If you aren’t familiar with naturally fermented beverages, you might be asking what the heck a ginger bug is and why you should make one…
A ginger bug is a culture of beneficial bacteria made from fresh ginger root and sugar. It is similar to a sourdough starter for bread or a kombucha SCOBY. The ginger imparts its flavor and as it naturally ferments, creates a mixture of beneficial bacteria.
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Though not overly tasty by itself, the ginger bug is the base for many homemade sodas and tonics. We use it to make root beer, ginger ale, fruit “sodas”, and more.
The recipe we use is an adaption of the recipe in Nourishing Traditions (p. 591) and is the culture we use for all homemade sodas. There is also an easier way to make soda that doesn’t require a ginger bug if you prefer to skip this step, but to make an authentic soda, the bug is needed.
Ginger Bug Recipe
Once this ginger bug is made, it can be kept alive and used continuously to make healthy soda at any time.

Ginger Bug Recipe
Notes
Do you have a pet ginger “bug” sitting on your counter? Will you make one?
I was just wondering if anyone has tried this with dried ginger? Or is fresh a must. Thank you!
When you move it to the fridge, do you put a real lid on it or keep using just the filter?
You can put a regular lid on it.