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Ginger extract is not the most well-known extract, but it can be such a versatile thing to have in your pantry. Not only can it infuse ginger flavor into your Asian soups and sauces, but it can also be used medicinally for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and also as an anti-nausea aid! Ginger extract is made from the root of the ginger plant, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing benefits.
In cooking, ginger extract can add a spicy and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. It pairs well with seafood, pork, and chicken. You can use it as a marinade or mix it into stir-fries, curries, and even desserts like gingerbread.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Homemade Ginger Extract
When it comes to DIY extracts, vodka reigns supreme as the go-to option. With its neutral taste and high alcohol content, it excels at preserving potency over time. But if you crave a sweeter touch, brandy or rum can also do the trick! Personally, I opt for vodka with an alcohol percentage of 40, equivalent to 80 proof. Anything lower might result in a less flavorful extract.
For the ginger, organic is best, so you aren’t infusing any pesticides or other nasties into the extract. Make sure you are buying from a trusted supplier!
Step-By-Step Guide to Making Ginger Extract at Home
To make ginger extract, you will need the following:
- Fresh ginger root
- Vodka (80 proof or 40% ABV)
- Cutting board and knife
- Glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid
Step 1: Start by washing the fresh ginger root under cold water to remove dirt or debris. Once clean, use a knife to peel off the outer skin. Then, chop the ginger into slices and lightly crush it with a meat mallet.
Step 2: Take the glass jar or bottle and fill it with the chopped ginger. Pour enough vodka into the jar to cover the ginger completely. Make sure the ginger is fully submerged in the vodka. Secure the lid tightly on the jar.
Step 4: Place the jar in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Allow the ginger to infuse in the vodka for at least two weeks. I did the entire six weeks for a potent extract. During this time, shake the jar gently every few days to help enhance the extraction process.
Step 5: Place a mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a clean bowl or container. Carefully pour the contents of the jar through the strainer, allowing the liquid to separate from the ginger. Discard the ginger remnants.
Step 6: Transfer the strained ginger extract into a clean glass bottle or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place.
Remember that homemade ginger extract is highly concentrated, so it’s important to dilute it before use. Mix a small amount of the extract with water or other beverages to achieve the desired strength. Add it to recipes, teas, or smoothies for a burst of ginger flavor and potential health benefits.
Do I Have to Use Alcohol to Make Extracts?
One of the major benefits of using Vodka is its lack of odor and taste, which allows the true essence of the ginger to shine. Alcohol also aids in preserving the extract by preventing the breakdown of its herbal properties and inhibiting bacterial growth. This results in a more stable product compared to alcohol-free glycerites. For those seeking non-alcoholic alternatives, simply replace the alcohol required in any extract recipe with a mixture of three parts food-grade liquid glycerin and one part water. Thoroughly combine the two ingredients before proceeding with the recipe.
Tips For Storing and Using Your Homemade Ginger Extract
To properly store your ginger extract, it is recommended to keep it in a cool and dark place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Be sure to protect it from direct sunlight and heat sources. After each use, make sure to tightly seal the cap of the extract bottle to prevent air exposure. This is crucial as air exposure can degrade the quality and intensity of the flavor. Opting for darker bottles is also advisable for storing the extract effectively.
How to Adjust Your Ginger Extract’s Strength
There are two ways to increase the strength of your ginger extract. One is to let it infuse for a long period of time, up to 3 months. This gives the alcohol more time to extract the flavor. The second would be to finely grate your ginger instead of slicing it. This allows for more surface area and faster extraction.
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FAQs
What is ginger used for?
Healthcare professionals often recommend ginger to prevent or treat feeling sick and throwing up from motion sickness, pregnancy, and cancer treatment. It can also help with mild stomach pain, ease arthritis pain, and potentially help manage heart disease.
What are ginger extract’s side effects?
Ginger is usually safe to eat. But sometimes, it can cause minor problems like heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and stomach discomfort. If you take a lot of ginger, like 5 grams daily, you’re more likely to have side effects.
How do you extract flavor from ginger?
First, remove the skin from the ginger and cut it into thin slices to fit in a bottle. Add vodka and shake it at least daily until you get the flavor you want. The longer you let it sit, the stronger the flavor will become. Usually, it takes around two to six weeks, depending on how you like it.
How To Make Homemade Ginger Extract: 2-Ingredient Extract Guide
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- Author: Sarah Ryan
Ingredients
Instructions
To make ginger extract, you will need the following:
- Fresh ginger root
- Vodka (80 proof or 40% ABV)
- Cutting board and knife
- Glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid
Step 1: Start by washing the fresh ginger root under cold water to remove dirt or debris. Once clean, use a knife to peel off the outer skin. Then, chop the ginger into slices.
Step 2: Take the glass jar or bottle and fill it with the chopped ginger. Pour enough vodka into the jar to cover the ginger completely. Make sure the ginger is fully submerged in the vodka. Secure the lid tightly on the jar.
Step 4: Place the jar in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Allow the ginger to infuse in the vodka for at least two weeks. I did the entire six weeks for a potent extract. During this time, shake the jar gently every few days to help enhance the extraction process.
Step 5: Place a mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a clean bowl or container. Carefully pour the contents of the jar through the strainer, allowing the liquid to separate from the ginger. Discard the ginger remnants.
Step 6: Transfer the strained ginger extract into a clean glass bottle or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place.
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About Sarah Ryan
Sarah is a certified Nutritionist, obtaining her degree from Endeavour College of Natural Health in Melbourne, Australia, in 2011. She is passionate about eating food, cooking it, and educating people about it, and she has done so on three different continents so far.
When you can tear her away from her plate, she also enjoys taking photos of her cats or going on quests to find street dogs to give ear rubs to.
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