Ginger Brew

Refreshing Ginger Beer. It's a super easy fermentation that takes a little patience but is worth the outcome.  It's great to have around the house for kids or for anyone wanting a super fizzy, carbonated beverage that has loads of health giving properties.


Ginger Beer ingredients:
3 inches or more fresh ginger root
2 cups sugar
2 lemons
water

Process:
1. Start the "ginger bug": Add 2 teaspoons of grated ginger (skin and all) and 2 teaspoons of sugar to 1 cup of water. Stir well and leave in a warm spot, covered with cheesecloth to allow free circulation of air. Add this amount of sugar and ginger every day until the bug starts bubbling. This usually takes anywhere from 2 days to 1 week.
2. You can make the ginger beer
any time after the bug becomes "active"(should hear the popping if held up to ear). Just make sure you continue to feed the bug if you decide to wait longer. Boil 2 qrts (1/2 gallon) of water and add 2 inches to 6 inches grated ginger root (depending upon taste) along with 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Boil this mixture for 15 minutes. Allow to cool.
3. Once the mixture has cooled, strain the ginger out and add the juice of the lemons and the strained ginger bug. (you can keep a few tablespoons of the bug if you wish to keep re-brewing. Simply add more water, sugar and ginger and repeat steps 2 and 3.)
4. Bottle in sealable bottles. I used the Grolsch style bail top bottles. I would recommend using something sturdy as the pressure get's pretty intense. You can use old kombucha bottles, beer bottles... whatever you have around. Leave bottles in a warm spot for about 2 weeks.

5. Cool before opening. Be prepared with a glass when ready to drink as the carbonation can be strong.

If you are interested in purchasing local ginger brew through The Movement Dallas dairy co-op email me brian@themovementdallas.com for orders.

peace

(recipe adapted from Wild Fermentation)