation

Agreed. People are. Antibacterial soaps are all the rage, and are unnecessary

for daily handwashing. Regular soap and proper washing 'procedure' are fine to

clean hands. When nurturing a SCOBY in solution (tea & sugar) though, I ONLY

want the SCOBYs stuff in there to grow, nothing more. I would hope that GT Dave

hasn't picked up SCOBY's that are creating his tea that I drink!!!

I think I shall continue to do as I've been doing. No harm in it.

Again, thank you all for the wealth of information you have provided on here.

It is much appreciated!

~~~janine~~~

On Apr 19, 2010, at 1:30 PM, patti <patti720 (DOT) com> wrote:

Anyone ever read Wild Fermentation? ? It talks about how people are too paranoid

about germs!

Patti

____________ _________ _________ __

From: Janine <agratefulparrot>

" kombucha tea " <kombucha tea>

Sent: Mon, April 19, 2010 12:02:07 PM

Subject: Re: Re: first batch, temperature and fermentation

It's stainless... (my mom always called it silverware!) .

~~~janine~~~

On Apr 19, 2010, at 12:45 PM, " Jahjet " <jahjet (DOT) com> wrote:

...i kind of like the idea of plastic, better then silver or stainless.

>

> ...if that concerned, and should be, make sure to scrub your hands well,have

short nails. I have very short nails, i still give an occasional massage, so i

am in habit of keeping it short. I also rinse my hands in distilled vinegar. I

think they are allergic to latex,or I am. LOL, Jahjet

>

[Guest guest]

Barb! a symbiosis, a biological interaction..Jahjet

> >

> > ...if that concerned, and should be, make sure to scrub your hands well,have

short nails. I have very short nails, i still give an occasional massage, so i

am in habit of keeping it short. I also rinse my hands in distilled vinegar. I

think they are allergic to latex,or I am. LOL, Jahjet

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Barb! a symbiosis, a biological interaction..Jahjet

> >

> > ...if that concerned, and should be, make sure to scrub your hands well,have

short nails. I have very short nails, i still give an occasional massage, so i

am in habit of keeping it short. I also rinse my hands in distilled vinegar. I

think they are allergic to latex,or I am. LOL, Jahjet

> >

>

>