Homemade ginger beer: How to grow a ginger ‘bug’

This simple combination of sugar, fresh ginger and water harnesses wild yeast and beneficial bacteria that will be the base of your delicious homemade ginger beer. I’ve tried a few different starter recipes for ginger bugs over the years and I’ve found this method the most reliable.

You’ll need…

• 2 generous tablespoons finely grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons unrefined sugar
• 2 cups filtered or boiled then cooled water

Step by step

Step 1

Combine the ginger, water and sugar in a large jar and stir well. Cover with a piece of muslin or cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band.

Step 2

Each day for the next five days feed it again with 1 tablespoon ginger, 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 tablespoons water.

Step 3

Around the third or fourth day you should notice it starting to be very slightly bubbly and that it fizzes a little when you stir it. If you haven’t seen any sign of tiny bubbles at the edges (at the very least) by day four, then discard the mixture and start again. In warm weather this process should be quite speedy and in cold it will probably take the full five days. You are now ready to use your bug to make ginger beer!

Your established bug could now be stored in the fridge and fed just once a week, until you are ready to use it. If sitting at room temperature on the kitchen bench, the bug will continue to need daily feeding. If your jar gets too full of starter liquid, you can pour half of it off and top it up with a little extra water.

The Dec 2015- Jan 2016 issue of Green Ideas features how to make your own ginger beer.  Buy a copy or subscribe.