Q: Our Bokashi tea from our two Bokashi bins kit we bought from you, is tapping off with what looks like mould deposits floating on top. Is this to be expected? It’s not occurred in the recent Summer months. We don’t deposit any dairy or meat into our bins, it’s pretty much all veg and fruit waste and tea leaves and occasionally some stale pieces of bread.
A: That white or creamy mould floating on your Bokashi tea is actually a good sign — it shows that the fermentation is active and the right microbes are doing their job. It’s a bit like the “mother” you get on vinegar or kombucha.
The cooler weather this time of year often slows the process a little and can change how the tea looks and smells — so it’s quite common to notice a film or deposits appearing on top in autumn and winter, even if you didn’t see it over the summer.
Here’s what to do:
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Just give it a little stir or strain it off before you dilute it.
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Dilute roughly 1:100 with water if you’re using it on your plants.
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If it’s been standing for a while and smells very strong or sour, simply pour it into your compost heap or down your drains (it’ll help keep them clean).
And just to confirm — your mix of veg, fruit, tea leaves, and bits of bread is absolutely fine. You’re doing everything right.
Wiggly Tip: Bokashi tea can vary from batch to batch depending on what’s in the bin and the temperature — but as long as it’s not bright green, fuzzy, or smelling like something truly dreadful, it’s all part of the normal Bokashi magic!
