You can definitely make kombucha in a jar with a spigot! In fact, using a larger glass jar with a spigot can be a great choice for those who want to try continuous brewing.
One of the key benefits of using a jar with a spigot is that it makes it much easier to draw off your finished kombucha without disturbing the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). The spigot allows you to simply open it and pour out the desired amount of kombucha, without having to remove the SCOBY or disturb the fermentation process. This is especially helpful if you plan on brewing larger batches or if you want to have a continuous supply of kombucha.
When choosing a jar with a spigot for kombucha brewing, it's important to make sure that the spigot inside the jar is made of plastic, not metal. Metal can potentially damage the SCOBY and affect the fermentation process. Plastic spigots are typically safe to use and do not have any negative impact on the SCOBY or the quality of the kombucha.
In addition to the spigot, it's important to consider the size of the jar. For continuous brewing, it's recommended to use a larger jar to allow for a larger volume of kombucha to be brewed at once. This can help maintain a more stable pH level and fermentation process. A 2-gallon glass jar is a popular choice for continuous brewing, as it provides plenty of space for the SCOBY to grow and ferment the kombucha.
When using a jar with a spigot, it's also important to ensure that the jar is made of glass. Glass is non-reactive and will not leach any harmful chemicals into the kombucha. Avoid using plastic or metal containers, as they can potentially contaminate the kombucha or affect the flavor.
To set up your kombucha continuous brew system with a jar and spigot, you'll need to follow the same basic steps as traditional brewing. Start by brewing a batch of sweetened tea, then add your SCOBY and some starter liquid from a previous batch of kombucha. Place a breathable cover, such as a cloth or coffee filter, over the jar to allow airflow while keeping out any debris or insects.
Once the fermentation process begins, you can simply open the spigot and draw off some kombucha whenever you want to enjoy it. It's important to leave enough liquid in the jar to cover the SCOBY, as it needs to remain submerged to continue fermenting properly. You can then add fresh sweet tea to the jar to replace the kombucha you've drawn off.
Using a jar with a plastic spigot is a convenient and practical choice for making kombucha, especially if you're interested in continuous brewing. Just make sure to choose a glass jar with a plastic spigot, and avoid using metal or plastic containers. Happy brewing!