Can You Second Ferment Kombucha in Plastic

Using a plastic bottle to make kombucha is a critical topic because we know BPA, a chemical used to make plastics, has been found to leach into polycarbonate drinking bottles.

According to research, all plastics may leach chemicals when scratched or heated, so there is a risk of harmful chemicals leaching into your kombucha if you use a plastic container to process fermentation. However, because the second fermentation is the final stage in kombucha production, it is essential to know whether or not I can use plastic in the second fermentation.

But there can be a way to make kombucha in plastic, and today in this article, we will explain to you the basics fermentation process and how much time it takes. So without wasting time, let get into the article.

What does it mean for the Fermentation process, and what is the relationship of Fermentation to make Kombucha?

Fermentation is a metabolic process that involves the action of enzymes to produce chemical changes in organic substrates. It is also defined as a process that involves the breakdown of a substance by yeasts or other microorganisms.

For example, as an alcohol, when grapes are crushed or transferred into a container, cultured yeast is added, and the sugars in the grapes begin to convert into alcohol; this is an example of fermentation.

On the other hand, Fermentation not only helps to improve food preservation but can also increase the number of beneficial bacteria or probiotics found in your gut, which can improve your immune system.

In this way, to make kombucha, they have a close relationship fermentation, and this fermentation is done in two stages. In first fermentation, you have to cover the container with a tight cap to occur naturally. To complete this two-stage, with fermentation, there needed just tea leaves, sugar, SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), water, and cooking and bottling instruments. 

But in the second stage, the cap container should be covered with a soft cloth that the carbonation process can occur. Kombucha batch gradually builds in any glass container, but can you use a plastic container to build this batch is a fundamental question.

Why is glass container mostly use to make Kombucha around the world?

Most of the time, when we search kombucha on Google, we see a picture of kombucha tea being made in a glass jar, but is there a reason for this?

Yes, glass containers are gradually being used because glass is the best option for brewing safe kombucha for you. It not only does not react to the acidity of the brew, but it also does not scratch quickly or contain chemicals like BPA. Glass containers, on the other hand, are inexpensive and straightforward to obtain.

Canning jars with plastic lids of various sizes are ideal for fermenting. Metal jars should not be used because most household metal products will degrade in the acidic environment created by the ferments. Also, don’t use a metal cap in a glass jar because if the ferment comes into contact with the batch, it can taste like metallic kombucha, whereas a plastic lid won’t leave a metallic taste.

Can I use a plastic container in a two-stage fermentation?

We already know that plastic or non-food materials have harmful chemicals and have a chance to be mixed in your drink. Using plastic containers can also build up to harmful bacteria if there is any scratch on your plastic container. If you don’t sanitise them, bacteria can build up quickly in the tiny crevices. 

On the other hand, you can face another problem using a plastic container in the first stage; fermentation bacteria will build up. SCOBY will die after using SCOBY in the second fermentation for excess bacteria, and the whole process can be hampered. 

If you are careful to scratch your plastic container, you can still not stop the harmful chemicals to mix in your kombucha batch. So we highly recommended you not to use a plastic container for the whole process of fermentation. 

Can I use a plastic container only in the second stage of fermentation?

Although there is an option to use a plastic container in the second stage of kombucha fermentation, we still recommend using a glass container to minimize the risk. In second fermentation, there is a need to create carbonation by covering the container with a soft cloth so that the air can enter the container and do it with a plastic container. 

There is a chance to use a plastic container in the second fermentation. After passing the first stage, the kombucha batch has reached its desired acidity and needs a low duration of fermentation in the second stage.

To complete the second stage of fermentation, you must lock the kombucha with carbonation and flavour. During this short period, harmful chemicals and bacteria have little chance of mixing with the kombucha batch.

After the first stage of fermentation, the kombucha liquid has decreased to a safe level. For the reasons stated above, it is recommended that plastic bottles only be used for second fermentation once before recycling. However, you will not get the authentic taste of kombucha that you get from glass containers.

Types of containers that are alternatives of plastic container 

Since the plastic container is not entirely suitable to make kombucha, we have discussed some other containers. With this container, you can make natural kombucha batch, so check the types and choose one from them.

1. Mason Jar

Without a doubt, mason jars are an ideal vessel for kombucha brewing during the first stage of this process. Mason jars make it simple to ferment batches in more manageable sizes when fermenting.

On the other hand, Mason jars are dishwasher safe and easy to clean due to their simple glass construction and straightforward monitoring because mason jars typically only go up to half-gallon in size.

2. Ceramic container

As long as the ceramic is food-grade, it is generally safe for brewing kombucha. However, if you want to culture kombucha in a ceramic container, make sure the glaze is food-grade to avoid potential lead contact.

3. Stainless steel container

Stainless steel is the only metal that cleans and sanitises easily and is suitable for brewing Kombucha, and its position is after the glass. Metal is not suitable for brewing Kombucha Tea because it is erosive, but stainless steel is non-corrosive.

4. Wood Barrel container

We highly recommend using charred wood barrels made of oak trees for anyone serious about brewing kombucha. The taste is unrivaled, the bacteria and yeast love the oak wood, and it is straightforward to maintain.

FAQs

• Question: Does fermentation kill bacteria?

Answer: Some fermented foods are pasteurized after fermentation, killing all live bacteria and allowing for longer storage time.

• Question: Is fermentation toxic?

Answer: Fermented foods (FF) are widely consumed worldwide, and they are a significant source of toxins and pathogenic microbes linked to several foodborne outbreaks.

• Question: What are the disadvantages of fermentation?

Answer: The disadvantages of fermentation are that production can be slow, the product is impure and requires additional treatment, and production is expensive and energy-intensive.

• Question: Is fermented milk healthy?

The disease of the heart. Answer: According to research, fermented milk is no better than regular milk. Men who consume more fermented milk products appear to be less likely to develop heart disease.

Conclusion

Today we have discussed that we can use plastic containers in the second stage of fermentation, and after a considerable discussion, we said yes, you could. But we recommended you use glass to taste the authentic kombucha. We also show you the alternatives to make the kombucha.