Ginger Tea: How to Make It Strong Without Making It Harsh

Fresh, dried or powdered

Fresh ginger gives the brightest, most citrusy heat and is what most recipes assume. Dried ginger pieces are more concentrated and slightly sweeter, and they suit blends with cinnamon or licorice. Ground powder works in a pinch but clouds the cup and settles at the bottom.

The active compound in fresh ginger is gingerol; drying converts some of it to shogaol, which reads as a deeper, slower heat. That is why dried ginger tea tastes hotter later in the sip.

The simmer method

Ginger is a rhizome, not a leaf. Pouring hot water over slices for three minutes gets you flavored water. Simmering extracts properly.

Peel a piece of root — a teaspoon edge works better than a peeler — and slice it thin across the grain. More surface area means more extraction in less time.

• Slice 1 inch (2.5 cm) of ginger per 8 oz (240 ml) of water
• Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 10 minutes with a lid on
• Strain, then add lemon juice and honey off the heat
• For a milder cup, simmer 5 minutes; for a serious one, 20

Blends worth making

Ginger and lemon is the default for a reason. Ginger with a cinnamon stick and a few cloves turns it into a caffeine-free chai. Ginger with fresh turmeric and a crack of black pepper makes a golden, earthy cup — the pepper is traditional, and it also helps the turmeric along.

You can also simmer ginger first and use that liquid as the brewing water for a black tea or a rooibos, which gives you depth without a second infusion step.

What it is good for

Ginger has the strongest evidence of the common kitchen herbs for nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness, and it is widely used for that. Beyond that, most of its appeal is that it is warming and pleasant on a cold day or a sore throat.

This guide is general information for everyday drinkers, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, taking medication or managing a health condition, check with a healthcare professional before making an herb part of your daily routine.