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–+ servings
Mason jar of ginger bug.

DIY Ginger Bug

Kate Schat
Making your own root beer is easy when you DIY a ginger bug! This fermentation is a fun one for kids to do as well.
5 from 1 vote
Print DIY Pin DIY
Prep Time 30 minutes
Active Time 30 minutes
Fermentation 5 days
Total Time 5 days 1 hour
Type DIY, Drinks
Yields 1 ginger bug

Equipment

  • 1 quart jar
  • Paper towel and rubber band to cover jar

Ingredients
  

  • Fresh organic ginger root ¼ cup plus 5 tablespoons chopped/grated
  • 1 cup filtered water plus more daily
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 5 teaspoons granulated sugar divided

Instructions
 

  • Make sure your ginger is fresh, clean and free of dirt or mold.
  • Cut one good chunk of your ginger into small pieces, about ¼ cup.
  • Pour ½ cup sugar into 1 cup water in the jar and stir until mostly dissolved.
  • Add ginger chunks and stir again very well.
  • Cover with a paper towel and rubber band it, and place in a darker place until the next day. Make sure it is out of direct sunlight.
  • Feed your ginger bug daily with a teaspoon of sugar and a tablespoon of grated ginger, and a few tablespoons of filtered water. Stir vigorously and cover it again.
  • Repeat this process for 3-5 days and you will start to notice little bubbles on the second or third day. You want your culture to be very active with lots of fizzy bubbles.

Notes

  • Yes, you must use organic ginger root here! Some conventional versions have been irradiated, which kills the "bugs" that make the active fermentation.
  • If you do not have an active ginger bug culture by 5 days, it could be due to not using organic ginger, or using unfiltered water.
  • It is super important to make sure all your instruments and vessels are very clean or you could inadvertently add some unwanted bacteria to your ginger culture.
  • Try again for a few more days if you do not have an active culture or try placing it in a warm sunny spot to give it some activating heat.
Tried this DIY?Let us know how it was!