These measures will help if something goes wrong with your Earl Grey fermentation, as you will still have other SCOBYs. Having a backup applies to this case and any situation when you are experimenting with something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why do some people say you can’t use Earl Grey to brew Kombucha? <\/strong>Earl Grey tea has bergamot oil in its composition, known for having antibacterial effects, so many believe it could be harmful to your SCOBY. But the amount of bergamot oil in Earl Grey makes it safe for kombucha brewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is all the information you need to know to be able to brew a fresh batch of Kombucha using Earl Grey tea and open your world to a new variety of flavours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On this topic, I will write a more straightforward explanation of why Earl Grey might hurt your SCOBY. If you are into science and studies and want a full scientific explanation, scroll below to the last topic. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Earl Grey tea has bergamot oil in its composition, known for its antibacterial effects. A few studies indicate that popular beliefs about its uses are correct; bergamot oil does have antibacterial effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These results give substantial support to popular or anecdotal beliefs in the effectiveness of treating skin and mucosal infections with bergamot oils. <\/p>Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy<\/em>, Volume 59, Issue 2, February 2007, Pages 305\u2013308, https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/jac\/dkl473<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n So, in summary, the risk is adding a tea that has oil with antibacterial properties could kill your SCOBY.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another reason people say Earl Grey is no good for brewing kombucha is that the added oils will remain on top and inhibit your SCOBY from fermenting properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both of those trains of thought don’t consider the amount of bergamot oil added to your fermentation. The amount of oil in Earl Grey tea is really small, and there were no studies on Earl Grey tea and its effects on the SCOBY. All the studies were done in vitro<\/em> and in specific conditions that are not the same as the environment of brewing kombucha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe the best way to learn about something is by testing it, trying it, and experimenting. And, if you don’t want to do all of this yourself, another good start is to talk to people that already did. What leads us to the next topic…<\/p>\n\n\n\n The kombucha community is divided on this topic. Some people say it is harmful to your SCOBY, and some say they did it and that their Kombucha was delicious and their SCOBY was fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main difference I noted between those against Earl Grey being used to brew Kombucha and those in favour is that everyone against it never tried it, so they have the theory to back them up but not practical knowledge. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other side, there are many stories of successful Kombucha brewed with Earl Grey. Here are a few comments from successful brewers. Of course, there are many more where this came from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fermentationhero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Scoby-Hotel-1-1024x536.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Is The Risk Of Using Earl Grey In Your First Fermentation (F1)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fermentationhero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Experiment-1024x536.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Does The Community Say About It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n