What to do With That Slippery Sucker

5 Ways to Use Your Leftover SCOBY + Body Scrub Recipe

Before we get into the ways you can use your leftover SCOBY, let’s get these FAQs out of the way:

Q:  What’s a SCOBY?

A:  SCOBY is an acronym for Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast, and it’s the star ingredient in Kombucha (a fermented tea). The yeast in the SCOBY breaks down the sugar during the fermentation process and releases probiotic bacteria.

Q: Where do I get a SCOBY?

A:  Make sure you get your SCOBY from a reputable source, such as Kombucha Kamp. Garden Goddess Ferments is proud to add Kombucha Kamp to our list of trusted Affiliates. They also have an assortment of brewing equipment. Get your Kombucha Kamp SCOBY here.

Q: Is it safe to eat a SCOBY?

A:  Yes! Not only is it safe to eat, it’s incredibly healthy, and has no (or low) calories.  SCOBYs are full of probiotics and insoluble fiber. Both of which help your digestion. They also lower cholesterol because they absorb excess cholesterol in your bloodstream. And they slow down sugar absorption, which helps normalize blood sugar levels. It’ll taste like Kombucha tea:  tart and sweet.

Q:  How do I get a leftover SCOBY?

A:  At the end of each Kombucha brew your SCOBY will grow another layer. You can separate the freshly grown layer and use it in a new brew, let it continue to grow, or use it as suggested below.

     Tip: It’s much easier to separate the new SCOBY immediately after the brew.

Q: What if I can’t use my new (leftover) SCOBY right away?

A:  If you don’t have an immediate need for your new SCOBY, you can check it into a SCOBY hotel. Put the newly formed SCOBY in an airtight glass container, cover it with Kombucha tea (now a starter liquid), and keep it at room temperature.  Change the starter liquid regularly to keep it fresh and ready to go.

Q: What’s the best way to use a SCOBY in a recipe?

A:  SCOBYs are rubbery little suckers, so dumping them into a recipe isn’t easy. We suggest you puree it in a blender and store it in an airtight glass container until you need it. They’ll add a gelatin-like consistency to whatever you do with them.

5 Ways to Use Your Leftover SCOBY 

#1 Sneak it into Your Smoothies

Add a little SCOBY puree into your favorite smoothie to boost the nutritional value. You’ll get a thicker and creamier smoothie with a tart little kick.  

#2 Please Your Pets

Dogs, chickens, and goats will scarf up your SCOBY.  They can’t get enough!  And don’t they deserve its health benefits too?  Mix your SCOBY puree into their food or toss it into your favorite DIY pet treats. They’re also just as happy to eat it in its raw form.

#3 Amp-up Your Applesauce

Applesauce and SCOBY puree make a great combination. It blends well with the sweetness of the apple and the savory flavor of the spices (nutmeg or cinnamon).  But don’t stop there. Experiment by adding your SCOBY puree to other sauces and dressings. The possibilities are endless.

#4 Grace Your Garden

SCOBY puree is a clever addition to your compost. Or use it to balance the ph of your garden vegetables. Be sure to cover it with soil so it doesn’t attract bugs.

#5 Brush Your Body

Follow this recipe for a restorative face and body scrub.

 Ingredients:

•  1/2 cup Coconut Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Tallow or Avocado Oil
• 1 small SCOBY
• 1 cup Oats
• 1-2 tablespoons Kombucha
• 10-15 drops of Peppermint Oil

 Directions:

1.  Ground Oats in a blender and pour into a bowl.
2. Blend SCOBY and Kombucha.
3. Add Oil's and Sugar. 
4. Fold in the ground Oats.
5. Paint on face and body. 
6. Rest and restore for 15 min and rinse. 

 A SCOBY is your multi-purpose probiotic pal. Take good care of it, and it’ll take good care of you.