Ginger (botanical name: Zingiber officinale) is an annual root plant that originates from southern Asian continent and is cultivated for more than 3,000 years. The largest producer of this exotic spice with white-yellowish color is India.
Ginger takes a special place in many kitchens because of its specific aroma and sharp, spicy, pungent flavor that sets it apart from other spices, but also because of its medicinal properties. For thousands of years it was used as a spice and medicine. People use its powerful effect until today.
This spice found its place in the composition of numerous products – ginger beer it the most popular of all. However, the super marker bought version is not even close to the real one, the homemade one, which can help in maintaining overall health.
Ginger has extensive nutritive composition. It contains potassium and manganese and therefore is good for the heart and for the prevention of heart disease. It also contains vitamins A, C and B-complex.
Also, ginger is used as a mean against pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammation properties. It helps to relieve muscle aches and back pain, as well as menstrual pain.
Ginger beer recipe
Ingredients needed:
– 5 cm of freshly ground ginger root
– ½ a cup of ginger culture (you will find the recipe bellow in this article)
– ½ a cup of brown sugar
– ½ a cup of lemon juice
– ¼ of a teaspoon of sea salt
– 8 cups of water
Method of preparation:
First, boil 3 cups of water and add the ginger, brown sugar and sea salt. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes in order for the sugar to dissolve. Then add the rest of the water and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Add the lemon juice and ginger culture.
Pour the beer in glass jar which should be tightly closed. Let the jar stand still for 3 days while becoming fizzy and sparkling.
If you let the content stand still for more than 3 days it can become alcohol beverage, so be careful. Also, if we leave it to ferment for too long it may explode.
Store the beer in the refrigerator.
How to make ginger culture?
Ginger culture is actually type of fungus, similar to kombucha, which you can make at home.
Ingredients needed:
– 1-2 ginger roots
– ½ a cup of brown sugar
– 2 cup of filtrated water
Method of preparation:
Mix 3 tablespoons of finely grated ginger and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar in a large glass jar. It is required to stir using a wooden or plastic spoon (no metal) and cover with gauze.
Every day over 5 days, add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
Depending on the temperature, the process of ripening can last up to 8 days.
The culture is ready when you notice bubbles occurrence, sweet smell released from the jar, and the liquid has turbid water.
If mold appears, remove it mechanically.
If the mixture does not get these features after 7-8 days, discard the contents and try again.
In order for the culture to grow, continue adding sugar and ginger. You can keep it in the refrigerator and add one tablespoon of ginger and sugar once a week.