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How do you make Jamaican ginger beer from scratch?

Photo Credit: Hotel Mockingbird

You 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 Wellesley

Recommended Reading: Free Jamaican Recipes

A 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! Click here to jump across and see what you like!

Comments for How do you make Jamaican ginger beer from scratch?

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Mar 10, 2020
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Tasty Recipe
by: Novene Thomas

Thanks again for the tasty recipe: Ginger Beer.

Mar 08, 2020
Rating

So yummy
by: Jason

Yes, I agree, ginger beer is the best!!!
And using real Jamaican ginger is a must.
No other ginger will give the same special taste.
Thanks Wellesley

Mar 08, 2020
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One of my favorite sips
by: Cheri Avery Black

So good to know what the basic ingredients are---I think I'll make some, going easy on the sugar, my only hold off from drinking a whole bottle. Thanks!

Mar 08, 2020
Rating

Carbonated Ginger Beer
by: Trevor

Hi Wellesley,

Good recipe for ginger beer. However, if you want to add some zest I generally use half regular water and half carbonated spring water. By doing this I found it makes the beer smoother and easier to drink.

Regards

Trevor

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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.

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