Continuous Brew and Sugar Content

[KombuchaJim]

For years I have done my best to stay away from sugar as much as possible. I occurred to me the kombucha in my 2 gal CB (I have two going at once) has new sugar added every few days as I drain down to 1 gallon before adding. I have not been doing a second ferment since I started the CB and am adding organic fruit juice for flavor.

I am wondering if there is a way to measure sugar content at various times to determine how much sugar I am taking in. I have read the forum of hydrometers and the questionable reading given the multiple factors.

I am curious about what people have found.
1. Will the sugar content change that much after 2nd ferment?
2. If so, how long does it need to go for the 2nd ferment? (Is it your impressuon or how did you measure?)

To be honest I did eat a pint of premium ice cream after dinner last night so I am not a sugar free PERFECTIONIST....I would like to know what choices I make though.

Thanks, looking forward to your thoughts.

Jim

 

[ralphkaz]

Not sure about how to measure the sugar content but you would lower it for sure if you did a 2nd bottled ferment with the fruit juice vs just adding the juice when you drink it. The 2nd ferment will eat up the sugar in the juice and add extra carbonation & probiotics...

 

[Calder]

I'm new to Kombucha, so take my input lightly. I am interested in your question and would like to know if anyone has any input.

While an Hydrometer will not give you an absolute measurement of sugar, however, for a given OG (8 ozs sugar in 1 gallon = 1.023), the hydrometer can provide a relative assessment of sugar with respect to the FG; the lower the reading, the less sugar you have.

I would be interested if anyone knows any relationship of SG to sugar in Kombucha.

I would really like to know if anyone has the same information for a refractometer reading.