Ginger Bug

It is summer time so I’ve been looking for a refreshing probiotic drink that my kids and I will like. I came across this recipe for a ginger bug that is used to make fizzy sodas. After 7 days of making and feeding the ginger bug, add it to fruit juice or tea and let it ferment and you should have a delicious and carbonated drink that is full of probiotics and that is also full of electrolytes. You can even feed your ginger bug and store it in the refrigerator to use over and over again just like a sourdough starter. Just don’t let the ginger bug or the soda ferment too long so your ferment doesn’t produce alcohol! The best description and recipe I’ve found for a ginger bug is on nourishedkitchen.com.

Ginger Bug Ingredients and Supplies (this is a 5-7 day process so keep reading for more ingredients)

Day 1

• 1 quart size ball jar with lid
• 2 cups filtered water
• 2 teaspoons sugar (plus more for feeding, see below)
• 1 ounce fresh ginger, diced (plus more for feeding, see below)

Directions

Heat water in a medium pot on the stove on medium heat and add sugar.

Stir until sugar dissolves and then remove from heat.

Let the sugar mixture cool.

Placed diced ginger into a quart sized ball jar and then pour sugar water over the ginger.

Place lid on the jar and let sit on your counter out of direct sunlight for 1 day.

Day 2

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 ounce diced ginger

Directions

Add sugar and diced ginger to the jar and put the lid back on.

Place jar in your kitchen out of direct sunlight for 24 hours.

Day 3, 4 and 5

Repeat directions for day 2 each day until you see bubbles form.

Once bubbles form, you have a ginger bug you can add to tea, fruit juice or syrup to make a fizzy soda!

Follow instructions for making your soda and see below on how to keep your ginger bug alive.

Feeding Instructions

Most recipes call for taking out 1/4 to 1/2 cup liquid from your ginger bug to make your soda. So, once you remove the liquid from your bug for your soda recipe, add the same amount of filtered water back to your bug and add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon diced ginger to your bug. Store in refrigerator to use again, but be sure to feed it or use it once per week.

When you want to use your bug again, remove from refrigerator and add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon minced ginger to your bug. Place lid on jar and let sit for 24 hours. Feed it 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon diced ginger each day until you see bubbles form. Mine took 2-3 days. Once bubbles form, you can use your ginger bug again!