Making Your Own Soda From Natural Fermentation!

KITCHEN SCIENCE: October 10, 2024

CONCEPTS

Ginger bug

Natural yeast

Fermentation

Carbonation

TOOLS & SUPPLIES

Ginger

Sugar

Cheese cloth

Rubberband or jar ring

Spring water

Jar or swing-top bottle

Knife

Cutting board

Making a Ginger Bug through natural fermentation

Natural fermentation is key when it comes to making homemade sodas. With just 3 ingredients, and naturally occurring yeast, you are able to make the base of any soda with what is called a ginger bug!

TO START:

1 Tbsp grated unpeeled ginger

1 Tbsp granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups water

TO FEED DAILY:

1 Tbsp grated unpeeled ginger

1 Tbsp granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a glass jar, combine about 1 Tbsp grated unpeeled ginger and 1 Tbsp sugar.

  2. Add 1 1/2 cups water and stir vigorously.

  3. Cover your jar with a small breathable cloth.

  4. Feed your bug 1 Tbsp grated ginger and 1 Tbsp sugar daily. Stir vigorously.

  5. Your bug should be ready to use in about 5 days. It will bubble and smell yeasty, have a cloudy yellow color with sludgy-looking white sediment at the bottom of the jar and some of the ginger

  6. Carefully and slowly pour the liquid off while keeping the sediment at the bottom to enjoy!