It turns out that soda hasn't always been the high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavor concoction in an aluminum can that we know today.
For hundreds of years (and probably much longer) cultures around the world have made various forms of naturally fermented “sodas” from sweetened herbal teas or fruit juice mixes. These natural fermented drinks contained beneficial enzymes and probiotics to boost health and were a far cry from the unhealthy versions we have today.
This version uses a fermented ginger culture to create a naturally fizzy soda! Ginger is and delicious herb that has been used in many cultures for its health-boosting properties. From my herb profile of ginger:
“Ginger has been used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years and is said to help:
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| Image: Wellness Mama |
Alleviate nausea (great in early pregnancy)
Reduce fever
Calm coughing and respiratory troubles
Stimulates the circulatory system
Helps relieve muscle aches and pain
Can help get rid of dandruff
Emerging evidence shows it helps lower cholesterol
Japanese research has found Ginger is effective in lowering blood pressure and cancer risk”
Read our earlier article: 10 more health benefits of ginger
This natural recipe for ginger ale uses fresh ginger and a cultured ginger mixture (called a ginger bug) to create a naturally fermented and naturally fizzy ginger ale. Though this mixture can contain a small amount of alcohol if left to ferment at room temperature for weeks, we use the short brew method to create a fizzy soda without the alcohol.
Homemade ginger ale is soothing for digestive disturbances and contains probiotics and enzymes. As with any fermented product, I’d suggest starting with a small amount (4 ounce or so) and working up as all the probiotics and enzymes can cause an upset stomach in those who aren’t used to consuming fermented products. I found small amounts of this mixture helpful in early pregnancy to ward off nausea and any time one of us has an upset stomach. It also just tastes great!
This recipe makes 2 quarts of natural ginger ale, though the recipe can be adjusted up or down by using a ratio of 1/4 cup sugar per 1 quart of water and adding 1/4 cup ginger bug starter per quart of water.
Natural Ginger Ale Recipe
A naturally fermented old-fashioned ginger ale (also once called Ginger Beer) that contains beneficial probiotics and enzymes.
Author: Wellness Mama
Recipe type: Cultured – Beverage
Ingredients:
A 1-2 inch piece of fresh ginger root, minced. Adjust this to taste. I use 2 inches as I prefer a stronger ginger taste.
½ cup of organic sugar or rapadura sugar. if using plain sugar, add 1 tablespoon molasses for flavor and minerals.
½ cup fresh lemon or lime juice
½ tsp sea salt or himalayan salt
8 cups of filtered (chlorine free) water (Here is the water filter we use)
½ cup homemade ginger bug (or can use ¼ cup whey for a faster recipe though the flavor won’t be quite as good. Here is a tutorial for how to make whey)
Instructions:
Make a “wort” for your ginger ale by placing 3 cups of the water, minced ginger root, sugar (and molasses if needed), and salt in a saucepan and bringing to a boil.
Simmer the mixture for about five minutes until sugar is dissolved and mixture starts to smell like ginger.
Remove from heat and add additional water. This should cool it but if not, allow to cool to room temperature before moving to the next step.
Add fresh lemon or lime juice and ginger bug (or whey).
Transfer to a 2 quart glass mason jar with a tight fitting (air-tight) lid. Stir well and put lid on.
Leave on the counter for 2-3 days until carbonated and transfer to the fridge where it will last indefinitely.
Watch this step carefully. Using whey will cause it to ferment more quickly and it will take less time. It should be bubble and should “hiss” like a soda when the lid is removed. This is very temperature dependent and the mixture may need to be burped or stirred during this fermentation time on the counter.
As with any traditional fermented drink, it is more of an art than a science as it depends on the strength of your culture, the temperature of your house and the sugar used. The final mixture should smell of ginger and slightly of yeast/fermentation and should be fizzy. Watch carefully that it doesn’t become too carbonated as this will cause too much pressure and may result in an exploding jar!
The mixture can be strained and transferred to Grolsch style bottles before putting in the fridge (we like these bottles).
Strain before drinking.
Enjoy!
Printable recipe: http://wellnessmama.com/easyrecipe-print/8945-0/
Source: wellnessmama.com
