by Francine Holmes

‘Gnamakoudji’ as it is called in my native Ivory Coast or translated literally ‘ginger water’ is the ultimate tonic, that is seen by some as somewhat of a cure all. 

It is made with ginger which has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory  along with other great beneficial properties. Ginger is a great digestive aid, it is effective at relieving heartburn and gas. Some have even credited the root to have help their weight loss efforts by suppressing one’s appetite.

However you chose to include ginger in your diet, you can start by making “Gnamakoudji” It’s the drink of my childhood, and growing up I remember how everyone had a ‘special recipe’, by which off course they swore was better than the rest. It’s a refreshing drink that packs a small punch or a turn your face red kick, depending on how it is made.  It is the preferred drink for any occasion, but I should warn: it is somewhat of an acquired taste. Here is my recipe, it is a slight variation of my mother’s or grandmother’s, depending on who’s telling it.

So have fun making it and feel free to make it your own, enjoy.

Ingredients:

Preparation tools:

Directions:

Peel the ginger roots, once the skin is removed, slice it into smaller pieces. Place your pieces into a blender with 1cup of water to start and continue adding until it becomes a watery paste. Pour your paste into a mixing bowl, add the rest of your water and stir. Then into a different bowl pour the mixture into a fine strainer (you can also use cheese cloth).Strain as well as you can, and then discard the husks. To the resultant mixture add and stir: the orange, pineapple juice and the lemon juice. You can now add the cayenne if you choose to do so. Finally stir slowly as you add the agave nectar or (sweetener of choice) to the ginger juice mixture.Chill, serve cold and enjoy!!