- 3 cup filtered water
- 1 tablespoon coarsely grated organic ginger, skin on
- 1 tablespoon coarsely grated organic turmeric, skin on
- 1 tablespoon organic raw (demerara) sugar
- 4 1/2 – 7 1/2 tablespoons coarsely grated organic ginger, skin on
- 3 –5 tablespoons organic raw (demerara) sugar
- 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 tablespoons coarsely grated organic turmeric, skin on
- Combine the water, ginger, turmeric and sugar in a sterilized 4-cup (1-liter / 34-fluid-ounce) capacity glass jar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Cover with a double layer of muslin (cheesecloth) and secure with a rubber band. Alternatively use a specialized fermentation jar with an airlock lid.
- Let stand at room temperature, out of direct sunlight in a well-ventilated place for 24 hours.
- Feed the bug with 1 1/2 tablespoons ginger, 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 teaspoons turmeric every 24 hours.
- Stir with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar. Re-cover with muslin.
- If using a specialized fermenting jar, secure the airlock lid.
- Feed for 3–5 days (the length of fermentation depends on the temperature of the kitchen), until the mixture becomes quite fizzy.
- Small bubbles should begin to appear on the surface after a couple of days.
- Use as required.
- Adapted from The Beauty Chef by Carla Oates (Hardie Grant Books, August 2017)