My Bathtub Brewery by Keely

My Bathtub Brewery by Keely - December 2017 Scholarship Essay

I would have instigated the Boston Tea Party. Not out of revolutionary fervor, but out of hatred for hot, flavorless tea. So I was reluctant to try “kombucha” tea. But as soon as this cold, fizzy and flavorful tea touched my tongue, I was hooked. However, at $4.00 a bottle, my bank account couldn’t support my drinking habits. So my mother suggested I brew the fermented kombucha myself.

I started researching. I’d need to invest in a “mother,” or starter kit, of bacteria and yeast. Most brewers ferment their kombucha in Mason jars — but thrifty old me used a flower vase instead. The brewing process consisted of steeping tea, feeding the bacteria sugar, and waiting one week. The appointed day arrived and I excitedly took a sip. The tea was flat, overly sweet and absolutely disgusting.

Coincidentally, my AP biology teacher assigned us projects on cellular respiration around the time I started brewing my kombucha. He expected us to conduct simple experiments demonstrating plants’ oxygen output. But I had a different idea...

While learning about cellular respiration in AP Biology, we also explored concepts related to anaerobic respiration. My teacher explained the mechanisms by which bacteria convert sugars into acids and carbon dioxide. I responded with oddly specific questions about brewing. With this information, I decided I would center my project around upgrading my fly-by-night bathtub brewery into a fully functional operation. I bought a pH meter to ensure anaerobic respiration was producing acids, thereby monitoring the sweetness. My teacher lent me a CO2 level sensor so I could test the tea’s carbonation. From my experimentation, I learned to use tighter caps and brew for longer.

So, my ultimate strategy for success is to apply niche outside interests and knowledge to school projects. And the result might just be te(a)riffic!