Ginger Bug

 

Many people are asking how I make my sodas, especially the culture that makes the soda.  It is typically called a, "ginger bug" and it is easy to make and take care of. 

It is easiest to get some ginger bug starter from a friend but you can also create your own.  

I made my own from the directions on this great site, Wellnessmama. 

https://wellnessmama.com/8942/ginger-bug/ 

After your ginger bug is up and running you have to take care of it!  It's a lot like having a pet in the house.  It needs feeding and looking after, sometimes it even makes a mess!

Feed your Ginger Bug every other day if you have it out on the counter. You may also store it in the refrigerator if you aren't going to make soda for a week or so.  Remember, keep the lid TIGHTLY on. If you store it in the refrigerator you can feed it once every 5 days or so maybe longer.

As you can see from the video you can tell if your Ginger Bug is active when you add sugar to it.  If you have stored it in the refrigerator for awhile simply bring it up to room temperature on the counter and feed it. Wait about a day or two before you make soda if it has been in the refrigerator for more than two weeks.

If your Ginger Bug is at room temperature release the pressure every day.  Depending on the weather you might need to relieve pressure more often.

Here are some recipes that use this ginger bug.
Cranberry Ginger Soda
http://lariannelearns.blogspot.com/2018/04/cranberry-ginger-soda.html
Ginger Soda
http://lariannelearns.blogspot.com/2018/03/fermented-ginger-soda.html