"It's Quiet and Cute"... Raising 'Companion Bacteria' from Popular Drinks Becomes a Trend in China

Lumps Forming After Tea Beverage is Left Open
"Sharing 'Cultivation Tips' and Treating Them Like Pets"

Photos and videos of raising companion bacteria are gaining popularity on Chinese social networking services (SNS).

On December 12, Guangming Daily reported, "When the popular tea beverage 'Dongfang Shuoye' is left open after being opened, white round clumps form, which people are calling companion bacteria and raising as a trend on SNS."

Photos and videos of raising companion bacteria are gaining popularity on Chinese social networking services (SNS). Weibo.

On Chinese SNS, posts are being uploaded with photos and videos, along with comments such as, "I drank Dongfang Shuoye and left it out, and a round clump appeared. It's so cute," "What kind of bacteria is this? It's really adorable," "I left it for two weeks and it grew this big," and "It doesn't make noise or move around. It's nice that it doesn't need to be fed." Netizens are treating these bacteria, which can grow to the size of a ping-pong ball, like pets and are even sharing 'cultivation tips.' They say that if you leave the tea in a place without sunlight, the round bacteria will naturally form. More than 21 million people have viewed related posts.

The tea company Nongfu Spring commented on this trend, stating, "We recommend drinking opened beverages as soon as possible, preferably on the same day," and "If you discover 'bacteria' in the product, it is best not to continue drinking it." They also advised that if such bacterial clumps are found in unopened products, customers should immediately contact the customer service center.

Photos and videos of raising companion bacteria are gaining popularity on Chinese social networking services (SNS). Weibo.

Professor Tian Xiantong of Tianjin Normal University explained that the white spherical fungal masses inside opened tea are "most likely derived from spores floating in the air," and "when the tea beverage comes into contact with air and the right conditions (temperature, nutrients) are present, the spores germinate and form bacterial clumps." In other words, it is mold. Professor Tian added, "It appears as fluff, cotton-like pieces, or clumps, and the tea becomes cloudy or develops a moldy odor."

He especially warned that consuming these could pose health risks and recommended immediate disposal if similar formations are found. He also cautioned that special care should be taken to prevent the elderly or children from unknowingly coming into contact with or consuming them.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.