The Benefits Of Ginger & How To Make Probiotic Ginger Ale Using A Ginger Bug

Ginger is a staple in my home because it is incredibly versatile, both in terms of its therapeutic uses and its culinary uses! I use ginger in many of my herbal formulations, with GingerEase™ being my most concentrated ginger formula.

A ginger bug is a living fermented starter made by combining fresh ginger, sugar, and water. This mixture harnesses the natural yeasts and bacteria present on ginger’s skin and in the environment, resulting in a culture that produces carbon dioxide and probiotics. Think of a ginger bug as a sourdough starter for drinks! With a little love and care in the form of regular feedings, your ginger bug will repay you by transforming your ginger infusions, herbal teas, or juices into fizzy, gut-friendly sodas!

Fermented foods have been a part of traditional diets for centuries - not only because fermentation provides a way to preserve food, but also for the potential health benefits. The fermentation process encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria and yeasts, which can support a healthy gut microbiome. It is well established that a healthy microbiome plays a role in maintaining healthy digestion, immune function, and mental well-being (6).

My personal goal is to incorporate at least one small serving of probiotic into each meal. This can look like having a cup of kefir with my breakfast, sauerkraut on my lunch sandwich, and a glass of ginger bug fermented soda with dinner!

To learn more about the benefits of probiotics, read this article: The Vast Health Benefits of Probiotics.

• Use Organic Ingredients: Organic ginger works best because it hasn’t been irradiated, meaning the natural yeasts and bacteria remain, which is what we want to cultivate.

• Feed Regularly: Keep the bug alive by feeding it fresh ginger and sugar every day. This is a fun task to get kids involved with!

• Use Filtered Water: Chlorine in tap water can inhibit microbial growth so I recommend using filtered water for this recipe.

• Use Real Sugar: Fermentation requires real sugar as a food source for the bacteria and yeast. Artificial sweeteners won’t ferment, and the antimicrobial properties of honey may prevent proper fermentation. Stick with cane sugar for the best results.

• Refrigerate To Extend Time Between Feedings: Once your ginger bug is well established, you can transition from daily feedings to weekly feedings by keeping it in the fridge. Remove it once a week, allow it to come to room temperature, and feed it before placing it back in the fridge.

Whenever you are fermenting at home, it is important to have an understanding of the signs of a healthy ferment. Here are some signs that your ginger bug is active and ready to use:

• Bubbles: You’ll notice small bubbles rising to the surface, indicating the production of carbon dioxide.

• Pleasant Aroma: A healthy bug smells slightly yeasty, sweet, and spicy from the ginger.

• Fizzing Sound: Listen closely - you might hear a gentle fizz.

• No Mold or Funky Smells: Sediment at the bottom is normal, but mold or a foul odor means it’s time to start fresh.

• Use Pressure-Safe Bottles: Fermentation creates gas that builds pressure. Always use pressure safe bottles designed for carbonation to avoid breakage or explosions. I like to reuse store bought kombucha bottles!

• Burp the Bottles Daily: Release built-up gas daily to prevent accidents. If you forget to burp the bottles, carbonation can build quickly and potentially cause an explosion. If you’re concerned about this, I recommend placing the bottles inside a box during fermentation. That way, in the unlikely event of an explosion, the box will contain the mess and glass safely.

• Store in the Fridge: Refrigeration dramatically slows fermentation - so once you’ve gotten your fermented soda to the perfect level of carbonation, it’s best stored in the fridge. Your ginger bug soda can be kept in the fridge safely for several weeks, but the flavor will continue to develop. I recommend continuing to ‘burp’ your ginger ale every few days, even if it's in the fridge.

• Experiment with Flavors: if ginger ale isn’t your thing, this same recipe can be made using the liquid base of your choice, as long as it contains some sugar! Try sweetened herbal tea or juice.

Making your own probiotic ginger ale using a ginger bug is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the many benefits of ginger and probiotics in the form of a refreshing, bubbly soda. Ginger supports digestive balance, a healthy response to occasional inflammation, and the immune system, while probiotics support a healthy microbiome.†

Creating and maintaining a healthy ginger bug is easy - if you can keep a sourdough starter alive, you can keep a ginger bug going! My favorite tip for a super zingy soda packed with benefits: Add a splash of GingerEase™ and a squeeze of lime to each glass just before sipping. Delicious!