A SCOBY, acronym for Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast, is a gelatinous, pancake-like culture formed by the combination of bacteria and yeast. This living symbiotic colony is commonly used in the production of fermented beverages, particularly kombucha.
The SCOBY is also referred to as a "mother" or "kombucha mushroom," although it is not a fungus. It consists of various strains of bacteria, such as Acetobacter xylinum, and yeast, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
The SCOBY acts as the transformation agent during the fermentation process, converting brewed tea and sugar into kombucha. It floats on the surface of the liquid, making it visible and easily removed. The fermentation process takes several days to weeks, during which time the SCOBY consumes the sugar while producing probiotics, organic acids, and other beneficial compounds.
The appearance of the SCOBY is observed as a thick, rubbery, or jelly-like substance that ranges in color from pale yellow to brown. It can grow to several inches in diameter and possesses a unique texture.
SCOBYs can be obtained from homebrewers, purchased online, or collected from a previous batch of kombucha. They are known to reproduce, generating a new layer or "baby" SCOBY on top of the original one. These offspring SCOBYs can be used for starting a new batch of kombucha or shared with others interested in brewing their own fermented beverages.
In summary, a SCOBY is a living culture of bacteria and yeast used in the fermentation of kombucha, responsible for converting brewed tea and sugar into a tangy, effervescent, and health-promoting beverage.
