Living organism: can kombucha be stored in the refrigerator and how to do it correctly?

Cool, refreshing drinks are always enjoyed in the summer. It is especially valuable if they are also useful.

One such option is kombucha. This drink is created using tea leaves, sugar and medusomycetes - a symbiosis of yeast and certain bacteria.

Making a kombucha drink is a continuous process, so when you need to take a break, the question arises of how to preserve the mushroom itself.

One solution is to use a refrigerator. But everything must be done according to the rules so that the kombucha does not spoil.

We will tell you in the article whether and how to properly store kombucha in the refrigerator.

Is it worth it?

When producing a drink from medusomycetes, certain conditions are created. These include good lighting and room temperature. If everything is done correctly, then in a few days you can get a fresh portion of a refreshing drink.

Kombucha develops actively only in warm conditions. When the temperature drops, all processes in it slow down.

The refrigerator is just the place to keep kombucha when a refreshing drink is not needed. To do this, it is placed in a weak solution, with less sugar, and sent to a cool place.

Disadvantages of this storage option:

• the need to allocate space in the refrigerator;
• After removal from the refrigerator, kombucha requires time to recover, so you won’t be able to drink the drink right away;
• putting the jar in the cold, and forgetting about it until summer will also not work, since it is a living organism that requires attention.

It is advisable to store the drink merged with kombucha in the refrigerator.

Shelf life

Even when placed in a solution in the refrigerator, the mushroom continues its vital activity. Because of this such storage cannot be too long.

If you need to extend the storage time of the mushroom in the refrigerator, it is better to replace the solution once a month and, if necessary, rinse it.

Rules

If you plan to put your kombucha in the refrigerator, you need to prepare for this. This is necessary so that the kombucha can withstand exposure to low temperatures without negative consequences.

Preparation

Kombucha is a medusomycete consisting of bacteria and yeast. If you need to save it for several weeks, then the liquid should be drained. The mushroom itself is washed and filled with a less concentrated than usual nutrient solution.

Capacity

For keeping in the refrigerator, you can choose the same glass jar in which kombucha is usually found. You should not close the neck with a lid, as this will disrupt the flow of air. Gauze folded in several layers and secured to the top of the vessel is suitable.

Temperature

Air temperature from +5 to +10°C allows you to slow down all the processes occurring in the medusomycete.Thanks to this, the solution will not quickly peroxidize, and it can be changed less often. It is advisable that the conditions in the place where kombucha is stored are maintained stable.

Possibility of freezing

In the case when kombucha needs to be stored for a longer time, for example, until next summer, You might want to consider freezing it.

The exceptional vitality of kombucha allows it to be frozen first and then thawed.

Kombucha should be removed from the jar, rinsed in clean water and dried using a lint-free cotton towel. After this, it must be placed in a zip-lock bag, after releasing the air from it. In this form, the mushroom is subjected to shock freezing - quickly, and at the lowest possible temperature.

A gradual decrease in temperature and/or a prolonged freezing process is not desirable, as they can lead to damage to the body of the mushroom. When quickly freezing, ice forms on the kombucha mainly on top, and this is normal. But this option for preserving kombucha has its drawbacks.

There is a possibility that the mushroom will not tolerate low temperatures and will die, so this method of preservation cannot be considered very reliable. If it is possible not to freeze kombucha, then it is better not to use this method, since the result is not guaranteed.

This video will tell you about freezing kombucha:

What to do with kombucha after removing it from the refrigerator and freezer?

After the jar has been in the refrigerator, the kombucha should be moved directly in this form to its usual place so that it gradually warms up. The liquid it was in is drained and a new sweet solution is poured in..

In the case where kombucha has been in the freezer compartment, defrosting should be slow and gentle. The mushroom is transferred from the bag to a container for thawing. And only after that it is placed in a nutritious sweet solution.

Conclusion

Preservation of medusimicetes requires compliance with a number of rules. Since kombucha is a living organism, it can be affected by diseases and even disappear. To prevent this from happening, crop care must be thorough and regular.