Ginger Tea: Fresh, Simple, and Versatile

Isn’t it funny how sometimes we have to leave the “nest” to appreciate what was right in front of us while growing up?

During my freshman year in college, I declined ginger in a made-to-order stir fry at the campus dining hall because I didn’t know what it was. Pretty sad for a girl with a step-dad from India — ginger was a mainstay in meals and Indian spiced chai that regularly wafted through our home!

Over a decade after flying the coop, my eyes were finally opened to the magic of ginger from — who else — a convincing stranger on the internet. It even prompted me to try growing ginger in 2020 (keyword: try).

Failed gardening experiments aside, ginger has found its way back into my life — most often in tea form.

Why I love this ginger tea recipe

My step-dad, Vishal, doesn’t approve of calling this ginger tea because it’s a far cry from Indian chai made with black tea, milk, sugar, ginger, and a myriad of other spices. We’ll have to agree to disagree! To me, it’s the freshest, simplest, and most versatile version of ginger tea.

• Fresh – That pungent, citrusy scent. The zing when it hits your throat. Fresh ginger is such a treat for the senses and is packed with health benefits from supporting metabolism to reducing inflammation.

• Simple – It doesn’t get much easier than adding a hunk of ginger (or three!) to boiling water. I typically get it going right after starting the coffee maker so I can transition to tea after a cup or two (or three…) of coffee. 

• Versatile – You can let ginger be the shining star or add in other ingredients to change up the flavor. Sip it hot or let it cool and add ice for refreshing ginger water. It can even be frozen for future use.

Ready to give your throat and stomach a warm, tingly hug?

Equipment

• Pot for boiling water
• Paring knife or vegetable peeler

Ingredients

• Fresh ginger root
• Water
• Optional add-ins – e.g. fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, honey, maple syrup, or your favorite herbal tea bag (this is mine!)

How to make fresh ginger tea

1. Prepare the ginger

Start by rinsing and drying the ginger to remove any lingering soil. I typically break off a piece one to two inches long per “batch” (two to four cups of water) and peel off the skin with a knife or peeler. Some people don’t bother peeling, but I prefer to. 

2. Simmer ginger in water

Add the ginger piece(s) to water and bring to a boil on the stovetop. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for at least 10 to 15 minutes. The longer it simmers, the stronger the flavor will be. Feel free to add in other ingredients if you wish.

3. Enjoy hot or save for later

Pour the ginger tea into your favorite mug and savor the warmth and goodness. Whether you’re sipping it as a pick-me-up or winding down in the evening, I hope it becomes a comforting ritual.

That’s it — a simple and fresh recipe for homemade ginger tea. Experiment with different variations, find your perfect level of zip, and make this soothing beverage part of your daily routine.

Your turn

What’s something you appreciate from your childhood that you didn’t enjoy at the time? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.