SCOBYs are ugly. They are slimy, lumpy, and have weird brown strings. This makes it hard for beginners to spot actual danger. Use this guide to determine if you need to toss your batch.
✅ IT IS FINE
Weird but Healthy
- Brown Strings: Hanging from the SCOBY. This is just yeast strands.
- Bubbles: Trapped air pockets making the SCOBY bumpy.
- Dry Patches: If it’s leathery but smooth, it’s just a dry top.
- Slime: If it’s wet, slimy, and jelly-like, it is healthy!
❌ DANGER (MOLD)
The “Fuzzy” Rule
- FUZZY: If it looks like bread mold (furry/hairs), it is mold.
- COLORS: Bright Green, Blue, or Black circles.
- DRY & POWDERY: Mold is dry spores, not wet slime.
- ON TOP: Mold always grows on the surface, never underwater.
What to do?
If it is Healthy:
Do nothing. Let it brew.
Do nothing. Let it brew.
If it is Mold:
1. Throw it all away. Do not try to scrape it off. The spores are in the liquid.
2. Sterilize your glass jar with boiling water and vinegar.
3. Buy a new SCOBY and start fresh.
1. Throw it all away. Do not try to scrape it off. The spores are in the liquid.
2. Sterilize your glass jar with boiling water and vinegar.
3. Buy a new SCOBY and start fresh.