Kombucha is a fermented tea that is made from sweetened black or green tea and sugar. They are also sometimes called “tea-kvass” because they are similar to traditional Russian kvass. It is usually brewed using a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and beneficial yeast, especially Lactobacillus Bacterium and Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086) which is added to the mixture. This is then left to undergo a fermentation process for about two weeks before it is bottled. But do you know how long does kombucha lasts after opening?
In this article, we will be giving you information about the shelf life of a bottle of kombucha as well as its proper storage method.
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1. How Long Does Kombucha Last After Opening
Kombucha is a healthy drink with a very long shelf life, as lovers of this fermented tea would know. Despite this, various kombucha products may be found at the grocery store, each with its own storage and shelf life recommendations. But most of the time, kombucha last for one week after opening.
Though it won’t go completely bad beyond a week, its gassiness and taste might be affected due to interaction with air. It reacts the same with a bottle of soda or carbonated drinks.
How Long Does Commercially-Bottled Kombucha Last After Opening
A best-by date or use-by date is usually included on store-bought kombucha brands. Because it is already a fermented product, it can often remain for a long time past the label’s expiration date. You should drink the beverage as soon as possible for optimal flavor and carbonation. If kept cool and dry, it will not go bad. However, the flavor will deteriorate with time.
Put it in the refrigerator if your kombucha is compatible with room temperature and you want to keep it beyond the expiration date on the label. It should keep its flavor for at least a few months after the best-by date.
How Long Does Homemade Kombucha Last After Opening
When kept in the refrigerator, it will generally last for a few months. Like the Oregon Kombucha, it can be kept for at least 1-3 months in the fridge. If a specific time is not specified, consider that the quality should be good for at least a month or two, and over time it may begin to taste stale and bland.
You should be able to determine the shelf life of your own kombucha when making it at home.
How Long Does an Open Bottle of Kombucha Last?
It depends on several factors, including the type of kombucha you buy, the temperature of the room, and the length of time you leave it out.
It is best to consume an open bottle of the kombucha within a single week, less if the temperature is warm.
How long does a gallon of kombucha last in the fridge?
If you purchase a raw kombucha, it should last anywhere from three days to a week. But if you purchase a ready-to-drink kombucha, it can last up to six months.
These beneficial microorganisms are called probiotics. They’re found naturally in foods such as yogurt and kefir, but they don’t survive very long outside their natural environment.
That’s why it’s important to store kombucha properly. For example, if you place it in the refrigerator, the cold temperatures kill the probiotics.
How long does a pint of kombucha last after opening?
Depending on the type of Kombucha you purchase, the temperature of the storage space where you store them, and the length of times they’re left out, some may last longer than others.
You should drink an opened pint of kombucha within one week, but not longer than that.
2. Can You Freeze Kombucha
Yes! You may freeze this cultured drink using a sturdy plastic container or heavy-duty reusable plastic bags. Because of the acidity, kombucha should be prepared with plastic utensils, funnels, and plastic bottles for storage. Always make sure to use plastic and not metal to freeze the drink. Moreover, cold temperatures can also keep the drink from spoiling because the culture of bacteria will be dormant.
Here are the steps for freezing kombucha:
1. Pour the kombucha into the container, leaving a few inches of space before sealing. Never shake the kombucha.
2. Fill a large bowl halfway with ice and set the chilled packed drink in it to chill, then add water and a ¼ cup of salt. The salt will rapidly chill the water and ice, bringing the drink to near-freezing temperatures in no time.
3. After the beverage is thoroughly frozen, place it back in the freezer and maintain the temperature at 0°Fahrenheit.
4. To defrost frozen kombucha, take it from the freezer to the refrigerator. Consume the drink as soon as it has been thawed. To ensure that the majority of the probiotics were preserved during the freezing, consume any remaining kombucha stock within a few days or weeks of freezing. Never leave defrosted kombucha in the pantry or re-freeze unused portions.
3. What Are the Signs of Bad Kombucha
When kombucha is fermented, certain qualities of the drink change, and in some cases, you might want to either throw it out or use it for other purposes. A colony of mold and bad bacteria may develop in the bottle or around the cap, but it is extremely unusual. If mold forms in the bottle or near the cap, simply throw away the drink. If you see some strands or anything that is floating, those are just part of the sediments of the ingredients or culture of bacteria.
Here are other obvious signs of spoilage to check if kombucha has gone bad:
- Vinegar-like taste or overly tart taste
- Has an unpleasant smell
- Is cloudy
- Makes bubbles that pop too quickly
- Does not have enough fizz when opened
If these things happen, discard the drink immediately.
4. How to Store Kombucha
The best way to store this healthy drink is in the fridge. It is the best way to store bacteria’s quality, living culture, and flavor. Otherwise, it might increase the alcohol content, pH level, and carbonation.
Most kombucha with additional preservatives or preserved by pumping air out of the container can last for up to six months without spoiling. Some products, however, always need to be refrigerated, so check the bottle. Kombucha that has been opened should be kept in the refrigerator right away.
If you don’t want to refrigerate kombucha, keep the bottle out of the sunlight and away from sources of heat. Both factors could compromise the living cultures in the drink.
5. What Are the Health Benefits of Kombucha
Kombucha tea contains many health benefits. Many people who drink it say that they feel better after drinking it. Here are some of the health benefits of kombucha:
- It helps fight cancer cells.
- Healthy kombucha contains probiotic bacteria that help prevent cancer. In addition, it also contains antioxidants that protect against cancer.
- It reduces inflammation. Many studies show that kombucha tea can reduce inflammation. This is because it contains probiotic bacteria that kill harmful bacteria.
- It boosts immunity.
- Control blood sugar levels.
- Contributes vitamins and minerals.
- Suppress the spread of less desirable bacteria and yeast while encouraging more beneficial ones.
- Supports gut health or digestive health
Nutritional Profile of Kombucha
For every 100 ml of kombucha, your intake:
- 16kcals/67KJ
- 0.0g protein
- 3.0g carbohydrates
- 3.0g sugar
6. Can old kombucha make you sick?
No. There is no scientific evidence that shows that consuming old kombucha will cause harm to your body. However, there is one thing that you must consider before consuming old kombucha; it’s the presence of acetobacter. Acetobacter is a type of bacterium that produces acetic acid as a waste product during fermentation. When this bacterium grows in large numbers, it can produce a vinegar-like odor.
Acetobacter is present in all kombuchas, regardless of age. However, it usually doesn’t grow very well at room temperature. Therefore, most kombuchas won’t have any noticeable aroma. Acetobacter is harmless to humans. However, if the levels get high enough, it can cause stomach upset.
7. What should kombucha look like after 7 days?
After seven days, the liquid looks clear and slightly yellowish. If you see anything else, then discard it.
8. Does kombucha make you poop?
Yes, but only if you consume too much. Most people find that their stools become softer and looser after drinking kombucha. This happens because the probiotics in kombucha break down food particles in the digestive tract and feed on them.
9. How many times can you use a baby SCOBY?
You can use a baby SCOBY as often as you want. You can even freeze it and reuse it later. Just remember to replace it with a new one when needed.
5:Healthy drinks that are made from kombucha.