Ginger Beer Recipe: A Refreshing And Healthy Drink
Cesar Chien
Make Your Own Ginger Beer Recipe from www.cdkitchen.com
Introduction
Ginger beer is a popular non-alcoholic beverage that originated in England in the 18th century. It is made from fermented ginger, sugar, water, and sometimes lemon juice. This drink is known for its spicy and refreshing taste that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It is also a great alternative to soda and other sugary drinks that can harm your health. In this article, we will share with you a simple and easy-to-follow ginger beer recipe that you can make at home.
Ingredients
To make ginger beer, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup grated ginger
1 cup organic cane sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice
8 cups filtered water
1/2 cup ginger bug (optional)
Grated Ginger
The most important ingredient in ginger beer is, of course, ginger. You can use fresh ginger root that you can find in your local grocery store. Make sure to wash the ginger thoroughly and peel off the skin using a vegetable peeler or a spoon. Then, grate the ginger using a fine grater or a food processor. You can also chop the ginger into small pieces if you don't have a grater.
Organic Cane Sugar
Sugar is needed to feed the yeast that will ferment the ginger beer. It is important to use organic cane sugar instead of refined sugar, as it is less processed and contains more nutrients. You can find organic cane sugar in health food stores or online.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Lemon juice adds a tangy flavor to the ginger beer and also helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar. You can use freshly squeezed lemon juice or store-bought lemon juice. Make sure to strain the lemon juice to remove any pulp or seeds.
Filtered Water
Water is needed to dilute the ginger and sugar mixture and to make the ginger beer more drinkable. It is important to use filtered water to avoid any impurities that can affect the taste and quality of the drink.
Ginger Bug (Optional)
A ginger bug is a natural starter culture that contains beneficial bacteria and yeast that can help to ferment the ginger beer. You can make a ginger bug by combining grated ginger, sugar, and water, and letting it sit at room temperature for a few days until it becomes bubbly and fermented. However, if you don't have a ginger bug, you can still make ginger beer using commercial yeast.
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to make your own ginger beer. Follow these simple steps:
In a large pot, combine the grated ginger, organic cane sugar, and filtered water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will infuse the ginger flavor into the water and dissolve the sugar.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
Add the fresh lemon juice and the ginger bug (if using) to the cooled ginger mixture. Stir well.
Pour the ginger beer mixture into a glass jar or a bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Leave some space at the top for the carbonation to build up.
Store the ginger beer at room temperature for 2-3 days, or until it becomes fizzy and carbonated. You can test the carbonation by opening the lid slightly and listening for a hissing sound.
Once the ginger beer is carbonated, transfer it to the fridge to stop the fermentation process.
When serving, pour the ginger beer into a glass and add some ice cubes and a slice of lemon, if desired.
Nutrition
Ginger beer is a healthy and refreshing drink that can provide a range of health benefits. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and boost immunity. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and can help to detoxify the body and support the immune system. However, it is important to note that ginger beer contains sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation. One cup of ginger beer (240 ml) contains approximately:
120 calories
30 grams of carbohydrates
28 grams of sugar
1 gram of protein
0 grams of fat
Conclusion
Making your own ginger beer at home is a fun and easy way to enjoy a healthy and refreshing drink. This recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be customized to your taste. You can adjust the amount of ginger, sugar, and lemon juice to make it more or less spicy or sweet. Ginger beer is a great alternative to soda and other sugary drinks that can harm your health. It can also provide a range of health benefits, thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger and lemon. So, why not give it a try and see how easy it is to make your own ginger beer at home?