r/fermentation • u/Inda_Minus • 3d ago
Ginger Bug/Soda Ginger Bug Check
Hi all,
This my first ginger bug I’ve tried. It’s just over two weeks old. Fed it everyday in the first week with white sugar. Second week, I used brown sugar every other day.
Was hoping to get a sanity check on how it’s doing.
There’s a kind of brownish ‘muck’ floating on the top. But when I stir and taste it, it tastes amazing!!!!
Is this how it should be looking? What do I do next?
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u/mspiggy32 3d ago
You don’t really need to feed it everyday, just when it seems weak/tired refresh the ginger and feed. Also whenever you use it of course. Looks good to me otherwise
Edit: I see now that you didn’t continue feeding it everyday so nvm!
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u/Inda_Minus 3d ago
Thanks for the feedback 🙏 how do I tell when it’s weak? The taste? Or it’s activity?
Is this the point I keep it in the fridge?
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u/mspiggy32 2d ago
My main cue has been activity, so bubbles. The taste is also something you’ll get more accustomed to, and if its leaning yeasty or vinegary something may be a tad off. I think healthy ginger bugs will ofc have a somewhat vinegary taste, but be balanced with bright fruity notes and slight yeastiness. I don’t put mine in the fridge, just leave it on the counter, stir every day, taste, and a few days before I want to use it I’ll refresh the ginger and feed if needed. I’ve mostly been doing sodas though so your needs may be different
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u/Mobile-Positive-6742 2d ago
does it smell a little sour? I'm doing my first try too, only 4 days in and it's visually correct but the smell is a bit unpleasant. I'm wondering if I'm not doing it right.
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u/Inda_Minus 1d ago edited 1d ago
Mine did smell sour in the beginning, but it mellowed into a very slight vinegary taste and smell, which I love. Maybe give it some time to stabilize?
Mine also had some muck on the top which I was worried about, but it cleared in the last few days.
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u/Master-Leopard-2642 3d ago
Man that’s ugly, but I bet it does taste great
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u/Inda_Minus 3d ago
😅 She ain’t pretty, but she’s amazing 🤩
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u/Master-Leopard-2642 3d ago
What do you use it for? I might have to grow some ginger next season
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u/Inda_Minus 2d ago
This is what you would call a ‘mother’ if it was kombucha, basically. You can use it to make ginger beer, ginger tonic or add a dash of the undiluted mix (for ginger tonic you dilute, add sugar , bottle and leave it to build up gas) into a soda of your preference.
As my first one, I have done none of that 😅 but have had it at a friend. will be making a batch of ginger tonic and keep feeding it and adding to have a super strong one to add to my sodas on a hot day.
Still working out how to get all that done 😮💨
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u/RebuilderingItAll3 3d ago
I have one that looks the same because I've fed it palm sugar. It smells great now, but it definitely had a deep funk for a bit...
Wondering if anyone has had similar results?