Re: I think I grew a SCOBY - What does SCOBY mean

[Guest guest]

Hi all! Just a quick history lesson on the term SCOBY: actually is

refers ONLY to Kombucha cultures, not any other kind of culture. The

term was invented by an original member of this very list, Mr. Len

Porzio, in the mid-90's. I can't link to the interview here because it

is on my blog but actually Colleen, who established this list

originally, registered the acronym for Len. Len is also the author of

Kombucha The Balancing Act, which is a nice information rich page

covering many aspects of brewing.

Here's what Len said about inventing the term: " At the time, we (the KT

listserv group) had been discussing the symbiotic relationship between

the yeast and bacteria while in parallel conversations we were having

difficulty distinguishing between the fermented tea and the white,

pancake culture as they were both being referred to as 'Kombucha.'

During one such confused discussion I began toying with some acronyms

and suggested to the group we come up with some kind of name like SCOBY

(short for 'Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast'.) I assumed someone

would come up with a better name, but it stuck. Colleen , the list

administrator list back then, did me the favor of registering it online

as an official acronym. Obviously, it's still used today! "

Anyway, just a pet peeve of mine. Trying to maintain the sanctity of the

term SCOBY as it related to Kombucha specifically. (also of note, Len

says it stands for " Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria & Yeast " - not

" Colony " as referred in some places)