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How do you make Jamaican ginger beer from scratch?

Photo Credit: Hotel MockingbirdYou know how dynamic ginger is right?
That's not only based on the fact that it is one of the most versatile spice on planet earth -for any dish or drink, it also has amazing health benefits; from alleviating joint pains and increasing joint mobility to relieving upset stomach and gas.
And I've also learned that researchers found recently that ginger's gingerol can be used to fight ovarian cancer cells!
In Jamaica, we use ginger in all possible ways; yes as a spice in meats, but also in pastries, teas and drinks.
And speaking of drinks, today's question is...
How do you make Jamaican ginger beer from scratch?RESPONSE: by WellesleyA welcomed and timely question too! You see, I love my Jamaican ginger beer! In fact, if and when I have a soda, the ginger beer variety is the only one I take.
But I also needed to learn to make my own!
So
thanks a lot, your question just forced me to draw and dust off some old literature I have.
And lo and behold, I found the recipe!
So here is it... this is how you make Jamaican ginger beer from scratch, the traditional way (authentic, fermented and non-alcoholic)!
The total preparation time is no more than about 15 minutes!
Get the following
ingredients:
- Approximately 1/4 pound of fresh ginger
- 1/2 gallon water
- 1 large green lime &
- 2 lbs of granulated sugar
THEN, follow this
procedure:
- Scrape the ginger to remove the outer later and any debris
- Wash and then pound it; In Jamaica we traditionally use a mortar and pestle :-) but you can also grate or blend.
- In the meantime, place the water on stove to boil
- Place the 'juicy' pounded ginger in a large container
- Pour the boiling water on/over it
- Add the sugar and stir until it is fully dissolved
- Wash, peel and juice the lime
- Then add both the lime juice and the rind to the liquid
- Allow it to cool, then pour the mixture in a glass or
earthen-war jar.
- Cover and let it stand at room temperature for between 5 and 10 days, stirring with a wooden spoon every two days.
- When ready, strain and pour off into bottles which may be placed in the refrigerator to chill.
Please note that the bottles may be kept at room temperature and allowed to ferment for a further 2 or 3 days before using.
And now, I am off to the market, and you know for what, right?
Yes, my Jamaican ginger.
I hope all this helps.
By the way, you might also be interested in learning about the nine (9) surprising health benefits of our own
Jamaican apple here.
Here's to good health! Ginger health :-)
I welcome
your comments here.
Regards,
WG
P.S. From traditional Jamaican herbs and spices, to books and collectibles, find them on my growing Etsy Store!
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About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adore its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day.
His
efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications,
including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers,
as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies
and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest and check out his unique Jamaican products on his Etsy store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
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