Another way to create bubbly fermented probiotic drinks using ginger (can be substituted for turmeric) instead of a SCOBY. It is sweeter than kombucha but you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you like making kombucha or want to try a different fermented drink all you need is a good chunk of ginger.
In a clean jar, every day add tbsp of grated or sliced fresh ginger (about a thumb piece), 1 tsp of white sugar, and 3 tsp water. Cover with a cloth to keep bugs out but allow the mixture to breathe. Similar to a sourdough starter you are trying to capture wild yeast, this can take a few days to a week or so. Add the same ingredients every day and stir the mixture until you notice active bubbles. Add more water if ginger isn't suspended in the liquid.
Once you have an active jar with visible bubbling you can make any soda drink you would like. You can keep the ginger bug in the fridge and feed once a week, but allow it to get to room temperature before using.
1.5L - base recipe
1/2 C ginger bug liquid
1/2 C brown sugar (makes it more like a soda, still sweet)
2 tbsp lemon juice
Varieties
Ginger ale - light ginger taste add 2.5 tbsp of fresh ginger
For strong spicy ginger beer - simmer about a palm-size of fresh ginger in 2 cups (.5L) for about 1 hr. Add other ingredients (except ginger bug) with most of the water. Make sure to add the ginger bug to lukewarm/ room temperature water so you don't shock the yeast.
Berry ginger - 1 tbsp of fresh ginger + 1/2 C heaping of frozen berries
Add everything together and let it sit with the lid off for a few days until you notice activity (can take around 3 days). Close and let sit for a few days to a week to carbonate. Similar to kombucha, be careful when carbonating in a glass bottle or jar. All yeast is different, I find it is best to be on the safe side and use a plastic bottle to understand how active of a yeast culture you have (mine originally only took 3 days when most sites say 1 week). Use thick glass bottles so you know they can stand the higher pressure. Enjoy!
Thanks!
Sam
Sam Waddell: Senior Apprentice, Production Coordinator
My degree is in plant sciences and science education and has helped lead me to my substantial interest in sustainable gardening and agriculture, as well as in the medicinal properties of plants. I have been integrating my interest in herbalism, aromatherapy, and maker culture with sustainable urban agriculture. I have made my own wines and fermentations, bath bombs, lotions, salves, and oil infusions using herbs from my garden. I taught a workshop on medicinal plants at Evergreen's
community garden. I have a keen interest in aromatherapy and learning more about the healing properties of essential oils.
DIY and crafting have been a key aspect of my life and you can always find me working on a project. For my Little Craft Drawer Etsy shop, I create an eclectic assortment of hand-crafted art that brings me joy. I love the cycle of honing new techniques and skills and applying them to an exciting variety of projects. I crochet, embroider, wire wrap jewelry, and draw. In this way, there is always a playful flow to my work. I give old materials a new purpose by using reclaimed wood, fabric, and yarn. No matter which medium I am working in, my crafts radiate the wonder and joy of making from my childhood. I can't wait to share it with you.
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