Bentonite clay fining agent

[bcr...@gmail.com]

Hi,

I'm wondering whether anyone has ever used bentonite clay as a fining agent for kombucha, either during primary fermentation, or before bottling. I believe this may help to produce a clear kombucha, but it could also pull out lots of the yeast and bacteria.

Any thoughts on the pros and cons of using bentonite clay would be useful.

Thanks,

Ben

[Jared Englund]

Wow Ben that sounds like an interesting idea.  I have used bentonite as part of a detox program, but not as a fining agent.  Let me know if this works, and I will do the same if I try it.  I think I may even have some in the cupboard...

[bcr...@gmail.com]

Hey,

My test batch on with bentonite clay (3L container) worked beautifully. The kombucha came out very clear, and had a nice clean tartness to it. I tried the process on a bigger 80L batch but it didn't work. The kombucha came out hazy again - hoping some time in the cold room will help settle it out.

Ben 

[natash...@hotmail.com]

Hi Ben, i have just brought some to try too, how did you get on in the end? are you still using it? 

[bcr...@gmail.com]

Hey,

I've had some success with it. It produces a very clear first ferment, but the taste is a little different. I haven't done any larger batches yet because I wanted to see how the scobys react over many brewing cycles (with bentonite clay). Let me know how things work out.

I haven't tried gelatin because I don't think it would work in a first ferment. I believe gelatin would be useful in clearing the kombucha post first/second ferment.