ginger and probiotics
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Ginger and probiotics

We’ve all been hearing about probiotics and how we should get more of it in our diets.  But, what are probiotics and can you get Ginger and probiotics together, in your favorite beverage?

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are microorganisms that can help our guts (you may have seen something about gut flora before).  They are beneficial in that they can help with inflammation.  And, we know that inflammation is bad.  A very common example of inflammation is acne.

Acne
Photo credit: LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS

Generally though, early on, we may not have any idea that our bodies are in trouble.  The signs may be so slight or they come on so gradually.  If we’re not paying attention, it could cause major problems later.

Either way, whether you know that you have inflammation in your body or not, it’s a good idea to get probiotics in your diet to ensure you have enough good flora – especially if you are taking antibiotics.  If you want to know more about this, read about it in my article:  Pickles and probiotics because I explain why you need to have probiotics if you are on antibiotics, plus I give you a great recipe for homemade pickles!

What is ginger beer?

First, I should explain what ginger beer is not.

Ginger ale vs. ginger beer

Ginger beer is not the ginger ale that you buy in a 2 liter plastic bottle at the local grocery store.  That stuff is filled with high fructose corn syrup (AKA lots of sugar).  But, it probably is the stuff that your parents gave to you when you were feeling sick, especially tummy troubles.  Why would our parents have given us pop (or soda depending on what part of the country you lived in)?  The confusion came because ginger beer is made from real ginger.  Unfortunately, there is no actual ginger in ginger ale – just ginger flavor.

ginger beer
fahrwasser

Ginger beer, on the other hand, actually has ginger in it.  It’s a concoction of fermented ginger, sugar and water.  You can get this in the grocery store and if you’ve ever had a whiskey ginger, this is typically what they use.  In my opinion, ginger beer tastes much better than ginger ale.  But, I’ve always loved the taste of ginger…well, not always – but almost and I’ll explain that in a moment.  I should mention that ginger beer is not alcoholic, despite the name – although, it can have some ‘alcohol’ in it from the fermentation process.

What is ginger?

Ginger is a rhizome plant.  You may have heard it called ‘ginger root’ because that’s basically what it is.  The ginger grows underground.  Above ground, you’ll get tall green stalks with leaves.  It can be grown in many areas.  It’s similar to horseradish root in that you can harvest it any amount you need and then put it back in the ground to continue growing.

In fact, I grow ginger in my garden but it will not last the winter so I dig it up in the fall and re-plant it in the spring, once the ground is warmed up.  This is an economical way to do it because ginger is pretty expensive if you buy it at the grocery store – especially if you buy organic.

My story about ginger…

If you asked me 10 years ago what ginger was, I’m not sure I would have known even though ginger is used in many Asian dishes.  But, the first time I knowingly had ginger was in a ginger tea.  I had bought a box of ginger tea because I heard how good it is for you if you have a stomach ache.  I heard it was better to take than some of the popular antacids that people generally take when they have an upset stomach.

So, I brewed myself a cup one day.  Upon first tasting it, I didn’t like it.  I took a few sips and walked away.  It was too spicey, I thought.  But, about 20 minutes later, I realized that my tummy wasn’t hurting like it was so I went back and finished the rest.  I was hooked!  And, for it being too spicy, yes – it is on the spicier side.  Ironically, I do like things a bit ‘hotter’ so I am not sure why I thought the tea was too spicy!  Just be aware of this if you go to try some ginger (fresh or in a tea).

Now, I consume ginger tea all the time and when I don’t have any tea bags left, I will even eat a hunk of ginger root.  Easier still, they do sell ginger capsules – so take that next time you have a stomach ache.

What is probiotic ginger beer?

Probiotic ginger beer is a step up from ginger beer.  And, yes, it is possible to get ginger and probiotics together.  You’d need to make what’s called a ‘ginger bug’.  There are multiple recipes on the internet that you can find.  Here’s how I made mine:

  • 2 cups de-chlorinated water (or use distilled)
  • Ginger root, peeled and grated (preferably organic) – although I have seen recipes that say not to peel the ginger.
  • Sugar, preferably organic
ginger root
Nutt So Ruff Probiotic ginger beer ingredients

Add 1 tsp of the peeled and grated ginger root and 1 tsp of sugar to a 1 quart jar.  Then, I add the 2 cups of water and mix to dissolve the sugar.  Place in a dark, warm area – away from light.

Then, every day for at least the next week (probably longer), mix this concoction twice a day.  In addition, add 1 tsp of sugar and 1 tsp of freshly grated ginger root and stir.  Keep doing this until you start to see bubbles form.  Once you start ‘hearing’ the bubbles, you know your ‘ginger bug’ is ready for the next step.  Note:  mine took almost 2 weeks before it got to the stage where I heard / saw the bubbles!  So, be patient.

Ginger and probiotics

Now that your ‘bug’ is ready, it’s time to make the probiotic ginger beer.  Here’s the recipe:

Probiotic ginger beer Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of your ginger bug (I only had 1 cup after mine was ‘brewing’ for the almost 2 weeks)
  • Slightly less than 1 gallon of water (you want to make sure you have enough room in your container for everything)
  • 1 1/4 cup organic sugar
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup grated ginger, preferably organic

Directions for probiotic ginger beer:

You won’t believe how easy this is!

  1. Add all the ingredients to a 1 gallon jar.
  2. Mix thoroughly to dissolve the sugar.
  3. Place in a dark, warm area for about a week, mixing once or twice a day.
  4. Once you start seeing the bubbles – just like when you were making the ginger bug, it is ready for bottling (and the 2nd fermentation).
  5. Taste test your brew to make sure there is still enough sugar.  If not, add about 2 Tbsp. organic sugar.
  6. Then, bottle your brew and set on counter for a couple days.  After 2 days, put the bottles in the fridge.
ginger and probiotics
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That’s it!  It may seem daunting at first but I promise you that it isn’t.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  I’m in the process of making my probiotic ginger beer right now!

 

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