SCOBY

beverage culture

Also known as: symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast

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Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

A SCOBY, which stands for Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, is a gelatinous film used to ferment sweet tea into kombucha. This process involves various yeasts and bacteria, creating a slightly effervescent, tart beverage often consumed for its purported health benefits.12

Home-brewing kombucha typically involves steeping tea and sugar, then adding a starter liquid and a SCOBY. The mixture ferments at room temperature for 7 to 30 days. The SCOBY itself can be shared, as it replicates quickly. While kombucha is popular as a health food, scientific research backing many of its claimed benefits is limited.21

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kombucha
A gelatinous mat of symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) is then added, and the brew is covered with a tight-weave fabric or paper coffee filter and left to ferment at room temperature for 7–30 days.
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A gelatinous mat of symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) is then added, and the brew is covered with a tight-weave fabric or paper coffee filter and left to ferment at room temperature for 7–30 days.
Read More