Ginger Bug – a fermented beverage starter.

GINGER BUG – what is it ?

Ginger bug is a fermented , all natural beverage starter similar to a sourdough bread starter or Kombucha SCOBY. It is a starter to a multitude of all natural fizzy sodas and to great gut and digestive health. There are so many combinations you can’t even begin to comprehend. You make what you like and from what is available to you, from just simple ginger to luxurious Pineapple. I have made many combinations and most of them have worked but some have failed miserably. I will lead you through the basics of the Ginger Bug and then the sodas in another blog and try an steer you clear of the mistakes I made. It is easy but it does take a little time and patience to get the bug going. You will be delighted with your achievement with very little effort.

Health Benefits of these fermented beverages.

As with all naturally fermented products, they are good for you in many ways and especially for your gut health. I am not an expert but will let you know my thoughts and observation. I have discussed in a previous post http://www.thegreengreengate.com/index.php/2017/03/23/why-ive-gone-au-natural-inside-and-out/ the benefits of going all natural for me anyway !!! My skin, my allergies and gut health have all improved since eating and drinking fermented food and beverages. I take very little to no antihistimes now and I used to be one a day prior to the intake of these beneficial probiotic food and beverages.

Why choose Ginger ?

• It is an anti-inflammatory.
• It can settle an upset stomach and nausea.
• Can help reduce your risk of diabetes. and heart issues.
• It ferments very well.
• It tastes great.
• It is for sure one of the best superfoods out there.

What you will need

• It takes 3 ingredients to get your Bug started
• Ginger, organic if you can get it and lots of it
• Sugar, organic if you can get it – not essential as it is fermented anyway. coconut sugar, agave and honey will NOT work at this stage. 
• Good spring water or bottled water.
• You will need a large glass jar. I use a 2 lt hinged glass jar. 
• To cover it you will need muslin cloth but a clean j-cloth or paper towel will both work just as well.
• Twine or an elastic band to keep the cloth on.

It takes me approx 7 days to make the Bug but if your kitchen is very warm it may take less time.

Lets make the Bug.

Day 1

• Gather all you need and lets get started.
• Clean your glass jar. Chop 400g of ginger. Grate 100g of ginger. Add it all to your jar.
• Add 250g sugar. Add water to fill approx 3/4 of your jar.
• This makes a 2lt jar so if your jar is smaller adjust the quantities accordingly.
• I make a lot and used a lot.
• Cover the jar or bottle with muslin or what ever you have handy and tie it with string or a band to make sure nothing can get in but the mixture can still breath. 
• Leave it on your counter or in a nice warm place to ferment happily over night.

Day 2,3,4,5 and 6

• Each day add one table spoon of sugar and one table spoon of chopped ginger to the jar.
• You will notice and even hear the fizz and bubbles in the jar get more pronounced each day.
• I must admit I think it’s so fun and satisfying to see and to know you made that happen with just 3 ingredients and a little time.
• It may take longer than 7 days if the room is on the cool side to ferment to a nice fizzy, slushy mix so keep going another few days if you feel it needs it.
• You will get to know it very well and what it needs, sometimes it needs less sugar , more ginger or more or less heat.
• The aim is to get enough fizz and fermentation to make the all natural sodas so they will ferment quickly and easily.

As I said earlier it does take a few days and up to a week to get going and is similar to a sourdough bread starter. It needs feeding and a little care to get it right. Once you have fizz action you are all set to make the All Natural Sodas.

What to do after you make the Bug .

Make the sodas !!!!!

https://www.thegreengreengate.com/index.php/2021/02/19/natural-sodas-made-with-ginger-bug-starter/