Is low pH needed to stop pathogenic bacteria from contaminating the colony?
Yes. It is important to add enough of the fermented k-tea to bring the initial pH down below 4. Adding 1 1/2 cups of previously fermented Kombucha will help to acidify the solution right from the start. If you don’t have any fermented Kombucha to add, then add about 3 tablespoons of distilled vinegar for the first batch only. After that save enough fermented Kombucha to add to the next batch.
