Posted on October 17, 2026October 17, 2026 by Karen Fann — Leave a comment

A Little Kitchen Staple With a Big Story

Redmond Real Salt: A Little Kitchen Staple With a Big Story

Ancient sea salt, everyday cooking, and a special 15% offer for my Remedy Room family.

The door is open, the kettle is on!

Redmond Real Salt Ancient Fine Sea Salt pouch

Product image: Redmond Real Salt.

Now, y’all, let me ask you something. When was the last time you gave that salt shaker on your kitchen table a second thought?

We read food labels, check what goes into our recipes, and talk about making better choices. But sometimes the simplest ingredients deserve a closer look, too. That’s why today we’re talking about Redmond Real Salt.

A little something for the Remedy Room family

Save 15%

Enter SherriesRemedy at checkout on eligible Redmond purchases.

Shop Real Salt →

Affiliate promotion. Sherrie's Remedy Room may earn a commission. Discount eligibility may vary.

What Exactly Is Redmond Real Salt?

Real Salt is unrefined sea salt mined from an ancient seabed in central Utah. According to Redmond, the salt is crushed, sorted by crystal size, and packaged without the bleaching or anti-caking additives found in some refined table salts.

It has a pretty, slightly pinkish look and a flavor some folks describe as a little more complex than ordinary table salt. The best part of learning about it is knowing where it comes from and how it gets to your kitchen.

What About the Trace Minerals?

Redmond says Real Salt contains more than 60 naturally occurring trace minerals. Small amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron contribute to the salt’s color and character.

But let me be clear, honey: those trace amounts don’t turn salt into a mineral supplement. Your body still needs nourishing meals with a variety of foods to get the nutrients it requires.

The Health Part: Your Body Needs Sodium, but Not Too Much

Sodium helps your body manage fluid balance, send nerve signals, and support muscle function. We all need some sodium. But most of us already get plenty, and too much can raise blood pressure.

Real Salt is still salt. Switching from regular table salt to an unrefined salt doesn’t make excess sodium harmless, and there’s no good evidence that Real Salt itself prevents or treats disease.

One more thing: Real Salt is not iodized. Iodine is especially important for thyroid function. If you usually rely on iodized salt for iodine, make sure you’re getting enough from other appropriate food sources.

If you’ve been told to limit sodium, or have kidney or heart conditions, follow your healthcare team’s advice no matter which salt you choose.

Which Grain Should You Use?

Fine: Easy for everyday seasoning and most recipes.
Kosher: Larger crystals that are handy for sprinkling and seasoning as you cook.
Coarse: A good fit for a grinder and finishing dishes.
Powder: Useful when you want salt to distribute very evenly, such as on popcorn.

Remember that different grain sizes can measure differently by the teaspoon. When a recipe calls for a precise amount, weighing salt can help you get consistent results.

Five Easy Ways to Bring Real Salt Into Your Kitchen

Sprinkle a little on fresh vegetables before roasting.
Season chicken or fish before cooking.
Use it in homemade soups, beans, and stews.
Try it in a loaf of homemade bread.
Add a light finishing sprinkle to tomatoes or a simple salad.

You don’t need a complicated recipe to make good food. And you certainly don’t need more salt than tastes right. Start light, taste your food, and enjoy the process.

A Little Wisdom From Sherrie

Y’all know I believe in learning about the things we bring into our homes. But I also believe in using good common sense.

Just because something comes from nature doesn’t mean you can use as much as you want. And no single ingredient is going to do the work of a balanced diet and taking care of yourself.

Real Salt is an interesting kitchen option because of its origin, its simple processing, and its flavor. If those things matter to you, it may be worth a try.

Try Real Salt and Save 15%

Now, I’ve got a little something special for my Remedy Room family! If you decide to give Redmond Real Salt a try, use my code SherriesRemedy at checkout to receive 15% off eligible purchases.

A little something for the Remedy Room family

Save 15%

Enter SherriesRemedy at checkout on eligible Redmond purchases.

Shop Real Salt →

Affiliate promotion. Sherrie's Remedy Room may earn a commission. Discount eligibility may vary.

The door is open, the kettle is on!

Keep learning, keep asking questions, and don’t let nobody steal your joy!

With love,
Sherrie
Sherrie’s Remedy Room

Health disclaimer: This post is for general education and is not medical advice. Real Salt is not a treatment or cure. Ask a qualified healthcare professional about your individual dietary or iodine needs.

MORE FROM SHERRIE’S REMEDY ROOM

There’s More to Redmond Than Real Salt!
From Re-Lyte electrolytes and kitchen seasonings to natural personal care products, Redmond Life has plenty more to explore.
Discover the full collection in our Redmond Life guide.

Read Our Complete Redmond Life Guide

Posted on October 14, 2026October 17, 2026 by Karen Fann — Leave a comment

From Your Kitchen To Your Daily Wellness Routine

Redmond Life: From Your Kitchen to Your Daily Wellness Routine

Real Salt, Re-Lyte hydration, seasonings, personal care, and more — plus a special offer for our Remedy Room family.

The door is open, the kettle is on!

Now, y’all know I’m always talking about paying attention to what we put in our bodies and what we use on them. Sometimes we spend so much time looking for the next big thing that we overlook what’s already in our kitchens and bathrooms.

Today I want to introduce y’all to Redmond Life. You may know them for Real Salt, but honey, that’s just the beginning! They have products for cooking, hydration, oral care, skincare, and more.

Let’s take a look at what they offer, what the products can do, and what you should know before adding anything new to your routine.

A Little Something for My Remedy Room Family

SAVE 15%

Use code SherriesRemedy at checkout on eligible Redmond purchases.

I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases when you use my promotional code, at no additional cost to you.

1. Real Salt: An Ancient Salt for Today’s Kitchen

Redmond Real Salt fine sea salt pouch — View on Redmond Life

Let’s start with what Redmond is best known for: Real Salt. It comes from ancient underground salt deposits in Utah. It’s unrefined and doesn’t contain added anti-caking ingredients.

Real Salt naturally contains small amounts of trace minerals, which contribute to its appearance and taste. It can be used for everyday cooking, baking, and seasoning your favorite meals.

What’s useful about it? Salt supplies sodium, which supports normal nerve and muscle function and fluid balance. Redmond also offers different grain sizes for different kitchen needs.

Here’s what I want y’all to remember: Real Salt still contains sodium. Too much sodium can be harmful, and those trace minerals are present in small amounts—not enough to replace a balanced diet. Real Salt is not iodized, so make sure you’re getting enough iodine from other foods.

2. Re-Lyte: Hydration and Electrolytes

Redmond Re-Lyte hydration electrolyte powder — View on Redmond Life

Now, let’s talk hydration! Water is important, but your body also relies on electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium to support fluid balance and normal muscle and nerve function.

Redmond Re-Lyte includes electrolyte drink mixes, with different formulas and flavors depending on what you need.

These products can be useful when you lose a lot of fluid and electrolytes through prolonged exercise or heavy sweating. Some formulas also offer a flavored alternative to sugary drinks.

But listen, everybody doesn’t need electrolyte powders every day. Many of us get the electrolytes we need from food and water. If you have kidney disease, high blood pressure, or take medicine that affects sodium or potassium levels, check with your healthcare professional first.

3. Real Salt Seasonings: Flavor for the Whole Kitchen

Redmond Real Salt taco seasoning — View on Redmond Life

Y’all know I love talking about what we can do right in our kitchens! Along with plain Real Salt, Redmond offers seasoning blends that can make everyday cooking a little more interesting.

Think vegetables, chicken, fish, a good pot of beans, and those meals that bring everybody into the kitchen to see what smells so good.

Seasoning blends are convenient, but check each label for ingredients and sodium. You can enjoy flavor and still be mindful of how much salt you’re using.

4. Protein and Bone Broth: Convenient Nutrition Options

Redmond Roots vanilla protein powder — View on Redmond Life

Redmond’s product family also includes nutrition options such as protein powders and bone broth products.

Protein helps the body build and repair tissues and maintain muscle. A protein powder may be convenient when you’re having trouble meeting your protein needs through food. Bone broth can be a flavorful addition to soups and other recipes.

Neither product is a cure-all, and neither replaces balanced meals. Compare nutrition labels and choose what fits your needs and tastes.

5. Earthpaste and Other Oral Care Products

Redmond Earthpaste natural toothpaste — View on Redmond Life

Let’s move from the kitchen to the bathroom. Redmond offers oral care products, including Earthpaste and other toothpaste options.

Some of these appeal to folks interested in particular ingredients or fluoride-free formulations. But I want to be careful here: fluoride toothpaste has strong evidence for preventing cavities. Clay and other alternative ingredients have not been shown to offer the same protection.

If you’re considering switching toothpaste, especially if you’re prone to cavities, talk to your dentist about what’s best for you.

6. Redmond Clay: A Little Skincare and Self-Care

Redmond Clay silver facial mud — View on Redmond Life

Redmond also has clay-based skincare products. Clay masks may absorb surface oil, and some folks enjoy using them as part of an occasional skincare routine.

Now honey, don’t confuse that with a medical detox. A clay mask doesn’t pull toxins out of your organs, and it isn’t a treatment for skin diseases.

Follow the directions, avoid using products on broken or irritated skin, and patch-test first if your skin is sensitive.

7. Bath and Body: Make Time to Unwind

Some Redmond products are made for relaxing bath and body routines, too. A warm soak can be a wonderful way to unwind after a long day.

Enjoy these products for comfort and self-care, but don’t count on mineral bath products to treat medical conditions or replace nutrients you get from food.

And listen, y’all: taking a little time for yourself is worth something all by itself!

Why I’m Sharing Redmond Life With You

Because I want y’all to have information that helps you make your own decisions.

This is not about buying every product on the shelf. It’s about reading labels, learning what ingredients do, and choosing what makes sense for your family.

Natural doesn’t automatically mean safe for everybody. No single product replaces good food, proper hydration, sleep, or medical care when you need it.

Ready to Explore Redmond Life?

SAVE 15% WITH CODE SHERRIESREMEDY

If you decide to try something from Redmond Life, use SherriesRemedy at checkout for 15% off eligible purchases.

Your support helps us keep sharing kitchen wisdom and practical wellness education right here at Sherrie’s Remedy Room.

The door is open, the kettle is on!

Don’t let nobody steal your joy!

With love,
Sherrie
Sherrie’s Remedy Room

EXPLORE MORE

Want to Learn More About Redmond Real Salt?
Discover where this ancient sea salt comes from, what makes it different from ordinary table salt, and how to use it in your everyday cooking.

Read Our Real Salt Guide

Affiliate Disclosure & Health Disclaimer

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate promotion. Sherrie’s Remedy Room may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made using our promotional code, at no additional cost to you. The code was tested on one product and produced an approximately 15% discount; exclusions or terms may apply.

Health disclaimer: This article is educational and is not medical or dental advice. Consult your healthcare or dental professional about your individual needs, especially if you have conditions requiring sodium restriction or are considering changing oral care products.

Posted on September 12, 2026September 12, 2026 by Karen Fann — Leave a comment

Fire Cider Tonic: A Bold, Traditional Herbal Blend With a Kick

If you’ve never tried Fire Cider before, the name gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect. It’s bold, warming, tangy, and has just enough kick to earn its name.

Fire Cider is a traditional herbal vinegar made by infusing apple cider vinegar with fresh roots, herbs, spices, citrus, and other flavorful ingredients. At Sherrie’s Remedy Room, Sherrie puts her own spin on this old-fashioned herbal tradition using ingredients you may already recognize from your kitchen.

The result is a deeply flavored tonic that can be enjoyed on its own, diluted in water, or added to foods as part of your everyday routine.

What Is Fire Cider?

Fire Cider is a traditional herbal vinegar made by steeping fresh roots, herbs, spices, and other flavorful ingredients in apple cider vinegar over time.

As the ingredients infuse, the vinegar takes on their bold flavors and aromas, creating a spicy, tangy, concentrated blend.

There isn’t one single Fire Cider recipe. Like many folk herbal preparations, recipes have been shared, adapted, and personalized over the years. Some versions are extra spicy, some lean heavily on citrus, and others include herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or warming spices.

That ability to make each batch your own is part of the tradition.

A Little Fire Cider History

ire Cider has become one of the best-known preparations in modern folk herbalism.

Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar is widely credited with popularizing the preparation and teaching it to students beginning in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

From there, the recipe spread throughout the herbal community, with home herbalists and makers adapting it to their own tastes and traditions.

That’s why you’ll see so many variations today. The basic idea remains the same: vinegar, bold fresh ingredients, time, and plenty of flavor.

What’s In Sherrie’s Fire Cider?

Sherrie’s Fire Cider Tonic brings together a flavorful mix of fresh roots, herbs, spices, citrus, and honey.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Turmeric
Black Pepper
Elderberry
Oregano
Cayenne Pepper
Red Onion
Garlic
Ginger
Lemon
Orange
Cinnamon
Raw Honey

Each ingredient contributes its own flavor, aroma, heat, or sweetness, creating a tonic that is spicy, tangy, slightly sweet, and full of character.

How Sherrie Makes Her Fire Cider

Sometimes the easiest way to understand Fire Cider is to watch it being made.

Sherrie created the video below to walk you through her process, show you the ingredients that go into her Fire Cider, and give you a closer look at how everything comes together.

Make Your Own Fire Cider

One of the best things about Fire Cider is that there really isn’t just one recipe. It’s a folk herbal preparation that has traditionally been adapted based on personal taste, available ingredients, and just how much “fire” you want in your batch.

A classic Fire Cider base usually includes apple cider vinegar, horseradish, ginger, garlic, onion, hot peppers, and honey. From there, you can make it your own.

Basic Fire Cider Recipe

You’ll need:

Fresh horseradish, chopped or grated
Fresh ginger, chopped or grated
Garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
Onion, chopped
Fresh hot pepper such as jalapeño or habanero, sliced
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
Raw honey, to taste

How To Make Fire Cider

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Wash and prepare your fresh ingredients. Chop, slice, or grate the roots, onion, garlic, peppers, citrus, and any other ingredients you’re using.

Place everything into a clean glass jar.

You want the ingredients to have plenty of room for the vinegar to move around them, so avoid packing the jar too tightly.

2. Cover With Apple Cider Vinegar

Pour raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until they are completely submerged.

Make sure everything stays below the vinegar while it infuses.

Tip: Because vinegar is acidic, avoid allowing it to sit directly against a metal lid. Use a non-reactive lid or place a layer of parchment paper between the jar and a metal lid.

3. Let It Infuse

Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark location.

Allow the mixture to infuse for approximately 3 to 6 weeks.

Gently shake the jar regularly during the infusion period to help keep the ingredients moving and coated with vinegar.

As the weeks pass, you’ll notice the vinegar becoming darker, more aromatic, and much more flavorful.

4. Strain

When the Fire Cider has reached the flavor and strength you like, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

Press the ingredients gently to extract as much of the infused vinegar as possible.

Discard or compost the strained solids.

5. Add Honey

Once strained, stir in raw honey to taste.

Start with a small amount and add more until you find the balance you like between the vinegar, heat, and sweetness.

Pour your finished Fire Cider into a clean glass bottle or jar and seal tightly.

Make It Your Own

That’s really the beauty of Fire Cider.

Want more heat? Add another pepper.

Love ginger? Use a little extra.

Prefer more citrus? Add lemon or orange.

Want something warmer and spicier? Cinnamon, turmeric, or black pepper can completely change the personality of the finished blend.

There’s no single “perfect” batch. Part of the Fire Cider tradition is experimenting until you find the combination that tastes right to you.

How Do You Enjoy Fire Cider?

There’s no single way to enjoy Fire Cider.

Sherrie typically enjoys about 1 teaspoon at a time (up to 3 times per day), but the bold vinegar-and-spice flavor can also be diluted or incorporated into food.

You can try it:

Diluted in water
Stirred into a warm drink
Added to salad dressings
Mixed into marinades
Splashed over cooked greens
Stirred into soups or stews

Because Fire Cider is naturally acidic, spicy, and concentrated, start with a small amount and find the way you enjoy it best.

That preserves what Sherrie actually does without turning it into a dosage recommendation.

What Does Fire Cider Taste Like?

Fire Cider definitely isn’t a sweet syrup.

Sherrie’s blend is tangy, spicy, warming, citrusy, and slightly sweet, with plenty of personality.

You’ll notice the sharpness of the apple cider vinegar first, followed by layers of ginger, cayenne, black pepper, garlic, and onion. Lemon and orange brighten the blend, while cinnamon and raw honey help round out the stronger flavors.

If this is your first time trying Fire Cider, expect something bold. That’s part of the experience.

Why the Name “Fire Cider” Has a Story

Fire Cider has an interesting place in modern herbal history.

After the name was registered as a trademark by a commercial company, members of the herbal community challenged the idea that one business should have exclusive rights to a term that herbalists had already been using for years.

The disagreement eventually made its way to federal court.

In 2019, a judge ruled that “fire cider” was a generic term rather than a name that could belong exclusively to one company.

For many herbalists, the case represented something bigger than the name of a vinegar tonic. It highlighted the long tradition of herbal knowledge being shared, taught, adapted, and passed from one person to another.

Making Fire Cider Part of Your Routine

One of the things Sherrie loves about traditional herbal preparations is that many of the ingredients are already familiar — ginger, garlic, citrus, cinnamon, honey, and apple cider vinegar are things people have used in their kitchens for generations.

Whether you enjoy a small amount on its own or incorporate it into your cooking, Fire Cider can be another flavorful way to bring traditional herbal preparations into your everyday routine.

The important thing is finding the way that works best for you.

Want to Try Sherrie’s Fire Cider Tonic?

Don’t feel like making a batch yourself? Sherrie has already done the work for you.

Sherrie’s Fire Cider Tonic combines apple cider vinegar, fresh roots, citrus, herbs, spices, elderberry, and raw honey into one bold, ready-to-enjoy blend.

If you love traditional herbal preparations — or you’ve simply been curious about Fire Cider — this is an easy way to experience Sherrie’s version.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, take medications, have allergies, or have a medical condition.

Posted on September 11, 2026September 11, 2026 by Karen Fann — 3 Comments

Homemade Ginger Ale with Ginger Bug

There’s nothing quite like a cold, fizzy glass of homemade ginger ale — especially when it’s naturally fermented with a ginger bug.

If you’ve already made your ginger bug starter, this is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to put it to use. Homemade ginger ale has that fresh ginger kick, just the right amount of sweetness, and natural fizz created during fermentation.

You can adjust the sweetness and ginger flavor to your own taste, which is one of the best things about making it yourself.

Homemade Ginger Ale Recipe

Ingredients

½ gallon filtered water, divided
1½–2 cups sugar
Organic white sugar or unrefined sugar both work. You can use less depending on your preferred sweetness.
3 cups organic fresh ginger root, chopped or sliced
1 cup ginger bug starter
⅓ cup fresh lime juice or lemon juice, optional

Important: Use filtered water. Chlorine can interfere with the beneficial yeast and bacteria needed for fermentation.

- Fermentation: 3–5 days
- Yield: about 10–12 standard swing-top bottles
- Use bottles rated for carbonation
- Refrigerate once it reaches the flavor and fizz you like

Directions

1. Make the Ginger Tea

Add part of the ½ gallon of filtered water, the fresh ginger, and sugar to a large pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low or medium and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Add the remaining filtered water.

Set the ginger tea aside and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.

Do not add your ginger bug while the liquid is hot. Too much heat can kill the beneficial yeast and bacteria that make fermentation possible.

2. Strain the Ginger

Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or container.

Pour the cooled ginger mixture through the strainer to separate the ginger pieces from the liquid.

3. Add the Ginger Bug

Once the ginger tea has cooled to room temperature, add:

1 cup ginger bug starter
⅓ cup lime or lemon juice, if using

Stir everything together with a wooden spoon.

4. Bottle the Ginger Ale

Pour the liquid into clean flip-top bottles, leaving approximately 1 inch of headspace at the top of each bottle.

Close the bottles securely.

5. Ferment

Allow the ginger ale to ferment at room temperature for approximately 3–5 days.

Fermentation time will vary depending on the temperature inside your home. A warmer house can cause fermentation to happen faster.

As the ginger ale ferments, you should begin to see signs of activity and carbonation.

Taste it as it develops. If you’d like it sweeter, you can adjust the sweetness to your preference.

The ginger ale is ready when it is fizzy and no longer overly sweet.

If it is still sweeter than you like, allow it to ferment a little longer so the natural fermentation process can continue consuming some of the sugar.

A Note About Carbonation

Fermented drinks can build up quite a bit of pressure inside sealed bottles.

Some people “burp” their bottles by briefly opening them every day or two to release excess carbonation.

I personally do not normally burp mine, but you need to pay attention to your bottles and your fermentation time.

I’ve been making fermented drinks for quite a while and have never had a bottle explode, but I have forgotten about a batch for a few extra days and ended up with a very fizzy bottle that came pouring out like champagne!

These days, I open my fermented drinks outside on the deck — just in case. 🙂

Always use bottles designed to handle carbonation, check them regularly, and use extra caution when opening.

How Many Bottles Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe makes approximately:

10–12 standard swing-top bottles, or
4–5 larger swing-top bottles

The exact amount will depend on the size of the bottles you use.

You can also ferment ginger ale in jars, but it usually will not develop as much carbonation. It will still have that delicious fermented ginger flavor.

Watch Sherrie Make a Ginger Bug

Want to see the process in action? Watch Sherrie demonstrate how she makes her ginger bug starter.

When Is Homemade Ginger Ale Ready?

Your ginger ale is ready when:

It has developed noticeable fizz
The sweetness has mellowed
It has the ginger flavor you like

Once it tastes right to you, refrigerate it to slow the fermentation process.

And remember — even after refrigeration, fermented drinks can continue developing some pressure, so always open them carefully.

Enjoy & Share!

Homemade ginger ale is one of my favorite ways to use a healthy, active ginger bug.

Once you get comfortable with the process, you can experiment with different levels of ginger, citrus, and sweetness until you find the flavor your family loves.

If you haven’t made your ginger bug yet, start with my Homemade Ginger Bug recipe first, then come back and turn it into this naturally fizzy homemade ginger ale.

Enjoy & Share. Thank you for watching! ☺️

Posted on August 22, 2026August 22, 2026 by Karen Fann — Leave a comment

Ginger Bug: A Simple Starter for Naturally Fermented Drinks

Have you ever wondered how people make naturally fizzy homemade drinks without commercial yeast or carbonation equipment?

One traditional way is with a ginger bug.

A ginger bug is a living fermentation starter made with fresh ginger, sugar, and water. Think of it a little like a sourdough starter—but instead of helping bread rise, a ginger bug is used to help ferment and naturally carbonate homemade beverages.

Once your ginger bug becomes active and bubbly, it can be used to make ginger beer, fruit sodas, sparkling herbal teas, lemonade, and other naturally fermented drinks.

What Is a Ginger Bug?

Fresh ginger naturally carries wild yeasts and bacteria. When ginger is combined with sugar and non-chlorinated water, those microorganisms begin feeding on the sugar.

As the mixture ferments, it begins producing carbon dioxide, which creates the bubbles you’ll eventually see developing throughout the jar.

Those bubbles are a good sign—they mean your ginger bug is becoming active.

The process generally takes about 5–7 days, although fermentation can move a little faster or slower depending on the temperature of your kitchen and the activity of your starter.

Ginger Bug Starter Recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon organic fresh ginger, unpeeled and grated or finely chopped
3 tablespoons sugar
2 cups filtered, non-chlorinated water

Directions

1. Add the unpeeled grated or finely chopped ginger and sugar to a clean glass jar.

2. Pour in the filtered, non-chlorinated water.

3. Stir everything together well until the sugar has completely dissolved.

4. Cover the jar with cheesecloth or another breathable cloth and secure it with a rubber band.

5. Allow the jar to sit on your counter at room temperature for approximately 24 hours.

6. During that first day, give your ginger bug a stir every few hours—or whenever you happen to think about it.

Feeding Your Ginger Bug

Beginning the next day, feed your ginger bug every day with:

1 tablespoon grated or finely chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sugar

Stir the mixture well after each feeding.

Continue feeding and stirring your ginger bug daily.

After a few days, you should begin seeing bubbles forming in the jar. You may notice bubbles along the sides, across the surface, or increased bubbling after you give it a stir.

Keep feeding your starter until it becomes active and bubbly. This usually takes about 5–7 days.

How Do You Know When It Is Ready?

Your ginger bug is ready to use when you can consistently see bubbling and fermentation activity in the jar.

It should have a fresh ginger aroma along with a slightly yeasty or fermented smell.

If everything looks and smells right and your starter is happily bubbling away, it is ready to use.

Watch Sherrie Make a Ginger Bug

Want to see the process in action? Watch Sherrie demonstrate how she makes her ginger bug starter.

What Can You Make With a Ginger Bug?

Once your ginger bug is active, the strained liquid can be used as a starter for a variety of homemade fermented beverages. This is where you can start experimenting with different flavors, fruits, herbs, and teas.

Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale

Probably the most traditional use for a ginger bug, homemade ginger beer combines an active starter with a sweetened ginger base to create a naturally fermented, fizzy drink.

Homemade Fruit Sodas

A ginger bug can be used with sweetened fruit-based beverages such as apple, cranberry, grape, peach, berry blends, or citrus. Once you understand the basic process, there are plenty of flavor combinations to explore.

Sparkling Herbal Teas

Sweetened herbal teas can also be fermented using your ginger bug. Different herbs, fruits, spices, and teas give you plenty of room to create your own unique combinations.

Lemonade and Other Natural Sodas

Sweetened lemonade and other homemade soda bases can also be fermented using an active ginger bug.

How to Store Your Ginger Bug

Once your ginger bug is active, you don’t have to keep it sitting on your counter indefinitely.

If you aren’t planning to use it right away, place it in the refrigerator.

The colder temperature slows down fermentation and makes your starter easier to maintain.

Weekly Feeding

While refrigerated, feed your ginger bug about once a week with:

1 tablespoon fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sugar

Give it a good stir after feeding.

Getting Your Ginger Bug Ready to Use Again

When you’re ready to make another fermented beverage, remove your ginger bug from the refrigerator and allow it to return to room temperature.

Resume regular feedings until you begin seeing plenty of bubbles and activity again.

Once it is active and bubbly, it is ready for your next batch.

A Few Important Ginger Bug Tips

Always begin with clean hands, jars, and utensils.

Use filtered or other non-chlorinated water whenever possible, since chlorine can interfere with the microorganisms responsible for fermentation.

A healthy ginger bug should smell fresh, gingery, and mildly fermented.

If you notice fuzzy mold, unusual colored growth, or a rotten or strongly unpleasant smell, discard the batch, clean your equipment thoroughly, and start over.

Remember that fermentation produces carbon dioxide. If you use your ginger bug to carbonate beverages in sealed bottles, pressure can build inside the container. Always use bottles designed to handle carbonation and monitor them carefully.

Naturally fermented beverages can also develop a small amount of alcohol during the fermentation process.

Start Your Own Ginger Bug

A ginger bug is a simple way to start exploring traditional fermentation at home.

With fresh ginger, sugar, filtered water, and a little patience, you can create a living starter that can be maintained and used again and again.

Keep feeding it, keep stirring it, and watch for those bubbles.

Before long, you’ll have your own active ginger bug ready for your next homemade fermented drink.