The versatility of kombucha SCOBY is incredible. I’ve done many things with mine and continue to be amazed at what this weird-looking layered blob can do.
From beauty products to health-boosting drinks, and jerky snacks for both humans and pets, there’s a lot you can use that leftover SCOBY for.
If you’re looking for ways to use up SCOBY, add these tasty SCOBY recipes to the list.
1. SCOBY Puree
Many SCOBY recipes start with the SCOBY in puree form. So, we will start with the recipe for that first. You can keep it on hand for other recipes that call for SCOBY puree.
Have this versatile ingredient prepared for quick fixes and last-minute munchies. It can be added to cake mixes, energy balls, cookie dough, and even pastry.
Store in a jar or other airtight container in the fridge and refresh your stock for 2-4 weeks, as it won’t be usable after this time.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp plain kombucha tea
- 2 cups SCOBY pieces
Method
- Cut up the SCOBY pieces into small sections.
- Place the SCOBY pieces into a food processor or blender.
- Add the kombucha tea liquid.
- Blitz the ingredients together until it resembles smooth applesauce.
- Add a little more kombucha tea liquid if required.
- Place the mixture into a clean, dry jar or airtight container.
2. SCOBY Candy
Many SCOBY recipes are savory, but this one isn’t. This SCOBY candy is a sweet, healthy treat. It’s not rock hard but a pleasing combination of crunchie and chewy.
It’s not hard on the teeth and a perfect way to be healthier than snacking on pure sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup SCOBY
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra granulated sugar (optional)
Method
- Clean the SCOBY using filtered water. It’s essential to remove any residue.
- Cut the SCOBY into bite-sized pieces using a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
- Add the sugar and lemon juice to the SCOBY pieces and combine.
- Let it stand for 3-5 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
- In a large saucepan, add the SCOBY mixture.
- Bring to the boil for around 7-10 minutes until the sugar caramelizes.
- Stir frequently with a candy thermometer. The heat needs to be 250°F.
- While the SCOBY is boiling, prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Remove SCOBY pieces using a slotted spoon. Retain the sugar syrup.
- Place SCOBY candies on baking parchment.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Allow the sugar syrup mixture to cool a little before pouring back over the SCOBY candy pieces.
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes.
- Remove the tray.
- Before the pieces cool, sprinkle with extra sugar if you’d like.
- Allow the SCOBY candies to cool thoroughly.
- Wrap each SCOBY candy in parchment paper or leave uncovered.
- Store in an airtight glass jar or container.
3. Kombucha Energy Bliss Balls
This healthy snack is perfect for school lunches. It is a quick fix and can be made well ahead of time.
It’s one of the best SCOBY recipes if you have homemade kombucha to use up or are just starting on your SCOBY growing and don’t have a lot to spare.
The following makes 18 balls. Adapt your measurements to make more or less as needed. This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t need to be exact. Feel free to play around.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup of home kombucha tea
- 1/4 cup ground SCOBY
- 2 tbsp chocolate powder
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 cup of ground pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup ground sunflower seeds
- 3/4 cup ground nuts of choice
- 1/2 cup of ground coconut flakes
- 4 cups chia seeds
Method
- In the kombucha tea, soak chia seeds for at least 30 minutes. They need to be swollen and squishy.
- In a bowl, combine the ground nuts, seeds, and chocolate powder.
- Slowly heat and melt the coconut oil on low heat.
- Once melted, add half of the chocolate nut mixture to the coconut oil.
- Once well combined, slowly add the rest of the cacao mixture and the SCOBY until a dough consistency is achieved.
- If the mix is too wet, add more cocoa mix. If it is too dry, add more coconut oil.
- Let the mixture cool enough to be handled safely.
- Take a tablespoon-sized piece of dough and roll it in clean hands.
- Roll into the ground coconut so they are evenly coated.
- Place the ball on a plate and repeat until all the dough mixture is used.
- Place all the bliss balls into an air-tight container and freeze them for later, or store them in the fridge if being used quickly.
If you have allergies to nuts, you can add chopped, dried fruit or small chocolate drops to make them into chocolate bliss balls. Don’t you love SCOBY recipes that are totally adaptable?
4. SCOBY Sushi
The following recipe is ideal for adding a vegetarian or vegan flare to your sushi repertoire. This is another one of those SCOBY recipes that is endlessly adaptable. If you don’t like mint, use shiso or lettuce. Hate radishes? Toss in some sliced carrots, instead.
You can get sushi-making kits from companies like Alas at Amazon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2-3 cups of water
- 1/2 cucumber sliced lengthways
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Fresh mint leaves
- Radishes, diced
- 1 kombucha SCOBY, washed and sliced
- 2 tbsp kombucha tea liquid
- Seaweed sheets
Method:
- Place water and rice in a saucepan.
- Place over a medium heat.
- Add the kombucha tea liquid (this is in place of any vinegar) and salt.
- Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 30-45 minutes until the rice is semi-soft.
- Allow the rice to cool completely.
- Drain any excess water.
- Place a sheet of nori (seaweed sheets) onto the sushi board with the rough side up.
- With damp fingers, flatten the sushi rice evenly over the sheet, leaving at least one inch of paper un-riced.
- Place cucumber, radish, and mint along one side of the rice.
- On top of the combination, place the SCOBY pieces.
- Roll and tuck as you go.
- Using a sharp, wet knife, slice the cylinder into equal parts.
- Tip: slice in the middle, then the middle of the pieces, and continue until bite-sized sushi pieces are achieved.
5. SCOBY Sweet Pastry
Who would have known that SCOBY’s make for great sweet pie pastry? Adding SCOBY to a basic pastry recipe aids as a binder for the dry ingredients with the added health benefits SCOBY’s have to offer.
You’ll need the SCOBY puree for this one, so it’s best to make that ahead of time. Once that’s made, dive in:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of SCOBY puree
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-5 tbsp raw runny honey
Method
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, add all the ingredients.
- Blitz together until well combined.
- Turn out the mixture onto a clean surface and fold it together until it holds. Add a little more SCOBY puree if required.
- Spread out into the base of a pie dish.
- Add your favorite cold pie dessert filling and place in the fridge to set.
6. SCOBY Ice Popsicles
No list of SCOBY recipes would be complete without a cooling treat. This is a great way to add more health to those hot summer days and for kids. Flavor with any fruit, or try it with some homemade traditional lemonade.
This recipe can also be used for sore throats in winter, as it’s packed with soothing benefits.
Check out our SCOBY puree recipe at the top of this article, and pre-make it for this treat.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp kombucha tea liquid
- 1/2 cup of SCOBY puree
- 1-2 tsp powdered sugar or raw honey
- 3/4 cup of frozen berries, watermelon or lemonade
Method
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, place all the ingredients.
- Blend thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.
- Pour into popsicle molds.
- Place molds into a freezer.
- Freeze completely and then use as required.
7. SCOBY Fruit Smoothie
We love smoothies and shakes, particularly first thing in the morning before a crazy day at work on the homestead.
Whether the sun is shining or for an extra boost, adding SCOBY puree and kombucha tea to our favorite fruit smoothie is a must. Smoothies are one of those classic SCOBY recipes that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup frozen fruit, such as strawberries and blueberries
- 1/4 cup SCOBY puree
- 1/2 cup of unflavored home-brewed kombucha tea liquid
- 1/2 cup milk or lactose-free alternative such as almond milk
- Raw honey to taste
Method.
- Place all ingredients into a food processor or high-speed blender.
- Combine and blend thoroughly.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Combine again if required before enjoying.
8. Kombucha Coffee
If you like coffee as much as I do, and it’s a lifeline on those manic days, try this. When it comes to SCOBY recipes, this one is not as well-known, but it’s worth checking out.
Adding kombucha and SCOBY to your morning starter coffee excels as a wake-up supercharger.
Ingredients
- 1 sliced piece of SCOBY, equalling one cup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unflavored home-brewed kombucha tea liquid
- 12 cups filtered, room-temperature water
- 1-2 cups plain coffee grounds. The stronger you want it, the more you can add.
Method.
- Take 3/4 of the water and add to a saucepan, along with the sugar.
- Heat until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the coffee grounds and stir well.
- Take off the heat and let it sit to infuse for 20-30 minutes.
- Using a filter, strain into a pouring vessel.
- Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Add the kombucha tea liquid and SCOBY piece.
- Cover the vessel and leave it out of the sun for 5-10 days. Let it infuse longer for stronger taste.
- Pour into clean glass jars or bottles. Leave some space at the top for room for the mixture to develop.
- Place in the fridge and indulge.
9. Garlic Dressing
Salad dressing is a must-have fridge. It’s even better to have around if it’s extra good for you, like this SCOBY garlic dressing. Whip this together and keep it on hand for a quick dinner salad. It will last up to two weeks in a sealed jar in the fridge.
Ingredients:
- 5 garlic cloves (roasted or raw)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup SCOBY puree
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Blend it all together in a blender until smooth and creamy. Put it in a glass bottle and seal it close.