Ginger Bug Recipe
A ginger bug is a simple fermented starter made from ginger, sugar, and water, used to create effervescent homemade sodas.
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Instructions
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Prepare ginger by peeling and chopping or slicing.
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In a 1-quart glass jar, combine water, prepared ginger, and sugar; stir until dissolved.
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Cover the jar with fine-weave cloth secured by a rubber band and place in a warm location.
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After 24 hours, feed the ginger bug daily for 4 to 6 days by stirring in 2 tablespoons each of ginger and sugar.
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Once the ginger bug is active, prepare 7 1/2 cups of soda base (sweet tea, fruit juice, or lemonade).
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Strain 1/2 cup of liquid from the ginger bug and replace it with 1/2 cup water in its jar.
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Combine the soda base and strained ginger bug liquid, stirring thoroughly.
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Fill bottles, leaving 1/2 to 1 inch of headspace, then seal.
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Allow bottles to ferment at room temperature for about 3 days until desired carbonation is reached; burp glass bottles daily to release excess pressure.
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Refrigerate bottles after fermentation is complete and consume cold within a few weeks.