A wellness shot is a concentrated beverage intended to deliver a potent dose of beneficial compounds in a small volume. The combination of turmeric and ginger is popular because of their distinct properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, and ginger contains gingerol, which are the primary active compounds. Creating these concentrated liquids at home offers a way to control the freshness and potency of the ingredients. This guide simplifies the process of making these shots in a home kitchen.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
Creating a vibrant turmeric and ginger shot requires a few foundational ingredients. The base of the shot is fresh turmeric root and fresh ginger root, which should be firm and unblemished. For the liquid base, citrus juices like fresh lemon or orange juice are commonly used, which also provides the necessary fluid to process the roots. To balance the intense flavor, a mild sweetener such as honey or maple syrup is often included, alongside a pinch of black pepper.
The most efficient tool is a dedicated juicer, which separates the liquid from the fibrous pulp. Alternatively, a high-powered blender can be used to thoroughly pulverize the roots. Regardless of the extraction method, a fine-mesh strainer or a nut milk bag is necessary to remove fibrous material and achieve a smooth shot. Small, airtight glass containers are needed for bottling and storing the finished product.
Step-by-Step Preparation Methods
The initial step involves thoroughly washing the fresh ginger and turmeric roots. Although the peels contain nutrients, peeling them is recommended, especially when using a blender, to minimize pulp content. The roots should then be roughly chopped into small pieces to ensure smooth processing in the chosen equipment. This pre-chopping is particularly helpful for the fibrous ginger and dense turmeric.
For the juicer method, feed the chopped roots and peeled citrus fruits directly into the juicer to rapidly extract a concentrated liquid. If using a blender, combine the chopped roots, black pepper, liquid base, and any optional sweetener. Blend the mixture on high speed for at least 60 seconds until the consistency is completely smooth, which breaks down the tough fibers.
The final preparation step is straining the mixture. Pour the contents through a fine-mesh strainer or a nut milk bag suspended over a bowl. Firmly press down on the collected pulp with a spoon or squeeze the nut milk bag to extract the potent concentrate. This removes the solids, resulting in the smooth liquid that can be transferred into individual serving bottles.
Maximizing Effectiveness and Storage Guidelines
To ensure the compounds in the shot are fully utilized, adding black pepper maximizes effectiveness. Turmeric’s primary active compound, curcumin, has poor bioavailability, meaning the body struggles to absorb it efficiently. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that dramatically increases the absorption of curcumin by inhibiting metabolic enzymes in the liver and intestines.
Including a small pinch of freshly ground black pepper boosts the bioavailability of curcumin. After preparation, store the shots in airtight containers and refrigerate to maintain freshness. When refrigerated, the shots retain potency for about five to seven days.
For extended storage, the liquid can be poured into ice cube trays and frozen, preserving the concentration for up to three months. The typical daily serving size for a concentrated wellness shot is approximately one to two ounces.