Herbal and spice teas are considered as some of the earliest beverages created. Given the medicinal properties and the zesty flavor it provides, ginger remains a popular ingredient among the health conscious.
What is Ginger Tea?
Ginger tea is a traditional drink made by steeping fresh grated ginger in boiling water. There are various kinds of ginger tea made across the world. But in its simplest avatar ginger tea is nothing but a concoction of hot water and freshly grated or crushed ginger. While ginger remains the key ingredient, various ingredients like lemon, oranges, sugar, palm sugar, milk, spices and herbs are also used in some versions. Did you know that ginger is a close cousin of turmeric, galangal and cardamon? Ginger is more than a flavor enhancing culinary spice. It is a powerful antioxidant, and antifungal ingredient that enriches the body. This aromatic spice with Southeast Asian roots was introduced in Europe around 800 AD. However, it has been featuring in Asian, Indian and African dishes and alternative and folk medicine for over 5000 years.
Ginger Tea Benefits
Ancient Ayurvedic writings mentioned ginger as an universal medicine for healing and improving the over all well-being. Indian households have consumed ginger tea from hundreds of years. Caribbeans use it to cure many health issues including colic and constipation. The Burmese consider ginger an effective aid against flu while the Japan swear by its ability to boost blood circulation. Modern science too recognizes some associated benefits. Here are some uses of consuming this tea:
A hot cup of ginger tea is a great monsoon and winter drink. It keeps your body warm, builds immunity, keeps you away from cold, flu and cough & detoxifies the body. It works on the digestive system. Improves appetite, digestion and helps in better absorption of nutrients from the food we consume. The anti-inflammatory gingerol in this rhizome can cure headaches, provide relief from arthritis, and migraines and reduce high blood pressure. Ginger tea can prevent nausea and vomiting, especially from morning sickness during pregnancy. It can be comforting against menstrual cramps. It is a fat buster and helps in weight loss efforts too.
Ginger Tea Recipe
This 2 ingredient ginger tea recipe is simple to make but the benefits are immense. I have made this for my family for more than 20 years. And we love it not because it tastes delicious or pleasant but because it’s a healing drink and gives an instant relief from cold, seasonal flu & allergy symptoms. If you are trying to fight cold, flu and cough or trying to find relief from arthritis make the basic version with ginger and water. We also love this with lemon juice, honey, orange juice, calamansi juice or grapefruit juice. If you are a spice lover, then ground spices like cinnamon, star anise or even black pepper will add a zing to your tea. Ginger can reduce the effects of certain medications. Always speak to a medical expert before you embark on a daily ginger tea journey. Read the faqs below Related RecipesTurmeric TeaGinger ShotMasala ChaiTurmeric MilkWatermelon Juice
3 Methods To Make Ginger Tea (Stepwise photos)
Preparation
Fresh and tender ginger shoots are best for making tea. They have a mild spicy mouthfeel and an appealing taste. This is the reason fresh ginger is preferred both in tea and as a cooking ingredient in savory dishes. There are 2 kinds of ginger available in the markets. One is Hybrid variety and the other Non-hybrid or Non-GMO. The hybrid ginger is less pungent and less bitter in taste and works well equally like the non-hybrid kind. If you are sensitive to spice or suffer from acidity then avoid the non-hybrid kind as it is too strong and too pungent. Both these are available in grocery stores, super markets and farmers markets. Wash ginger well under running water. You may also soak it in water for a while & scrub with a vegetable brush to get rid of hard mud deposits. If you want you may peel the ginger. You will require 5 grams of ginger per serving, about 1 * ½ inch piece. Peel only the amount you require. Meanwhile bring water to a boil. You will need 1 cup water per serving. You can either grate or chop it. I personally prefer to grate it as it reduces the steep time
Make tea
Bring water to a rolling boil. Add the chopped or grated ginger. I used 2 cups water and 10 grams ginger here. [Method 2: Optionally Infuse further with ¼ teaspoon tea powder or leaves, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 pinch of crushed black pepper per serving or any other herbs like 6 to 8 Mint or Tulsi leaves (Holy Basil)] Cover and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. If using chopped or sliced ginger boil for 5 to 6 mins. When the tea is ready you will see the color changes to slight yellow. Strain and press down the ginger with a spoon to extract all of the flavor. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir well. If you want to use honey, cool down slightly and then stir a tsp of honey.
Indian Adrak Chai (Method 3)
The third is a popular method of making adrak chai in India. Steep 1 tsp grated ginger and 1 to 1.5 teaspoons tea leaves or tea powder in ¾ cup boiling water for 3 to 4 mins. Ensure the black tea is boiling rapidly, then reduce the heat and pour ¼ to 1/3 cup milk and add sugar to taste. Simmer for a while. Enjoy a sweetened, milky tea that is aromatic and delightful. For this method I prefer to crush ginger and few black pepper corn in a mortar pestle.
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