The yeast needs the sugar for the process. I haven't tried Stevia or anything, but I don't think sugar substitutes will work. Don't worry though, when it's all said and done, there is almost zero remaining sugar. The longer you ferment it, the less sugar you will have.
Thank you for reading 😋 If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Doyon think the one from the store will be ok? I forget the brand name. It has a lot of sugar listed but perhaps I could ferment it more? be a lazy fermenter? :happy:
I'm not sure which brand you are referring to, but just about any brand will work as long as it is unflavored and live (if it isn't refrigerated, there's a good chance it won't work). Synergy brand is really big back where I used to live. It would work fine. Try pouring it into a wider mouth container, covering it with a cloth, and letting it sit out for a few weeks. You should get a tiny little SCOBY growing on top of your tea. That scoby plus some the tea will make for excellent starter.
You have it right. As it ferments, the yeast will continue to consume the sugar, making it virtually sugar free. The taste will go from sweet to vinegar.
thank you!