What is a SCOBY and What Do You Do With It?

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NOTE: This information is meant for educational purposes only .I am NOT a doctor nor pretend to be one. Nothing I say should be used to replace professional medical counseling. Also, PLEASE do your OWN research!

[@judysargeant6388]

Hi Heidi and other friends. My dried chilli vinegar formed a scoby after the entire process. During the making of it I realized this was not going to turn to vinegar but I transfered it to a wide mouth bottle added some more sugar and water and almost 15 days more and I must say I am impressed. I use it for noodles an other curries . Fantastic. The coconut vinegar is still going more than 30 days and is forming a scoby. Apple cider is the best and lemons and strawberry and also a ginger one that I am really impressed. Thank you again Heidi

[@sandrad333]

Since you got me hooked on making vinegar 😁, pear is the only variety that I get scobys from. I tried converting one and it was a big fail. Btw, my husband sarcastically says “thanks Heidi” and chuckles when he passes the table full of vinegars. 😂

[@RainCountryHomestead]

haha!

[@hjhjuliaabdullah9393]

i got 2 nice scoby fr mango peels n flesh itself or a mix of the 2.unfortunately i put them out to our neighbour's chicken. after 2 or 3 days they were still there.i threw them away.hahaha ,i wish i could cut the jelly -like thing up n eat it.thanks Heidi for telling us what to do with it other than the chickens.GOD bless.

[@hjhjuliaabdullah9393]

me too n my children,tho' i let them smell the vinegar.none of them dare to try drinking it.i drank it pure,real nice,but now i mix it with some water or mix it with my soup.Thanks Heidi.GOD bless.

[@camic3345]

Ok, now I'm addicted to vinegar making! I've tried so many different things but I especially love making floral vinegars for hair rinsing so I tried using butterfly bush flowers. HOLY MOLY was that ever a surprise! Those bright purple flowers turned orange & it made a giant scoby! It smells sweet & spicy like I've never experienced 😏 You should try it next season. So much fun! And I love that now I can make my own pine or cedar cleaning vinegar. Yay! Fruit flies tho....BOO!

[@kimberlyann1029]

I bought GT's raw kombucha and harvested a teeny little SCOBY. Worked just fine and I produced a very tasty batch of blueberry ginger kombucha.

[@lindap232]

I make scoby candy with my kombucha scobies. Just cut them up, the thiner the better, soak them in an organic juice with a bit of cane sugar overnight, put a bit of sugar on top of each slice and dehydrate it for about 8 to 10 hours. I also add scobies to my smoothies and have made fruit leather with scobies combined with some sweetened fruit like raspberries. I love them.

[@PS-ut5ct]

you definitely need to make a couple videos on that!

[@joanna6588]

My friend makes kombucha candy also. She doesnt soak them in anything and uses raw honey instead of sugar.

[@TheSunRiseKid]

Linda Park That sounds really intriguing!! Like the other person said, that sounds like a great video idea!!!😊👍🍬🍭

[@cerestaylor9088]

Used apple cider vinegar on a skin fungus and it got rid of it with 3 application. Be Blessed ❤️❤️❤️

[@CioCieMaMom]

yes i have used the scoby from my orange vinegar in my kombucha. I get such a big scoby that i dehydrate after i slice it like jerky and feed it to the dogs. You can also soak the scoby in any kind of broth first to get it flavor

[@trishkcmo3683]

I actually got a nice scoby from my vinegar this time. So excited. The orchard apples must have been why.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Apples and peaches always make the largest SCOBYs

[@lovinglife3954]

Another great video, thanks! You are inspiring me to eventually work on making vinegar! I love brewing kombucha! Started this past June and currently on my 19th gallon. I have read, never allow kombucha to be exposed to raw vinegar, even rinsing the jar, because you can get vinegar eels, which are apparently “harmless nematodes” but yuck and they throw off the balance of bacteria and yeast. Kombucha Mama talks about this on her website if you google “kombucha mama vinegar eels”, even has some photos, yuck again. Regarding starting kombucha, a friend was inspired by all my kombucha discussion to start her own, she did it from scratch using a bottle of commercial GT’s raw organic unflavored kombucha according to kombucha mama instructions and it turned out well for her. I have also got two other friends started so far with a SCOBY and two cups of started for a gallon size. Regarding cross-contamination, yes I have had it happen, I had a couple of quart jars of sauerkraut fermenting on my kitchen counter, only a few days in. I made some yeast bread, and the next day found a perfect specimen of kahm yeast ot top of the sauerkraut in both my jars! I took it off and refrigerated the sauerkraut, it was fine. BUT it made me really paranoid about bringing my kombucha into the kitchen. I started it in the guest room because I have a small kitchen and nowhere really to put it, and now I think I will just keep it in there for now to avoid cross-contamination. I have read that you should not have different fermenting things in close proximity to avoid that. I also read that since a lot of essential oils have antibacterial properties, they should not be diffused anywhere near an ongoing ferment, so I make sure no essential oils come near my beloved kombucha! (Though I have seen videos of people that flavor their completed kombucha with essential oils.)

[@serela1963]

Thanks for the link to this.. really good. I have checked out many other channels and always prefer yours. Have learnt a lot from you. Thanks again. We are about to be locked down again. Going to be making vinegars and kombucha.

[@nightowl2481]

I had heard that the scoby wasn’t good for anything, not even composting but I knew that didn’t sound right. I just gave my chickens some scoby I had been saving and they do love it!! Thank you so much for all the great info!

[@marianne3024]

I just fed my chickens my first vinegar scoby! I, too, heard you can’t use it for anything. I’d hate to waste it. I made my first apple cider vinegar from honey crisp apples and honey and Just bottled it today. Hence the scoby. :)

[@sarahaccardi]

I thought we could eat the scoby too?

[@DisabledandPrepping]

I've sliced mine up into small thin strips and dehydrated them and give them to my dog as a dog treat. Can also do the same thing and eat them yourself. I have heard people making jewelry and other items out of them. I can't remember all the things I have found but there's a ton of information online about what you can do with scobies.

[@dancnluc1]

I bought a small jar of kombucha with mother in it and that is how I started.

[@MsTexan1]

Almost all my vinegars make scobys now. I started feeding my vinegars at the 2 weeks mark after watching Mary's Nest and combined both methods. I think in Texas maybe the heat causes it to eat through it faster. I went from pints and quarts to gallons now. My husband is like the other viewer too. He walks by and is like thanks Heidi, the counter space is gone. Lol... 🤣 My shrimp plant, zinnia, rosemary made a large scoby. Pear, Pineapple, Mango, Melon, Golden Kiwi, Lemon are others that make large ones. I started making a vinegar scoby hotel until I get time to experiment with them. My off the wall one right now is rambutan husk with lavender. I had to start burping bottles because 2 exploded on me like kombucha does that started making more scobys. I wasn't expecting that part. Our teen girls are loving them for face toners.

[@laykni]

Salt and vinegar chip would be a good use for a dehydrated scoby

[@cerestaylor9088]

Mine was a sun tea blk tea, sweetened it . One quart mason jar, refrigerated it. Was in there for a wk.

[@lornabartlett2744]

Yes, Rain Country, I did learn something and to apply it. thank you very much, I appreciate it thanks for sharing👩‍🌾👨‍🌾🇨🇦. I combined my apple cider vinegar to a small bottle of kombucha, that I purchased from the store, raw and living cultures. It was a test for me to level the flavor. Please understand I like the strength of my apple cider vinegar after a year it matures and it's quite strong so I like to dilute it to help when I do consume it in the evenings for digestion and nutrients.

[@melissamurphy1569]

I just love your videos! They are so helpful for us who are learning from the very beginning. What kind of wine are you making in the background? I have made a honey wine and an apple wine all watching your videos! Currently have a blackberry and another apple wine going right now. I like your bartering with wine idea. Lol and want to give as gifts for the holidays this year! God bless!🙏💗

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Since this video was shot three weeks ago, I think it is the blueberry mead shown in a couple of my more recent This~N~That videos. Most of the videos you see were made three weeks prior because I always keep a bank of videos ready to publish but lately I have been making sure my This~N~That videos publish as close to the date I shoot them as I can as they are more time sensitive.

[@kamikazitsunami]

You give it a "Scoby" snack? 😂

[@RainCountryHomestead]

🤣

[@rowenaphilbeck1919]

I had Kombucha scoby and even started a scoby hotel where I had almost a jar full of them. I would use them in my garden and give to people to start kombucha for them.

[@BonnieBlue2A]

How do you use them in your garden?

[@rowenaphilbeck1919]

@@BonnieBlue2A You dry them out or dehydrate pieces of them then sprinkle around your garden area. Hope that helps.

[@thuandao4243]

I almost threw half gallon out bcit looks like sci-fi creature, what’s different between mother and scoby ¿

[@annplepyy]

My first ACV got scoby, I added little scoby and the old vinegar making the second vinegar, got no scoby. The third e the fourth I added the two old vinegar and scoby mixed, got scoby. ❤️🙏

[@tennesseegirl1215]

I bought kombucha from store and made the scoby, it turned out great but like you I couldn't drink it🤢. I know it's good for you but "not my cup of tea" lol, thanks for sharing dear friend, blessings ❤

[@sharonmayer4836]

Thank you Heidi, as usual great content, & I happen to be one of those that had no idea what a Scooby was/is lol. I had heard of it but never knew where it came from or what it was used for or it’s acronym. I’m schooled every time I watch one of your video’s, so thank you again ☺️

[@wordsbymaribeja1470]

I transferred some scoby from an older bottle of store bought organic raw apple cider vinegar to the new bottle i've just opened.

[@cathleentyson6119]

Just started making kombucha! Thanks for the information!

[@terianderson7951]

I've never made kombucha before because I avoid caffeine, but I have made herbal kombucha (herbucha) out of dried elderberries and rosehips. For my herbucha, I used a scoby from a batch of homemade pineapple vinegar I had made (which got as large as your peach scoby) and yes, it worked! I've since made several batches. The only problem I sometimes run into is that mold can start to grow on top of the scoby-- I think this was due to keeping my herbucha too close to an aquarium (I threw those batches out). I've since changed the location where my herbucha brews. I also lightly mist the floating scoby morning and night with Bragg's apple cider vinegar to help prevent mold. So far this is working for me.

[@terianderson7951]

One more thing... I also got a huge scoby when I made a yellow dock root- infused vinegar. No sugar was added. I had never heard of a scoby before, so it was a complete surprise and for the longest time I had no idea what it was!

[@LenkaSaratoga]

Wow!!!! “Herrbucha” 👍💚 First time hearing this word Although I’ve attempted making Tulsi kombucha that would qualify as “herbucha”. So nice to have people who share interest and experiemce 👋💚 Greetings from New York

[@terianderson7951]

@@LenkaSaratoga Tulsi herbucha sounds wonderful!

[@LenkaSaratoga]

@@terianderson7951 Ha! I thought so too…. but mine did not come out good. I was wondering if that is due to Tulsi’s antibacterial quality that precluded the growth of bacteria and yeast. I placed tea scoby into sweetened tulsi tea - and it did not go as I expected. Let me know if you ever attempt and succeed 👋💚

[@terianderson7951]

@@LenkaSaratoga That makes perfect sense, actually!

[@gingerbrimer5225]

My pear vinegar got a bigger scoby than any other vinegar

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

... and none of mine (3) did! ☺️

[@windyloom2267]

You can use bee balm or lemon balm for the tea

[@janinejackson9477]

Hello Heidi thank you for sharing your knowledge based on your own experience I am going to try to make scoby for making kambucha. This was made back in ancient times on farms so there must be a way of making scoby for kambucha without buying a starter. I am going to hunt for some organic chemical free fruit to ferment and make vinegars and kambucha. Living in Australia they treat everything growing because of our fruitfly problems so this will take some finding. A home grown apple or pear tree growing in an old garden would be brilliant. I have just bought a house and I am cleaning the yards up to grow a heap of different fruit trees and vines Of course the veg and herb gardens will happen to 😊🌝

[@basiliskgamer8352]

it's been a year since your comment, I'm wondering if you've found a way that works to make kombucha starter by your own , I'm also looking for a way

[@janinejackson9477]

@@basiliskgamer8352 unfortunately due to our weather I am still trying to grow fruit and vegetables so I have not successfully been able to make Kombucha scoby. Even when it says we are going to get rain on bureau of meteorology BOM it doesn't rain it goes around us. This is a massive problem where I live.

[@basiliskgamer8352]

@@janinejackson9477 I also live in a low rain area , hottest summers in the world actually, but there are some methods that help massively, called permaculture and other things, one of their benefits is to increase and keep the moister of soil.

[@janinejackson9477]

Kombucha

[@bassskirtgirl]

ok. i am goig to watch my orange vinegar. I am not sure what itis doing, but i know a little more now! thanks you!!!

[@stonethecrowshomestead]

I made a paw paw vinegar. I had so many. Beautiful. Thanks for info.

[@Cheriesgardenvegplot]

My pickled cucumber have formed a gorgeous scoby. I'm going to cut it in chunks and add it to salad

[@lindachandler2293]

I don't have chickens now, but I don't throw them out unless they are really nasty looking and even then they go in the compost. I store mine in a jar in the fridge and add a piece to each new batch of vinegar I start. I tried making scoby leather, kind of like fruit leather, but it's too much of a powerful taste as a snack. One of my favorites is as a popcorn topper. Put very thin pieces of a it on a fruit leather tray and dehydrate it at the lowest setting, so it doesn't kill any more of the good bugs than you can help. Take it down to powder dry. Whir it in a grinder. Measure. Add an equal amount of your favorite salt and whir it to a powder. This is my favorite popcorn seasoning.

[@kleineroteHex]

hey I could try that - however my scobys are always fat LOL

[@lindachandler2293]

@@kleineroteHex Just slice them up. I save my big ones.

[@iartistdotme]

I have bought nutritional yeast for a popcorn topping and thought it was good. Could the scoby be like that? I just got my first scoby and since I don't have chickens was looking for something to do with it. I'm learning!

[@lindachandler2293]

@@iartistdotme The taste of nutritional yeast has been described as cheesey; I guess it depends on the kind of cheese you like. Both are good for you. Mix them up some time.

[@Pamsgarden213]

I just found a scoby in my fire cider. I never expected that. At first, I was confused as to what it was. Thankfully, you have taught me so much over the last few months, I figured it out pretty quickly and got super excited as it is my first one. Have you ever known one to form in fire cider?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It makes sense since fire cider is commonly made with vinegar

[@kleineroteHex]

my vinegar scobys are always on the bottom - my supermix vinegar is not so sour, but timewise it is done, I think I will put all my other vinegar mothers in with it... -??- Scoby overload here - I'd be glad to pass some on!

[@mariemosier9805]

Hi Heidi, I made a kombucha from an Apple Scoby, turn out wonderful. Plenty of fizz. It fermented for 20 days. Also, I recently made a pineapple/honey vinegar and the scoby got huge. I love the taste. I will be using that one for my next kombucha. Thank you for all your tips, they surely have helped me a lot.

[@lourdesgibert967]

Can you explain how you made kombucha from the apple scoby? I’m interested in this. Thanks :)

[@sarahaccardi]

Was it apple vinegar or ACV? Does it make a difference? And did you form a new scoby for the Kombucha?

[@mariemosier9805]

@@sarahaccardi Homemade Apple Vinegar , yes, my kombucha always adds to the scoby.

[@healthy3653]

How did you do it?

[@MichelleandBradFahey]

How did you change your scoby to a kombucha scoby!! TIA

[@susan3200]

I LOVE this information! Thank you!!!

[@gloriafrench5333]

Thank goodness for the info - I thought my vinegar was a fail

[@sparrowgarden1401]

Oooh, you just reminded me to move my vinegar to another room, since I just started a batch of kombucha. I did buy a bottle of kombucha from the store, poured it into a jar, covered it with a cloth and set it in a crock with a loose fitting lid for about a month. I did see a thin scoby on it and then made my black tea and sugar yesterday to start it. We will see if it works. Thanks to you I have at least one jar of fresh vinegar brewing on the counter all the time. My peach vinegar turned out the best so far. It is a pretty pink. I made a cantelope vinegar that did not turn out well. It got gellatinous and did not smell good. It works in the laundry though. I love using my homemade vinegars. We are experimenting with them in our recipes. I think I will try making one with hot peppers. Probably in a quart jar though. I don't think I would use nearly as much of it as I do any other vinegar!

[@cerestaylor9088]

I got a scoby with tea😁

[@dewinatevina2097]

Love

[@windyloom2267]

I take a cup or 2 of 1st fermentation kombucha and mix it with flour to make a sourdough starter that I feed and grow. My chickens eat the scoby. I cut them into little worms. It makes really good pancakes.

[@christinenelson2070]

What’s the difference between Scoby and mother?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Mostly, there is no difference, but it can also depend on the ferment you are making but virtually, they are the same thing

[@christinenelson2070]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you 😊

[@summerbreeze1955]

Dear Heidi, last year i tried your recipes for vinegars, and all were a super success, apple pear, blackberry rosehip, strawberry and this year am going to try a scobie from rosehip for a kombucha watch this space, thankyou luv n light x

[@steveday4797]

I didn't before but I know now, thanks for the information 👍

[@kamikazitsunami]

There is no life not even our own without bacteria. Bacteria is life.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Right! And we have been taught to be so afraid of it. This is why I never have sterilized anything, not even the bottles and pacifiers my kids used when they were babies.

[@susantaylor8507]

My vinger about 2 years old and my scobe is really big and thick but my other 2 jars haven't got one but guess the scobe is about 2 inches thick

[@YolandaTheGardener]

Thanks for sharing because I keep hearing scoby and mother like they are the same thing so I’m all confused.

[@greyecologyst4694]

I made several vinegars this summer from various scraps. All have turned to vinegar and been strained except my tomato peel vinegar which is still in the alcohol phase. In an attempt to speed up the process every time i strain a vinegar i add the scoby to the tomato peel vinegar. But thus far no success. It will be interesting to see how long it takes or if it goes bad for some reason.

[@Olivia--]

Holiday blessings 🙏💛🤗. I made some vinegers and the obly one that rurned out perfect was the organic apple one and I put a tablespoon of brought organic cider with mother. I kept the scoobies . Thank you

[@theheritagehousesc]

I never get on on my apple cider vinegar. I get some big ones on kombucha.

[@cindyp.9030]

I am thinking about trying to make kombucha for the first time but was wondering if you could use a fermentation starter to get one started? I have several of them going, along with some vinegar, thanks to your great videos. Has anyone tried doing it that way? Just curious. Thanks again for a great video.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am sure you can add it but I believe you will still want that SCOBY

[@ml3110]

Thank you, Mrs. Rain. You're the bomb! 💣

[@deniserobinson2627]

Lol Heidi, I've been watching and following some of your lifestyle for about 3 years now. Today my husband was rearranging some stuff in the fridge and he brought out a jar of liquid that was hidden in the back and wanted to know what it was. Well I didn't have it marked and couldn't tell him, I I said, well let me sample it. I still couldn't tell you what it was to start with, but it was delicious

[@RainCountryHomestead]

😆

[@mariacontreras1081]

THANK YOU - GREAT INFO!!! 😀 I also have gotten VERY BIG Peach Scobies but even Bigger from Raisin Vinegar!!! My Chickens & Turkeys LOVE to peck at them til they finish them!!! 😀😀😀

[@windyloom2267]

I made cranberries with the recipe on the and put it through a sieve after. I use that juice in my kombucha. It it really good. Also ground cherry juice is really good for a kombucha flavor.

[@bobball3645]

Thanks for sharing! This may be a dumb question but I wonder if you could take your dehydrated SCOBY and powder it to use as a probiotic supplement?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Not sure how much probiotics would be left but I am sure it would still preserve most of the other benefits so yes, one could encapsulate if they wanted.

[@RootsOfEden911]

I eat scoby, I have recipes they taste good in.

[@Jms4448]

You are a fascinating person and you have so much knowledge to pass on! I hope to learn how to do even a fraction of what you know

[@Jms4448]

Pardon my grammatical error earlier 😘

[@kjvonly2451]

Quick question. I had bought a lot of soap last year and I notice they were getting dry. So I vacuum packed my soap till I wanted to make a batch years later. Do you think the soap will last? Just a question since I’m organizing my long term pantry. Thank you.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Soap does not spoil and also does not need to be vacuum packed unless you are worried about moisture getting to it. If you are talking about bar soap, it is good for it to dry out well because that makes it last longer. That is why you will find most soaps wrapped in paper rather than plastic so that it can get air to it

[@cathylamberg6223]

How often do you feed them to your chickens?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

As often as I find the scobys

[@michellelindholm2100]

What do you use all of your vinegars for? What do you do with all of them?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Here is the video I did on uses: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGslWppjs6JZ9U

[@gloriayoung392]

Hedi have you ever made Grapefruit vinegar? I have it is great 👍✌Thank you for Sharing 🙏

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, but only in the form of a mixed citrus peel vinegar

[@stonethecrowshomestead]

Add herbs to the dry product

[@WendyK656]

Heidi, I have so many Scoby's and they are huge!! I am not sure what I can do with all of these and it is from Kombucha.

[@nancymcshane3501]

I too watched your videos and made several vinegars. After straining I returned the liquid to a wide mouth quart jar and put those water fermenter lids on top. They have been sitting in my pantry, and now have multiple Scobys. I found some cute Vinegar bottles at the Dollar Tree, and decanted it for Christmas gifts, and to free up those big jars. For now, I returned all the Scobys to one jar, like a Scoby hotel, lol, and added fresh ACV. Not sure what to do with them. Don’t think I want to eat them, personally! Don’t have Dogs or Chickens anymore. Maybe will dehydrate for dog treats for friends. Also looking for other uses!

[@kennethmcdade3897]

CAN I CONTINUE USING MY SCOBYS THAT ARE FROM MY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR? i STARTED SAVING THEM WITH SOME OF THE JUICE THAT THEY WERE IN AND ADDED MORE WATER AND SUGAR. INSTEAD OF WATER AND SUGAR,COULD I USE APPLE JUICE INSTEAD ? WOULD THE JUICE MAKE A KIND OF WINE ?

[@marthaadams8326]

I am not into fermented anything - but kefir is really good. I use real coconut milk and make kefir milk and kefir cheese from the milk. It is so good on a mushroom pie with other things to taste. Yes, Bacteria is essential for life.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have done water and milk kefir. I have a video just on the uses for milk kefir as I do not care to drink it. Mostly I just like to use it as a buttermilk replacement and while I like water kefir, I find I prefer my homemade soda using my starter because it is much easier to keep alive and I do not have to worry about storing it safely when I do not feel like making it. Natural sodas are not something I crave often.

[@marthaadams8326]

@@RainCountryHomestead I don't drink the coconut kefir milk directly either. I use it in my 'green drinks in the the nutribullet' or as a cheese in my portabella mushroom concoctions.

[@jlmassey]

Can you use kombucha scoby and homemade wine and make it into wine vinegar?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You can but there is no need to add the scoby to the wine. If you simply put the wine in a jar with a cloth cover and leave for about two weeks, it will turn to vinegar

[@shaynaharris3861]

I threw dandelion in regular vinegar that was from the store and I took out the jar and almost threw it away and thought it went bad.😅

[@lauriespindler3068]

How long do you keep feeding the vinegar sugar and water? What do you do with the Scoby? Do you add it to new vinegar? When you strain the vinegar, do you add the Scoby back into the strained vinegar? Thank you 😊

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Pretty sure I explained in this video what I do with the SCOBY as that is half of what the video was about so make sure you listen to the whole thing. To learn more about the vinegar making process, please watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpbTqoZ3iLmDqNk

[@richardschmidt2430]

Thank you Heidi! Still learning..... :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@susantaylor8507]

My scobe was with my apple vinegar

[@eclecticacre2593]

New to vinegar making... Im not paying 6.59 a gallon AC vinegar but use a lot. Have my first to batches going now. !!! I am very confused about scoby and mother. Are they different? How do you use mother to start a new batch? Or do you ?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Honestly, I see them as pretty much the same but there is debate on that. Some refer to the sediments at the bottom as the mother

[@jacqueb5822]

buy a bottle of kombucha at the grocery store and just add it to the tea/sugar liquid...and leave it do it's thing

[@star1ez]

I appreciate all the comments. I love “Rain Country”. Delightful place to learn from. TY Heidi

[@nancywilson7112]

What’s the BEST TEMPERATURE to MAKE A FRUIT VINEGAR? My hubby keeps it cold in here all year!!! Ty in advance

[@RainCountryHomestead]

While vinegar does best in a warmer room, I often make mine in the rec room which we rarely heat. It will still ferment but just takes longer

[@nancywilson7112]

@@RainCountryHomestead ty very much.

[@loboalamo]

This summer was a good SCOBY summer. So as a result I do have a SCOBY hotel. Most of my scobies are by accident. I know they are scobies when I rinse them they are kind of rubbery, not slippery and the scobies from different projects do have different textures and have that solid waxy or rubbery feel when they become mature. My chickens love them to. I like my fizzy ginger or berries (goji Good!) kombucha that I added to my strained teas, that's when I get my fizzing.

[@yvonnevansickle53]

I've got lemon and orange peels in the freezer. Can I start a vinegar with those?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6q8kqGLYtyld80 And also this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKa8pnigqslsosU

[@yvonnevansickle53]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thanks!

[@annhillhouse310]

Could I make vinegar with jalapeños?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6q8kqGLYtyld80

[@annhillhouse310]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you.

[@user-gg7ym9xn2w]

I have been making organic vinegar your way for years. I let it sit for 2 months before I strain it. I stir it up everyday. I don/t get a scoby./Why? After I jar it up I still don't get one. Just curious. The vinegar is still great.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It really depends on what types of fruit or herbs you are making it with. Not all of them will form a SCOBY. Apple and Peach are the ones that most likely do and I would assume pear but we rarely have pears so I have yet to make vinegar from them

[@homesteadrewind3948]

While researching scoby I came across something about a scoby with worms or what they are calling eels in it. So I have been hesitant since then to try. Have you heard of such a thing? I hope you can put my fears to rest! I am currently trying apple vinegar but I think I put too many apples in it after looking at your pictures.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Though I have never had them, I have read about them and they are totally harmless except to the SCOBY. So if you are making kombucha and reuse the SCOBY to make more, then that is where you need to just toss an infested one and start new as it will weaken the SCOBY and infest any other SCOBYs you may have. So really, unless you are planning on making kombucha, it is nothing to worry about. If you happen to get an infested SCOBY, just toss it and if you have chickens, they will love that even more

[@homesteadrewind3948]

@@RainCountryHomestead so if I'm making my own no worries. I dont like kombucha so there is zero chance of buying an infested one. Thank you!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@homesteadrewind3948 They can still infest vinegar scobys but again, they can just be tossed and start over with well cleaned jars. I know I have yet to see them in the years I have been making vinegar though.

[@homesteadrewind3948]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you for the reassurance! Getting ready to try and make juniper vinegar soon!

[@maryellenmeggs3027]

I tried making a acv tincture and got the scoby on top of it. I didn't know what it was. So I dump the tincture down the sink and threw the solid in the trash. I'm bummed now!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

IT is all a learning process along the way! :)

[@tinawatrous9295]

I also got a HUGE scoby from my peach vinegar! I brew kombucha every week, LOVE IT! I find that my chickens do not like them though. Also, anyone need a kombucha SCOBY? I have at least 20!! lol

[@drrahilakurdi5943]

🎉❤

[@razhua]

is it safe to drink vinegar from a bottle full of huge scobys?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Of course. Some people even eat the SCOBY.

[@WestTexasTumbleweeds]

Get an ice pick and punch two holes in the middle of the scobi and then allow it to completely dry. Once dried, it makes a very strong button! Soaking the soft scobi in soy sauce will give you a brown button.

[@kleineroteHex]

wow, always learn something new!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Cool!

[@susan3200]

Interesting

[@NaturejournalingwithQ]

What is a brown button? What do tou use it for?

[@cynthiabaldwin7376]

Does the SCOBY have probiotic qualities? I know that you don't remember me, but I wrote about trouble I was having making wine from juice...I threw it out, but I wonder now if it would have made vinegar?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, it would have the same probiotic qualities and yes, you could have likely turned that to vinegar

[@cynthiabaldwin7376]

@@RainCountryHomestead Live and learn! Thanks a bunch.

[@goldierocks.]

Would love to see you upload to Rumble as well.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Never heard of it but it takes a LONG time to build a channel in a new place and get where the work that goes into it can actually pay the bills

[@goldierocks.]

Rain Country many long time YBers have hundreds of thousands of subscribers in just days of signing up. You can also upload you old videos.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@goldierocks. Right now that is more work than I have time for

[@goldierocks.]

Rain Country 👌

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@goldierocks. Again, time is an issue. I will not be going that way any time soon. I think some just do not realize how many other irons I have in the fire right now EDIT: Sorry, these comments came in to me out of order, I thought you had given me that link above after my last comment.

[@elisamarro7356]

Can u make apple cider vinegar w scoby, apples, sugar and water

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes but you do not even need to add the scoby, just the apples, sugar, and water as shown here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpbTqoZ3iLmDqNk

[@elisamarro7356]

@@RainCountryHomestead I have scobies and would like to use them. I know you can make kombucha however due to heàth issues cant take black tea, too much sugar

[@frankieboola6867]

I need help. I have a huge vinegar scoby and I need a process to make something with it. I thought this video would explain but it really doesn’t. It tells me a bunch of other things for sure.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

What exactly are you needing more explanation on? Your question is not very clear. If you mean to dehydrate it, simply cut into smaller pieces and dry on your dehydrator then powder if you want. I thought that was pretty clear

[@danya.9602]

Can you leave the mother in the acv, and then move it on when making the next batch?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You can but if you are talking specifically about the SCOBY, I do not recommend added it to start a new batch of vinegar unless you put it at the bottom underneath the items you are adding so that it does not inhibit airflow.

[@danya.9602]

@RainCountryHomestead Sorry, I have never made ACV, but I am very encouraged by your videos to make one. By mother, I meant the scoby. How long can one leave the scoby once it is formed in the first batch that one makes?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@danya.9602 As long as you want, the important thing is making sure you keep an airtight lid on it

[@danya.9602]

@RainCountryHomestead Thank you so much. Do you have a video link on how to use the many different vinegars you've made in recipes or remedies?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@danya.9602 Here is the video on the many uses for homemade vinegars: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGslWppjs6JZ9U I do not use them in extracts anymore but instead use my homemade wine as it does taste better

[@Xaforn]

Absolutely fascinating! Is there a vinegar that isn’t so smelly? Apple cider vinegar turns my stomach so bad whenever I smell it, it makes me want to puke.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

All vinegar will have strong smell but yes, some are better than others. The banana peel and mojito mint vinegars I make are the first I have ever had the smell just like lemon juice and the floral vinegars, especially those with lavender, usually have a nice floral scent. Pineapple rind vinegar sometimes smells great but other times does not, I do not know what changes from one to the other

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

I made some herb vinegars last year. The scent from dill is my favorite, it smellsso good (to me); close second is basil. You may want to try some herb vinegars.

[@Kellee24]

What is the difference between a scoby and a mother?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

The terms are often used interchangeably though some reserve the term SCOBY for kombucha and Mother for vinegar as there are some differences in the types of bacteria and yeast from each, but they are virtually the same thing

[@busgeeth-ilemaurice6642]

Hey Heidi please tell me what I can do with my banana and apple vinegar scoby. I'm lost here. Ty.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Did you listen to the video above? I did give a few ideas. If the question is based on the fruit you used, that really does not matter. A vinegar SCOBY is a vinegar SCOBY and can be used in all the ways I mentioned

[@busgeeth-ilemaurice6642]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you for your reply and apologies if I have bothered you with any silly questions. Tc. Happy Easter. B safe and blessed always with family and friends.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@busgeeth-ilemaurice6642 Not a bother and not silly. I just hope the information was helpful.

[@busgeeth-ilemaurice6642]

@@RainCountryHomestead indeed ir was very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing such a great video. Star blessed and safe always.

[@lesleykissamericafarm9349]

May I ask what you do with all your fruit vinegars? Do you cook, bake, clean with them? Anything else they're good for? I'm going to make apple cider vinegar and keep the mother. WAY cheaper making it at home. 😁 Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences.

[@ItsMe-jh3ze]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Here is the video I did some time back on the Many Uses for Homemade Vinegar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGslWppjs6JZ9U

[@imissnickplur4964]

@@RainCountryHomestead yeah, i watched that one yesterday. it'd be fun to see a video of your chickens eating a scoby. (symbiotic culture of bacteria & yeast) >>now we know.

[@stonethecrowshomestead]

You can dry them use them for leather. Grow flat wide ones. Make leather products. Good yo know. You can sew it for clothes etc.

[@ms.evegene]

Mine isn't all the way white and it has veins on it or something

[@RainCountryHomestead]

That is normal. I have never seen a pure white scoby and the color will depend on what it is being made from

[@graceann547]

So what do you do with it? Just stare at it thru the jar?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Did you listen to the video?

[@marilyncutler07]

Thank God you talk fast, and say only relevant things!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I often get complaints that I talk TOO fast

[@Superlife1369]

@@RainCountryHomestead You talk at the right speed and with such clarity that even when I put your videos on double time I can still understand what you say! I’ve been binge watching your channel, by the way. You have excellent content that is extremely simple. My goal is to do things the way they were done before everyone got their fancy gadgets and you are doing it for me. Now if I can learn how to not have to use an airlock for wine making, I will be set!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@Superlife1369 Some people use a rubber balloon as it is just porous enough to allow the gasses to escape but not porous enough to allow the oxygen in. When the balloon no longer stays inflated, then it is done. However, I did tried that method and find I prefer the airlock much better. To get a good wine, it is very important to prevent oxygen exposure while also allowing the gassing to escape to prevent it from exploding. You could put a tight fitting lid on but you would have to burp it many times a day during its most active phase. If you forget to do that, you could have a huge mess

[@Superlife1369]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you 😍 You are amazing!

[@windyloom2267]

They say you shouldn't use vinegar with kombuch because of vinegar eels

[@RainCountryHomestead]

That would only be if your vinegar actually has vinegar eels

[@windyloom2267]

@@RainCountryHomestead would it only get eels if you left it uncovered?