Turmeric Soda
Turmeric soda is a healthy and delicious alternative to soda pop. Made with naturally fermented turmeric, it’s sparkling, sweet, and probiotic!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Fermented
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups water (see section above for alternatives)
- 3–6 Tbsp sugar (see notes)
- 1/4 cup turmeric bug starter (see the section above for details on how to make a starter)
- 4 Tbsp of finely grated fresh turmeric
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients in a 1-quart glass jar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Cover with a piece of cloth or coffee filter held in place with a rubber band or metal ring. Place the jar somewhere warm and dark to ferment for 3 to 7 days and give it a good stir each day. (A kitchen cupboard is perfect). Turmeric bug needs air for proper fermentation so don’t seal the jar during this initial ferment.
- Once there are bubbles forming at the top of the jar, strain the mixture into a bottle. You will need to use a bottle that can handle the carbonation. See notes for more details.
- Allow the turmeric soda to ferment for a further 1 to 2 weeks to build up the carbonation. Check the carbonation 5 days after bottling.
- Once it’s fizzy, store the turmeric soda in the refrigerator. Consume within four weeks of refrigeration.
Notes
- Turmeric bug soda cannot be made with powdered turmeric. If you are unable to find fresh turmeric, I recommend making ginger beer and adding 2 Tbsp of powdered turmeric to the ferment.
- The amount of sugar used will affect the final sweetness of the beverage. Using 3 Tbsp of sugar is necessary to properly carbonate. Add more sugar if you enjoy sweet beverages. Turmeric soda cannot be made with alternative sweeteners, maple syrup, or honey. It needs sucrose to thrive.
- Use swing-top beer bottles or plastic pop bottles which will be able to handle the carbonation. Decorative bottles aren’t strong enough and might break.