SCOBY vs. Pellicle

The SCOBY is a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria. The SCOBY is the entire culture, the liquid and the pellicle. The pellicle is produced by specific acetic acid bacteria that are part of the SCOBY. The pellicle is made of cellulose which houses a significant concentration of bacteria and yeast and therefore is part of the SCOBY, but is not the SCOBY itself. The yeast and acetic acid bacteria in kombucha fermentation are obligate aerobes and therefore need to come to the surface, so from a biophysics standpoint, it would only make sense that a significant concentration of symbionts live within the pellicle. The pellicle provides a layer of protection for the liquid portion of the culture, where acetic acid bacteria (acetobacter and gluconobacter) produce acetic acid, gluconic acid, and metabolites to limit pathogens. Having many layers of defense allow the SCOBY to maintain integrity and thrive. As a last note, the pellicle isn’t necessarily required to make kombucha, although having an extra layer of protection increases the probability of a successful brew and for that reason I will continue to use a pellicle for my brews.

My next article will be discussing some of the potential benefits of drinking kombucha on a regular basis. I hope you enjoy my tidbits of information. Until next time.