How much air does it need?

[wayimp]

I tried kombucha once with an airlock, and it suffocated, but I've also had batches ruined by little flies that infiltrated the cheesecloth. I would prefer to keep it as closed as possible, but I don't want to suffocate it. Will I be okay with just a covered space over the airlock hole, or does it need a bigger hole to breathe through?

[AlexP]

Kombucha, unlike kefir needs plenty of oxygen to do well. I wold not recommend air locks with kombucha. A properly secured cloth lid, paper towl or handkerchief should be enough to keep the fruit flies out.

Alex

[jessiebarber]

Thanks for the thread. I also wonder how much sugar is left in the kombucha, for instance, when it's done?

[AlexP]

It's about 2-6 grams of sugar per cup when the kombucha is finished, which is not that much. You can test with a hydrometer if desired.

Alex