How to Make Ginger Juice
Have You Ever Tried Ginger Juice?
It’s widely recognized that Asian culinary traditions have gained a significant following in the United States over the past several decades. Accompanying this trend, the consumption of fresh ginger has seen a notable increase, with many American homes incorporating ginger into their everyday cooking practices. Whereas ginger was traditionally utilized in its powdered form, fresh ginger has now become readily available in grocery stores. Fresh ginger, grated, adds a flavorful touch to marinades and sauces inspired by Asian cuisine, and the juice extracted during grating enhances these recipes with its delightful taste.
Ginger has enzymes that can help tenderize meat by breaking down its protein, fresh ginger is a popular marinade component. Some marinades recipes also require chopped or grated ginger, while others specify freshly squeezed ginger juice. Ginger juice is used to flavor sauces in addition to marinades. And as long as you have fresh ginger on hand, you can easily create your own.
How To Make Ginger Juice
To prepare ginger juice all you need is fresh ginger, a peeler, a grate, and then a cheesecloth. Start with peeling and grating ginger into many pieces. Then squeeze the ginger nectar from the shredded pieces into a small bowl with your hands. In case this is not comfortable or tidy then wrap the gratings in cheesecloth first and then pour the mixture through it. In any case, as long as the ginger is fresh, squeezing out enough juice should be simple.
Ingredients For The Recipe
- 4 oz. fresh ginger root (about 1 cup chopped peeled ginger)
- 14-16 fresh mint leaves
- 6 to 7 cups water (adjust to desired strength, with more or less)
- 2 jumbo lemons, juiced
- 1 pound white sugar
Instructions to Follow
Step 1-Peel the skin off the ginger using a knife or spoon.
Step 2-Using a tiny pestle, crush the mint in a small bowl ( I used a wooden lemon juicer). Place aside.
Step 3-Then cut the ginger into rough bits that are tiny enough to combine in a blender or food processor. Another option is to use a Microplane or the fine edge of a grater. If using a grater to grate the ginger, do not chop it into bits.
Step 4-Bring approximately 7 cups of water to a boil. Make use of a kettle or a pot.
Step 5-While the water heats, add the ginger to a blender, cover with 1 cup of water, and process until the ginger is thick and pasty.
Step 6-Combine the ginger paste, mints, and boiling water in a large mixing basin.
Step 7-Sieve the ginger through a cheesecloth over a large basin or cup, then press off the juice and allow it to drip into the bowl. Remove any leftover paste.
Step 8-Stir in the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar dissolves, then serve garnished with mint leaves.
Step 9-If desired, serve with ice. Some folks want their food to be hot.
Health Benefits of Ginger Juice
Ginger juice has many benefits, from cold relief to high blood pressure control is beneficial in many ways.
Cold and Congestion Relief
One of the main issues with winters is the cold and congestion problem. People who do not want to go for antibiotics can easily use ginger for cold and congestion relief. Ginger juice is served warm and consumed at least 2-3 times a day to treat colds and sore throats.
Enhances Digestion
As we all know how many sodas cause bloating, but on the other hand use ginger to improve digestion issues. Ginger promotes the production of saliva, which is no doubt beneficial to moisten our food intake and also allows it to break down effectively.
Reliever of Pain
You must have heard this one that ginger juice is well known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities. If you have a toothache, just put a little piece of ginger between your cheek and tooth and allow the natural fluids to do the rest work. As a back pain treatment, you may even massage your skin with a mixture of ginger juice and olive oil.
High Blood Pressure Control
Many health publications and professionals suggest that a certain chemical ingredient in ginger helps lower hypertension. It also aids in the reduction of harmful cholesterol in the body, which contributes to heart disease.
Can Ginger Water Work as a Detox?
Detox rituals aim to slowly rid your body of toxins over time. Some people use ginger water mixed with lemon juice as a detox. There is only anecdotal evidence to support this use.
Since ginger may fight germs, illness, inflammation, and cancer-causing molecules, taking a little bit every day can support your overall health. Ginger is a natural root, so drinking it will also give you added nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:How long will this last?
Ans: Fresh ginger juice lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator but like all fresh juices, it is best consumed as fresh as possible.
Q2:Can I use ground ginger to make this?
Ans: The flavor of ground ginger is wildly different than that of fresh; we don’t recommend making ginger juice or shots with dried ginger.
Q3:Do I need to peel the ginger?
Ans: Peeling ginger is optional but it is the best way to ensure all surface impurities are removed from the ginger as ginger grows underground and can be coated in a layer of dirt and debris.
Q4: Ginger Shots are way too spicy, how do make them taste better?
Ans: If you find the ginger juice or shots to be too spicy you can dilute the mixture by adding more water.
Q5: What can we do with the ginger pulp?
Ans: Do not throw the pulp, pop it in an ice-cube tray and use it in a ginger tea.
To Wrap it All Up
Always store fresh ginger in the vegetable crisper part of the refrigerator. First, unpeel it and then put it in a paper bag for one week or in a plastic bag for 3 to 4 weeks. Of course, if you only consume ginger on rare occasions, freezing the ginger ahead of time is the ideal solution. When frozen, tightly wrapped ginger in a plastic bag can keep for months.