Fermented Turmeric Ginger Golden Paste: A Golden Secret for Winter Pet

Stiff, painful joints and inflammation can make winters tough for your pets. Enter fermented turmeric ginger paste – a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, supercharged through fermentation! Here's how you can make this golden remedy and why it’s perfect for your furry friend.

Ingredients

Fresh turmeric – Thoroughly washed, with the skin intact for better fermentation.
Fresh ginger – Similarly washed, with the skin left on.
Black pepper – Enhances the bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric.
Cinnamon – Supports joint health and adds antioxidant properties.
Himalayan salt – Essential for the brine (not for flavor enhancement).
Whey – An excellent fermentation starter, rich in probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, which benefit pets’ digestion.

How to Make Whey at Home

Take 1 liter of whole milk and heat it gently until warm.
Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar and stir until the milk curdles.
Strain the curdled milk through a clean muslin cloth or fine strainer to separate the liquid whey.
Collect the whey and let it cool. Store it in a clean jar for use.

Why Whey?

Whey is a fantastic fermentation starter because it’s rich in probiotics, which kick-start the fermentation process and help create a paste teeming with beneficial bacteria.

Recipe for Fermented Turmeric Ginger Paste

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Peel and roughly chop fresh turmeric and ginger into chunks. The skin of both can be left intact if clean, as it aids fermentation.
Blend turmeric, ginger, black pepper and cinnamon powder into a smooth paste using a food processor or blender. Add a small amount of whey water if necessary.

Step 2: Make the Brine

Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon of Himalayan salt per cup of water.
Mix in 1/4 cup of whey per cup of brine to create the perfect fermentation medium.

Step 3: Ferment

Combine the turmeric-ginger paste with the brine mixture in a clean jar. Ensure the paste is fully covered to avoid spoilage. Stir thoroughly to mix.
Cover the jar loosely with a lid or cloth to allow gases to escape.
Let the mixture ferment for 5-7 days in winter (or less in warmer areas). Stir daily to check for activity.

Step 4: Store

After fermentation, transfer the paste to a clean, airtight jar.
Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for several months.

How Does It Taste?

The fermented paste has a tangy, earthy flavor with a hint of spice from the black pepper and warmth from the cinnamon. It’s a nutrient-packed addition to your pet’s diet.

How to Serve

Mix with Fat:

For optimal benefits, mix the paste with a healthy fat like ghee, MCT oil, or coconut oil before serving. Fat enhances the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, making it more bioavailable to your pet’s body.

Add to Cooking:

The paste is heat-stable and can be added to cooked meals for an extra nutritional boost.

Why Fermentation Matters

Fermentation increases the bioavailability of curcumin and gingerol, enhancing their anti-inflammatory properties. It also introduces probiotics, which support gut health and digestion.