How to share/transport a SCOBY
It's pretty easy to share a SCOBY with a friend — or transport one if you're moving or traveling. The golden rule: make sure it has enough starter tea to keep it moist.
Kombucha Tip: How to share/transport a SCOBY · Watch on YouTube
Option 1: A Ziploc bag
Double-bag it for extra leak protection. A lot of people warn against letting a SCOBY touch plastic for extended periods — but a day or so in a clean baggie won't hurt it. As soon as you can, transfer it to a clean glass container (even a bowl or a large glass will do), cover with a clean, breathable cloth, and secure it tight with a rubber band.
Option 2: A glass jar with a lid
Mason jars work well — or use a brew vessel itself if it has a screw-on lid. Your SCOBY won't "suffocate" in a sealed container, even for a few weeks. But whenever you can, swap the lid for a clean, breathable cloth secured with a rubber band.
Don't leave a SCOBY in the car on a hot summer day — temperatures in the 100s can kill it. And super low temperatures (below the 60s) can send it dormant, which puts you at risk for mold later. Temperature 101 →
If you're the one sharing
Make sure your friend gets at least 2 cups of starter tea for their first batch. Give them good information and share your best practices — and don't forget to link them to youbrewkombucha.com or the YBK YouTube channel so they're set for success right from the start!
What if a SCOBY has been shared with me?
You don't need to use it immediately. As long as it's in a clean, glass container, it'll do just fine waiting until you're ready. If it arrived sealed under an airtight lid, you can swap that for a breathable cotton cover secured with a rubber band.
Just don't let the liquid dry out completely — if it's getting low, "feed" it with about a cup of room-temperature black tea (all leaves strained out!) and a tablespoon of cane sugar.
The longer it sits, the more sour it gets — and that's totally OK. Great, actually: that's supercharged starter tea for whenever you brew your next batch. Ready to use it? Start with the Quick Start Guide: How to Make Homemade Kombucha →