Can You Use Mason Jars for Kombucha?

A mason jar is one of the most versatile and sustainable food containers currently available. They are both eco-friendly and toxin-free, which makes them an excellent investment.

This is the reason why a lot of kombucha brewers choose them as their preferred vessel.

You might have noticed that when purchasing kombucha, it is usually stored in a mason jar or other glass bottle.

Is it possible to use mason jars for kombucha during both stages of the fermentation?

Mason jars are good for first and second ferments, but not for third and fourth ferments, due to the differences in how they retain fizziness at these different stages.

However, it is recommended that you do not use the same mason jar that you used to make your SCOBY. 

Using a new jar will allow you to remove the old culture and start again from scratch with a fresh culture and SCOBY.

Everything you need to know about the use of mason jars in the process of making kombucha can be found in the details below.

I talk about the different types of vessels that you can use, like ceramic and steel vessels.

Kombucha

Two Stages of Kombucha Fermentation

If you only want to make your kombucha drink, you need to keep in mind that there are two important stages to fermentation.

Stage One

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, and during this time, sweet tea fermentation takes place.

The starter culture and the SCOBY are required for the first ferment to produce the un-carbonated kombucha.

Best Vessels for First Fermentation

In the first stage of this process, mason jars are a perfect vessel. Glass works well in most situations.

Since mason jars are usually only half-gallon in size, many brewers prefer the 1-gallon glass jars for easier monitoring.

Glass mason jars don’t absorb stains or the smell of liquid, unlike plastic or metal. Unless you break them, they’re also an incredibly durable solution.

You can use vessels that are made from other materials during the first ferment.

Ceramic is an option that comes to mind, but it needs to be food-grade and not contain any paint that could be harmful to the kombucha.

The difference between mason jars and stainless steel is that mason jars allow you to track the change in color of kombucha.

ceramic mason jar

Stage Two

When you make a good amount of kombucha tea, it is time to add flavor and wait for the carbonation to come on.

Most brewers stick to fruits and herbs, so there are many options for taste.

The F2 process takes 3-4 days to complete and involves leaving your brew at room temperature to carbonate.

Best Vessels for Second Fermentation

If you were in a hurry to use mason jars for the second fermentation, you would be disappointed to learn that they aren’t the best option.

Is it possible to use mason jars for kombucha during the second fermentation? It is true, but don’t expect the consistency to stay the same.

It is difficult to close mason jars because of their air-tightness. The carbon dioxide in the bottle cannot be kept in the mason jars because of their metal lids.

Glass is still the best option for organisms. If you have old beer bottles around your home, you might be tempted to reuse them.

Beer bottles can break during the process of making a beverage. Store-bought bottles that are recycled are the best for your situation.

You should avoid getting thin glass vessels that are not of good quality. It’s sure to pay off in the long run when you invest in high-quality specialty bottles.

What Should I Use to Cover the Kombucha Batch?

It’s important to keep your kombucha covered when you’re making it. Don’t use the same cap or lid while the process is taking place.

Selecting the right cover for each stage of the process is very important. A clean cotton cloth is the best option during the first part of the process.

There is a cut-out piece from a T-shirt that you can use. A bandana that is cotton works well as well.

The good news is that it is easy to cover a mason jar with a piece of cloth. You will need a rubber band to hold it all together.

The coffee filter is a cover that can be used with the mason jar. The first week or so of ferment will be enough for both of them to provide enough breathability.

Picking the right cap is important during the second stage of the process. The beer is leaking out of the brew if you don’t have a great cap.

It’s important to get all the fizziness out of the equation. If you have glass bottles that don’t come with caps, Polycone seal caps or basic F217 caps are a decent option.

Continuous Kombucha Brewing in Mason Jars

The appropriate vessels, as well as the two stages of the brew, apply to batches of brew. There are larger vessels that are needed for the continuous brewing of kombucha.

It’s usually quicker and more efficient to brew continuously. Large glass jars are the preferred choice in the beginning stages of continuous brew.

There are separate glass containers for flavoring and carbonation in kombucha brewers.

Tips

You can use the same mason jars for both ferments if you don’t want to drink a carbonated kombucha drink.

You will need both mason jars and another glass vessel to do the job if you want great fizziness.

Some of the best practices you can apply when using mason jars for kombucha fermentation are discussed here.

Choose the Right Size

It can be impractical to go with a large mason jar. If you don’t have enough space in your home for it, it will get in the way.

The fermentation can take forever if there is not enough mason jar.

A Great Lid Works Wonders

If you want to try the F2 process in a mason jar, the main goal is to find a cap that will close the jar and not allow air to enter. You have the option to try a custom-made solution.

Stick to Quality Glass

Many gorgeous mason jars might be the perfect option for your tea brew.

If you want to purchase the most aesthetically pleasing one, make sure it is made from durable materials and won’t break during ferment.

Conclusion

If you only use a mason jar for the first ferment, serving small amounts of kombucha is a great way to consume this tea.

Mason jars are an excellent choice for all kinds of food and drinks because they work well with kombucha.

There is a chance that you need a unique cap to make it happen. It is possible that mason jars might not be the best choice.

The quality of the glass is important because you don’t want the jars to break at the end of the fermentation process.

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