In this post, we reveal the complete guide to making ginger beer in the comfort of your home. We also discuss the health benefits of ginger beer, and show you how to make it for your loved ones.

Introduction

The health benefits of ginger beer lie not only in its use as a key ingredient in an moscow mule, but also when consumed on its own. The root is rich in magnesium, manganese, potassium, copper, and vitamin B6, which hold a myriad of health benefits for the drinker’s body. In fact, one of the most popular ways to consume ginger is through its beer form.

We love making ginger beer at home because it’s healthier than most carbonated drinks on the market – carbonation releases gas and can lead to some unpleasant cases of bloating or tension. The key ingredient that makes our recipe so delicious is ginger root – the punchy flavor comes from gingerol and this active compound has powerful healing properties for your body throughout the day.

Ginger Beer Ingredients

Ginger beer, in its simplest form, can be made with either fresh or dried ginger, sugar and lemon juice. Not to be confused with the fizzy ginger ale, ginger beer’s carbonation is created by adding yeast during the brewing process.

Using different amounts of each ingredient will result in a distinct flavor. There are currently two varieties of ginger beer being sold: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Unlike some brands, which are not transparent in their ingredients, it’s important that you make your own at home to truly reap the benefits.

Relieves Nausea and Improves Digestion

Did you know that ginger beer is a remedy for morning sickness, nausea, and stomach discomfort? According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, ginger beer helps digest food and allows it to move smoothly through the stomach. Nausea and stomach discomforts happen as a result of gastric issues, and ginger products like ginger beer can help alleviate these symptoms.

Ginger’s active components like shogaol and gingerol are helpful agents in relieving stomach irritation, which is why they are so widely used in treating upset stomachs.

These substances boost saliva production and bile production in order to enhance digestion. Foods with higher emulsifiers or those with high glycemic levels might not feel so good because they make lower rates of secretion of digestive fluids like water or bile.

In those situations, ginger beer can be helpful because it produces higher rates of these fluids. Ginger’s active components also enhance pancreas’ lipase activity, which increases energy flow in the body by burning fat! Plus, this natural drink has no side effects and is completely safe for consumption.

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Lowers Cancer Risk

Ginger has been shown to fight against certain types of cancer cells. It’s effectiveness at preventing these cancers is not yet conclusive, as further scientific studies need to be conducted. However, early indications are that ginger’s active compounds show anti-cancer properties.

Results from various studies such as the one conducted by the Cancer Prevention Research can point to some of the key benefits it has on humans and tumor development. Furthermore, other lab studies published by the Molecular Nutrition and Food Research can support a few of those benefits too.These helpful tips may come in handy when it comes to fighting off cancers like breast cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer or liver cancer. So go ahead and get started today with our superfoods like ginger — gingerol and shogaol alone can kill many types of cancers!

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Have you ever suffered from arthritis, gastritis, esophagitis, hepatitis, and any other type of body inflammation? Ginger beer can help! Ginger contains active compounds that can ease painful symptoms and help musculoskeletal pain relief. It also works as a natural anti-inflammatory to protect your body against infectious diseases.

Studies have been conducted regarding its effectiveness in reducing inflammation in the affected area of the body, and some studies have even associated ginger with reduced–or even complete prevention–of common illnesses such as rheumatism or arthritis.

Anti-Bacterial Properties

Ginger is a plant that has many functional compounds. One factor that makes ginger so potent is its high levels of active compounds, which help explain its popularity in medicinal and culinary use.

Ginger was also found to be an effective agent in suppressing four different respiratory pathogens: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and the influenza virus. Additionally, a study showed that supplements from ginger were better than antibiotic treatments at controlling microbial activity.

Slows Down Signs of Aging

Old age is natural, but wrinkles and the other physical signs aren’t! Drinking ginger beer can help delay the aging process and the physical signs of aging. Its aroma alone is already making us feel good and lifting our spirits. Stress, whether emotional or psychological, expedites the aging process. A glass of ginger beer can certainly bring about a sense of calm and should also give us the energy to keep up with our daily routines. Besides that, ginger beer can promote good mental health.

For centuries its key ingredient, the ginger root has been traditionally used to treat many mental problems like memory loss, dementia, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Ginger intake can greatly increase brain levels of important neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. It can also promote activity in another important neurotransmitter called acetylcholine which is key to effective learning and memory. So if you are someone with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease , consider drinking ginger beer as a preventative measure

How to Make Your Own at Your Home

Making ginger beer at home is healthier than those commercially-bought because no chemical or preservative ingredients are used during the preparation process.

Homemade ginger beer will provide you with more health benefits and allows you to have a refreshing drink any time of day, since the preparation process only takes about 2 to 3 days.

Other than that, the main difference between these two versions is that in this article we will discuss the simplified version of ginger beer and its methods and steps, while in future content on this blog we’ll provide resources to make authentic homemade ginger beer which would take about 4 to 6 weeks to complete.

Simplified Ginger Beer

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup of grated ginger, peeled
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
  • A quarter cup of lemon juice
  • A teaspoon of yeast
  • One cup of sugar
  • Water is a vital part of life.

Instructions:

  1. To make your ginger-lemon dressing, combine the grated ginger and lemon juice in a large bowl. The lemon juice will react with the cream of tartar to create lactic acid which will help tenderize the ginger. Use as much or little lime juice as you prefer.
  2. Add 4 cups cold water, then bring the mixture to a full boil.
  3. Turn the heat down for a bit, then add sugar and stir until it has dissolved.
  4. Add 5 cups of cold water to the pot, and then remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool to about 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius).
  5. In order to plant the seeds of a good fermentation, add the yeast and stir well.
  6. Cover the pot with a towel, and store it in a warm and dark place. Let it sit for about 3 hours.
  7. Transfer the mixture in to a large pitcher. Use a strainer to remove the ginger bush leaves.
  8. Pour the liquid into clean glass bottles with swingtops, making sure to not fill them more than 2/3 full. Fermentation will cause the bottles to release carbon dioxide, which in turn can cause them to explode.
  9. Give the carboys enough time to ferment in a warm and dark environment. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 3 days, so give the little guys a break. Make sure the caps are loosened up to three times a day- that’s where we’ll save our fermented product!
  10. You can refrigerate the ginger beer if you like. It’s best to refrigerate it if you have time so the fermentation process will come to a natural conclusion.

Authentic Ginger Beer

This style of ginger beer uses a two-step process. The first step involves adding a ginger bug, which consists of beneficial bacteria and yeast. The subsequent drink is rich in probiotics and will promote a healthy digestive system, when consumed as part of a regular diet.

Step 1: Ginger Bug

Ingredients:

  • For 1/2 cup of ginger, peel and grate 2 to 3 tablespoons.
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar
  • 12 cups of water
  • Glass jar
  • Cloth towels
  • Manufactures dispense a rubber bands, often in place of screws.

Instructions:

  1. Grate fresh ginger into a glass jar. Add sugar and water and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. Cover the jar with a towel or cloth to secure it, and then secure it with rubber bands.
  3. Let the ginger ginger cake sit at room temperature for about 5 to 7 days. Every day during these two weeks, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of sugar and 2 to 3 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger.
  4. You can tell if the bread is done by looking for bubbles in it. When spreading out the mixture, it should fix even if jarred or you should get a sharp, yeasty smell.

Step 2: Ginger Beer

Ingredients:

  • 2 x 8-inch pieces of peeled, grated gingerroot
  • 8 gallons of filtered water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 3 cups of sugar, any color
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice

2 cups of ginger bug.

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of water, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons minced ginger. Bring to a boil and stir for 5 minutes.
  2. Loosen the lid and add in the remaining water. Put on a lid that is higher than the sauce will rise to in order to prevent splattering and heat from escaping. Allow the mixture to cool down until it becomes room temperature.
  3. Use the fine strainer to remove the ginger bits.
  4. Pour the ginger bug into the mixture, and make sure that it’s not too cold. If it is still hot from being in pre-boil water, this will kill the ginger bug.
  5. Pour the lemon juice into the pot and stir until it is totally dissolved.
  6. Pour the liquid into your clean glass bottles. The fermentation will yield carbon dioxide, which may cause the bottles to explode if they are completely filled.
  7. Start by filling your jars up to within a quarter-inch from the top. Remember to carefully loosen the caps a few times a day to relieve some of the pressure. Then let them ferment for about 10 days, in a warm and dark place (preferably not an oven).
  8. If you prefer to chill your Ginger Beer, make sure to store it in the fridge. If you refrigerate, it will slow down microbial activity, but allow it to sit at room temperature and continue fermenting.
  9. Ginger beer is one of the tastiest beverages you can have: and it doesn’t need sugar to be delicious. It takes about 7-8 days for the ginger juice to ferment and for ginger bruise to form, turning the drink a little rough on the tongue. The longer you leave it, the less sweet and more dry your beverage will be. You may also customize ginger beer according to your liking; add fruit juices for extra flavor or liquor if you want an alcoholic version.

Final Thoughts

Some sugars can be natural like maple syrup and honey, while others can be added to artificial sweeteners like sugar and corn syrup. However ginger has some unique properties that can’t really be replicated at home. For instance, it is a very strong antioxidant that protects you against toxins in the air. It also promotes brain health and helps to fight cancer by inhibiting the growth of tumor cells. You don’t have to drink ginger beer for these benefits, but if you do, you know that what you are drinking is healthier than commercially-available ginger beers.