How to Make Ginger Root Tea: Dried Root, No Peeling or Grating

By Suhail Rivera, founder of Alkaline Herb Shop

To make ginger root tea from dried ginger, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of cut and sifted ginger root (jengibre) to 8 ounces of boiling water, cover, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Because the root is already dried and cut, there is no peeling and no grating: it drops straight into a cup or an infuser. Use one teaspoon for a gentle cup and two for a strong, spicy one. The rest of this guide covers how to make it stronger, what to add, and how to serve it iced.

How to make ginger root tea, step by step

1. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of cut and sifted ginger root to an 8 ounce cup.
2. Pour boiling water over it.
3. Cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes. Covering keeps the aromatic oils in the cup.
4. Strain and drink.

How to make it stronger

Dried ginger is concentrated, so a little goes a long way, but if you like real heat there are three ways to build it. Use the full 2 teaspoons, steep the full 10 minutes, or simmer it in a small pot for 10 to 15 minutes instead of steeping. Simmering pulls the most out of the root and gives you the spiciest cup.

What to add to ginger tea

A slice of lemon is the classic partner and lifts the whole cup. If you want it sweet, a little maple syrup or coconut sugar stirs in well. Ginger also pairs beautifully with a pinch of turmeric for a warm golden cup, and with a few dried hibiscus flowers if you want colour and a tart edge.

How to make iced ginger tea

Brew it strong, using 2 teaspoons and a 10 minute steep or a short simmer, then strain, cool it, and pour it over ice. Iced ginger tea with lemon is one of the more refreshing things you can make from a jar of dried root. A splash of sparkling water turns it into a quick homemade ginger drink.

What does ginger tea taste like?

Warm, spicy and a little sweet, with the clean heat ginger is known for. Dried ginger gives a rounder, mellower warmth than fresh, which some people prefer for a tea. You control the intensity with how much you use and how long you brew it.

Does ginger tea have caffeine?

No. Ginger is naturally caffeine free, so it is as good in the evening as in the morning.

Dried ginger or fresh ginger?

Both make good tea. Fresh ginger has to be peeled and grated or sliced, and it is brighter and sharper. Dried cut and sifted ginger is the convenient version: no peeling, no grating, it measures by the teaspoon, keeps in the cupboard for months, and drops straight into an infuser. For a daily cup, the dried root is simply less work.

Who should not drink ginger tea

• If you are pregnant or nursing, speak to your doctor before making it a regular drink.
• It is not recommended for anyone under 18.
• If you have a medical condition or take prescription medicine, speak to your doctor first.

How to store dried ginger root

Keep it sealed and away from heat and light, at room temperature, to keep the aroma sharp. Kept dry and closed, cut ginger stays good for a couple of years.

Suhail Rivera is the founder of Alkaline Herb Shop, which sources and sells the dried ginger root described in this article.