Author: Namratha Gopal | Illustrator: Parvathi Nayanar
Turmeric is known for its vibrant color, medicinal properties and flavor. It’s often called as natural medicine that’s being used for thousands of years, if you ask ayurveda for sure!! Turmeric bug is a starter for natural sodas and other beverages. Turmeric bugs are a fantastic alternative to similar drink of ginger beer and ginger bugs. In this recipe, we will be fermenting something called “turmeric bug”. Let’s quickly check out the recipe. Here we go –
Turmeric Bug Recipe
Directions:
1. Grate about 1 tablespoon of fresh turmeric roots. Make sure that you do not peel off the skin.
2. Take a mason jar and add this 1 tablespoon of grated turmeric roots into it.
3. Now add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the mason jar.
4. Add 3 tablespoon of filtered water (non-chlorinated) to it. Give it a good mix and stir nicely until the sugar dissolves.
5. Cover the mason jar and close the lid with clean towel or cheesecloth. Leave it for 1 day in a dark corner.
6. Now the next day, all you need to do is, put the same ingredients (1 tablespoon of grated fresh turmeric roots, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 3 tablespoon of water) into the mason jar and give it a very good mix.
7. Cover it again and set it aside for 1 day. Keep doing for the next 3 to 4 days until you start seeing bubbling or effervescence inside.
8. After 3 to 4 days, when you stir it, the bubbles inside rises up to the top. Once you see this, your turmeric bug starter is ready!!
This turmeric bug is used in various natural sodas and fermented beverages recipes. You can check our previous article on making fermented turmeric water where we make use of turmeric bug in making fermented turmeric water.
Health benefits of Turmeric Bug
Here are some of the health benefits associated with turmeric bug. Give it a try and get amazed with these results. Along with them, you are likely to get all the regular turmeric health benefits. Let’s begin –
Have powerful anti-oxidants
Turmeric has great benefits to the skin and hair as it is a rich-antioxidant spice. It can help speed wound healing, calm the pores, controls psoriasis flares and is effective in treating various skin conditions due to its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-oxidant properties.
Soothes inflammation
Turmeric has wide varieties of health benefits and it is all because of its curcumin content. It has an ability to lower the levels of two enzymes in the body that is responsible for causing inflammation. Additionally, it is an effective anti-inflammatory agent and helps in easing the symptoms of many diseases like headache, joint aches, skin allergies, throat ulcers, pain, fatigue, mood and cognitive function.
Improves liver function
The liver in a human body is an internal detoxifying organ that filters out toxins from the food eaten and exposures. Fermentation here helps in breaking down the indigestible plant materials and reduces the carbohydrates and sugar content to a great extent. Studies have proven that fermented turmeric powder is 1.5 times stronger and powerful than regular turmeric powder as fermentation increases the bio-availability of the curcumin.
Balances blood sugar levels
Turmeric is a potential game-changer for diabetics with good insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar. Turmeric has been shown to lower and regulate the blood sugar levels that help in improving the glucose tolerance. And the curcumin in it helps in stimulating the hormones to offset the blood sugar imbalances.
Disclaimer
- The content in this article is for generic information only and it’s nowhere a substitute of medical opinion.
- If no remedies work for you always take doctor’s advice before taking any kind of supplements and medications.
- You can seek doctor’s supervision before taking this in your diet for any specific cause.
- You can adjust the ingredients in this turmeric bug recipe if you need more of it but stick to the ratio specified above.
- Check if you are allergic to any ingredient used in this recipe.
- Try to make fresh batches whenever required.
- You can store the remaining (left out) solution in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days and then use it.
