Second Fermentation Kombucha: Bottles & Containers You Can Use

So, you studied up, worked hard, and demonstrated the patience required to get your kombucha through the initial fermentation process, and now you realize that you do NOT have the flip-top bottles everyone recommends for second fermentation!  No need to get frustrated or bummed out—there are plenty of solutions that do not involve rushing to the grocery store and buying overpriced bottles that may or may not be suitable!  That’s right—there is also no need to settle with uncarbonated unflavored kombucha for this batch.  While we are sure it would still be delicious, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy the benefits of second fermentation without a hassle!

Acceptable Bottles for Second Fermentation that You Probably Have Around the House:

• Old wine bottles: use cork or wine stopper
• Old store-bought Kombucha bottles
• Water or Soda Bottles
• Old beer bottles: you will need bottle caps for this option
• Beer growlers
• Mason jars IF you have plastic lids for them (wax paper between the jar & lid may work if you do not have plastic lids)

For each of these options, the old bottle or container will need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried prior to use as a second fermentation container.  You will also want to make sure that the container does not have any damage, and the lid will need to fit tightly in order to maintain the carbonation.  As an added note, regardless of which of these options you use, you will want to “burp” the bottle daily during second fermentation in order to prevent an explosion.  This means you will briefly lift the cap in order to release excess carbonation in the bottle or container.

 

But Wait: Why is Plastic Okay for Second Fermentation, but not the Primary Fermentation?

Well, that is not entirely true.  There are a few factors that make using plastic containers as a temporary solution for second fermentation possible.  We do recommend that you invest in a longer-term solution eventually, and we have some recommendations for you later in the article.  For now, let’s review the variables that make using plastic containers for second fermentation more feasible than primary fermentation:

1. Unfortunately, SCOBYs are rather fragile. Plastic containers may contain chemicals that have the potential to harm SCOBYs.  Since SCOBYs are removed prior to the second fermentation process, this is an issue that only affects primary fermentation.
2. Plastic is also more easily scratched and damaged over time than the recommended glass containers. A scratch to a plastic container might allow harmful bacteria to grow within it undetected.  In this case, your Kombucha would be exposed to that bacteria.  This is unlikely for an old water bottle you will be re-using once, but could easily happen with a large brewing vessel being used for each and every brew.
3. Another significant difference in this equation is the amount of time that your precious Kombucha will spend with the plastic. When it comes to Primary fermentation, you are using the same gallon jar each time you brew a new batch of Kombucha.  If you use a plastic container for primary fermentation, you will be placing your acidic Kombucha brew in the plastic for approx. 6-10 days at a time, over, and over, and over again.  Over time, it is believed that the acidity can wear down the plastic, creating the potential for harmful chemicals to make their way into the Kombucha.

For reasons related to the above points, it is recommend that plastic bottles only be used for second fermentation once prior to recycling.  This bring us to our next point…

These Solutions Should be Temporary: What are the Best Bottles for Long-Term Second Fermentation Use?

In order to obtain maximum carbonation, you will need a truly airtight container.  As with primary fermentation containers, the optimal material to use for storing your precious kombucha during second fermentation is glass.  These conditions are best met with flip-top glass bottles.  These bottles can be used for brew after brew, can be easily cleaned by hand and sanitized in the dishwasher, and should hold up for years!  As an added bonus, they are pretty cute and convenient to drink directly from!

We recommend getting at least a 6-pack of 16 oz bottles.  This works out pretty well with brewing a gallon at a time—you should end up with 6 full bottles, two cups of starter tea for the next brew, and a little extra to enjoy immediately after primary fermentation while you prepare the rest for second fermentation! 😉

You can definitely go for different sizes of the flip-top bottles as well; a six-pack of the 16oz bottles is just one of the most cost-efficient options and works well for brewing a gallon at a time.  Should you look into other options, you will want to keep volume in mind; one gallon is approx. 128 fluid ounces.  You will want to reserve about 2 cups of starter tea from each batch.  This will leave you with roughly 100-112 fluid ounces of kombucha to bottle or drink after primary fermentation depending on how much space you leave at the top of your gallon jar during primary fermentation.

If you are not a fan of flip-top bottles for any reason, a growler is another great option.  Again, any size would work.  Once again, regardless of which option you go with, you will want to “burp” the bottle daily during second fermentation in order to prevent an explosion.  This means you will briefly remove the cap in order to release excess carbonation in the bottle or container.

What is Second Fermentation Anyway?

If you have made it to this point in the article without knowing what second fermentation is and where it fits into the overall kombucha brewing process, you will probably want to read this article on the overall brewing process.  Secondary Fermentation is always an optional step; however, as you will read in the article, it is where your kombucha can become carbonated and flavored!

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of second fermentation, check out this article!

Time to Get Your Second Fermentation Rolling!

Thanks for joining us to learn about acceptable second fermentation containers! We hope this article helped you avoid a mini-crisis 🙂 Have any questions about potential brewing containers? Has something else worked well for you? Let us know in the comments below!