Turmeric Starter Bug

Trying my hand at a turmeric starter bug. The ginger bug seems to be well established and estimated about 10 days to finally get a stable process instead of the 5-7 most places recommended.

Found organic turmeric from Peru at the local Ambrosia foods for the best quality and price. Walmart also had them in small packages of small 5 or 6 pieces at $2.99 which seemed quite small. I also checked Loblaws which was selling maybe 3 times the amount but for around $12 dollars. Ambrosia foods had the healthiest turmeric and sold it for $6.99 a pound. I loaded up about $9 dollars worth which would amount to about two heaping handfuls.

• 3 Tbsp grated or diced unpeeled organic turmeric
• 3 Tbsp raw sugar or white sugar
• 2 cups un chlorinated water

Add the turmeric, sugar and water together in a 1 Litre or quart sized jar. I used Mason jars or swing top sealable Korken’s from Ikea.

This the leftover turmeric. The original purchase came in a bag, but I transferred it to an air tight container. Underneath is after all of it was mixed for a while, the colour changes. Be mindful that turmeric leaves a orangey yellow residue, on the grater, chopping board, hands and towels.

Top tips 

• Use organic turmeric root. We need the beneficial microbes on the skin and flesh of the turmeric. Use fresh, not powdered.
• Use a large enough jar with a lid. Something where one where a cup of water is just a quarter or a third of the entire size of the jar. The extra head room is required for the regular feeding.
• I have had success using tap water and boiling for 20 minutes to let the chlorine evaporate and cool to room temperature before using so as to not kill off the wild yeast.
• Do not add heaping spoonfuls of sugar. Too much sugar overfeeds the bug and makes it sluggish (much like people when they overeat).  
• While bubbles might begin to appear on day 2, we recommend feeding the bug for at least 3 to 4 days so that you have a robust starter.

Ingredients

Day 1

• 2 cups (250 ml) water
• 3 Tbsp (approx. 35 grams) sugar
• 3 Tbsp (approx. 24 grams) turmeric (do not peel)

Directions

1. Slice the turmeric into smaller pieces. You can also mince or grate it. 

2. Add the grated or minced/chopped turmeric into a jar followed by room-temperature water. 

3. Next, add the sugar. This is plain white cane sugar but feel free to use granulated sugar of choice.

4. Mix well until dissolved. You can also seal the jar and shake it to help dissolve the sugar.

5. Seal the jar with the lid and set aside. An alternative is to cover using a cheesecloth, breathable fabric and rubber band to keep in place.

Feeding days (Days 2 to 10)

• Sugar
• Turmeric

6. Everyday over the next several days, add 1 tsp chopped turmeric and 1 tsp sugar.