vinegar eels

[Guest guest]

I am interested in peoples opinion – especially those professional

or

those that share ferments with others as to their actions

of what would they do if their ferment became infested with vinegar

eels.

 

Recently on a kombucha list there was a question regarding

vinegar flies and vinegar eels which a newbie had posted. I replied

that I had some pictures and information on my website

http://www.happyherbalist.com/cautions.htm

<http://www.happyherbalist.com/cautions.htm> and in my opinion

regarding vinegar eels I said to toss it out. Further I stated if in

doubt to " throw it out "

 

That spurred one of the moderator of that kombucha newsgroup to voice

criticism of my advice. To wit:

 

.....................................................................

 

" …Yet your site presents information as though they are a risk

to

the brew and health-- " something to worry about " . I believe that is

making something fearful out of something that is merely a preventable

nuisance. I think your information is overly alarming-- the eels are

not something I'd want in my brew, but they are not harmful.

 

We have had way too many people announce they've thrown out their

brews on the basis of your instruction " When in doubt, throw it

out " ... I imagine that advice must sell quite a few replacement

SCOBYs. People, many of us on this list have been raised in societies

in which we are systemically taught to look to authorities rather

than our own inner truth, and to believe that scientific knowledge

holds all the answers rather than human cultural knowledge. If we

want different results from the culture of ill-health, we have to

look to a different set of first principles.

 

So if you encounter something you're concerned about, please ask

before you throw out your brew, and please realize that anyone

selling SCOBYs and equipment has a particular agenda that might not

be in your own best interest. Not always, but it's always a potential.

 

As a general rule, the only reason to always throw out your brew is

if you get a mold infestation. Mold is always fuzzy to the touch. "

 

--V

 

end of quote

................................................................

 

Vinegar eels are not pathogenic or considered harmful, health wise.

But what would you do?

 

Thank you

Ed kasper LAc

www.Happyherbalist.com <http://www.happyherbalist.com/>