Help - my kombucha is alive!

[havsulen]

And not alive in a "full of good stuff healthy"-way!

I brewed lots before we went on a holiday two weeks ago, and when we came back I was greeted by white larvae!!! Crawling around on top of the mushroom - yuk!

I need to throw away it all and order a new mushroom asap!

I guess this is not common? This has never happened to me before in my about a year long career as a kombucha maker. But, where have I made the mistake? Too hot? Too light? It is summer here now, so pretty hot during the day. Anyone wanna share their perfect place for storing the brew while it is becoming the good stuff?

[CrunchyChristianMama]

I keep mine in the bottom of my pantry and make sure to cover it with a tea towel with a rubber band around the top to keep the nasties out.

Were you brewing it uncovered?

[kl5]

It sounds like you just didn't have it covered well enough to keep the fruit flies out. If they can get in, they will lay their eggs on your scoby. I use a flour sack towel over the top of my jar with a rubber band around it. Also, keeping it away from a place where fruit flies are likely to be found (in my kitchen, by the compost bucket or any veggies i have brought in from the garden) would help as well.

[havsulen]

Thanks a lot! I had it covered with a towel but I hadn't put a rubber band on so I will make sure I do that next time. Plus try to find a place outside the kitchen where fruit flies as most likely to be.

The worst part is now having to live without kombucha until I get hold of a scoby from abroad and get my brew finished. I'm addicted to the stuff and weeks without it seems like a challenge!