Last updated on February 24th, 2020
Who told me about this zingy-delicious Ginger-Turmeric Tea? Charo did. You know, “cuchi-cuchi” Charo. World-renowned-Flamenco-guitarist Charo. Frequent-guest-on-the-Merv-Griffin-Show Charo. (I used to watch Merv with my mom when I was a kid.) I nearly passed out when Charo “liked” one of my comments on Twitter. And when she recommended the aforementioned tea for the many health benefits it provides, I thought I should give it a try. Here’s what the tea is claimed to do, along with my own directions for brewing it:
Ginger-Turmeric Tea is supposed to…
fight cancer…relieve irritable bowel syndrome…protect against Alzheimer’s Disease…reduce arthritic inflammation…improve circulation…heal frostbite…stop nausea and morning sickness…block acid from heartburn…relieve gas…relieve pain…clear congestion…increase sexual desire…and…and…and…
Charo did not give directions for brewing the tea. And that’s okay. I’ve made ginger tea from the fresh root at least 4,237 times.
Ginger Turmeric Tea: The Dramatic Video
I’ve updated this post with a video! And in the video, I add 1 teaspoon of black pepper corns to the tea. Pepper helps the body to absorb the good stuff in turmeric.
The Photographic Recipe
To make a very potent pot of Ginger-Turmeric Tea, break off half of a whole, washed, average-size ginger root…
And cut it lengthwise into strips. This way, the root’s surface area will be exposed during the brewing period. (There’s no need to peel the ginger if you washed it first.)
Next, obtain some turmeric root (enough to equal the amount of ginger)…
And slice it lengthwise into strips. Dig that orange color!
Note: The first time I made this tea, I used ground, organic turmeric — about 1 teaspoon. For the recipe above, I purchased fresh turmeric root from a local food co-op. The fresh stuff is even stronger-tasting (and deliciously spicier) than the ground version.
Finally, while recalling this legendary Carol Burnett-as-Charo sketch, cut a washed lemon into 1/4-inch slices.
Violently fling the ginger, turmeric, lemon, and 1 teaspoon black pepper corns into a saucepan. Then add 1 quart of water, and bring the works to a boil over high heat.
Now cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let the ingredients simmer quietly for 15 minutes.
Off heat, allow the mixture to stand (or “steep”), still covered, for another 15-20 minutes.
Strain the tea into a pot, pitcher, or bowl…
And add some freshly-squeezed lemon juice. I added the juice from half a lemon. Charo added honey to her tea. Who are you gonna listen to — me, or Charo? Alrighty then. Enjoy your honey.
Pour the tea into a cup or mug, add more lemon (or honey) if you wish…
And enjoy it hot…
Or cold, on the rocks!
Hugs (and loads of cuchi-cuchi), Kevin
Belind says
Kevin,
It’s like you read my mind. I have a small amount left from a box of powdered turmeric tea and I felt it really helped me through my cold last week. I have been Googling for recipes and coming up with ingredients I can’t possibly procure. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Belinda
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Belinda – You’re welcome!
Dara says
I am going to try this…just dx with Rheumatoid arthritis. Love you used fresh roots. Oh and I love the teacup and teapot! Thanks for posting ole,!
kathy ennis says
Kevin, this is not about the recipe. I love all your posts, but when you send your newsletter via email, for some reason, it does not load. It used to, but not for the past few months. I will try this tea.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Dara – I hope the tea gives you some relief from your arthritis.
Hi Kathy – Can you send me a screen-shot of what appears for you when open the newsletter? I’ll try to provide an answer for you. Email here: [email protected]
Louise says
I have been using a store-bought version of this combo for about a year and find it soothing and inflammation reducing. And it tastes amazing, too. I love Charlotte and her zest for life. Love you, too for the gifts you share with us each week.
Maraya says
I bet your younger readers have no idea who Charo is!
Thanks for the other trip back in time to Carol Burnett!
One tsp. of turmeric powder is equal to about 1 Tbs. turmeric root. You’re using much more root than that, so another reason for the extra flavor.
It’s hard to find fresh turmeric root. I’m going to try to get organic. I need to make this tea!
Carla says
I love my tea. I will definitely try this. I have the ginger root but for right now I will have to use ground turmeric til I go shopping!!
Thank you!
Maraya says
Question:
Have you found any uses for the leftover cooked ginger and turmeric?
Sue says
What Maraya said? It seems like the mixture could go another round??
Mary W says
I would chop and measure the leftover root then add an equal amount white sugar and equal amount of water with the chopped leftover root to a pot and slowly cook stirring continuously. Once the sugar liquid has evaporated, you have crystallized pieces that will serve as candy, another kind of tea, or just something to help with a cold. It is yummy and as a leftover, will have lost a lot of heat after all that original cooking. I usually roll the sticky pieces in a small bowl of more sugar and then put the whole lot in a jar to use as a tea.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Maraya – I’ve introduced the new generation to Charo!
Hi Mary W – Thanks for providing delicious ways to re-use the simmered ginger and turmeric.
Maraya says
Nice idea, Mary W!
I suppose I should peel the roots initially, so there’s no peel when I make the candy.
I wonder if the cooked roots could be put in the processor and added to a sweet or savory quickbread…
Sheila says
I look forward to trying this recipe. I frequently made ginger tea from fresh ginger root, but I never thought of adding turmeric root—one of the rock stars of wellness—to the mix. BTW, Charo made frequent appearances on “The Love Boat,” too!
Linda says
This sounds like a very healthy drink and will give it a whirl. I remember watching Charo on television. She was full of life and a chatterbox. Another use for leftover turmeric root is to simmer it in water and use that liquid to dye fabric. Makes a nice yellow color.
Bo says
Kevin, where on earth does one find Tumeric ROOT? Not at Kroger’s. Have you tried this with a splash of honey brandy to warm the winter body chills? This is a “must try.”
Bernadette says
I’m going to try this, I had bought USDA Organic Turmeric Whole Raw Root on Amazon, I was amazed at the quality I got a pound for $13
I try to put it in soups and salads. I keep it in the freezer.
This is an excellent way to use it too.
Thank you.
Josie says
I peel a put the left over ginger in a freezer bag & put it the freezer & take it out when need for something – it last forever
Dorothy R Fuller says
Iwould love this receipt in printable receipt. Will definitly make this. I have organic tumeric powder. Thanks . Also am ready to make the almond cake for a brunch
Janis says
Absolutely the best beneficial tea. We drink a couple of cups each day. Thank you for sharing this recipe. Sounds more potent than our version and delicious.
sylvia says
The teapot and tea color are so gorgeous. I think I’m the only one , but I just can’t acquire a taste for this and have tried so many times. Wish i knew how to since the benefits sound amazing.
Tracey says
Thank you for being you. What you share is always great and the way you share is even better.✨
Susan Rubinsky says
I make a similar tea whenever I have a cold. feels so soothing on the throat and helps clear out congestion.
Hint: If you only want to make one cup or mug of tea, I just put enough ingredients into the mug and top off with hot water. Quick and Easy!
PS: OMG. That Carol Burnett skit was fantastic back in the day!
Kim says
I to remember Charo and watching Merv G. as a kid back in the day. Will try this recipe. Loving all your post. My fave is your Tomato Basil pie❤️ From PA.
Lars says
Dear Kevin,
This tea sounds like a remedy for aches and pains.
As soon as I can find a pretty fresh tumeric tuber to slice
I will brew it.
ALSO!!!
the Orange Almond cake was hit around my family,
making it again this weekend.
Becca says
If you put a grind or two of black pepper in your tea, your body will be better able to absorb the turmeric.
Elizabeth says
Kevin, where on earth did you find turmeric root?
Kamogelo Gledwin says
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 5 years ago. I have stiffness, swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, and intense pain. I was put on methotrexate and folic acid, I still suffer from stiffness and pain, but now they are saying I haven’t got it. I have osteoarthritis too. I don’t understand this so i look up online for Herbal treatment and a page redirected. me to Akanni Herbal Centre (www. akanniherbalcentre .com ). Few months into the treatment, I made a significant recovery. . After I completed the recommended herbal treatment plan, almost all my symptoms were gone
Addie says
Hi, Kevin – I have a bar of raw turmeric without peel. Do you think I can use some of that?
Addie says
Oops! Please ignore my previous message – I have a bar of tamarind, not turmeric! However, I do have some good quality powdered turmeric which I’ll use since I can’t find the root.
Amd the lady who suggested adding black pepper to the mix is right – it greatly increases the absorption factor.
Addie says
Kevin, I made this tea today and it was quite tasty (although I wouldn’t dream of drinking it without Charo’s honey). I used organic turmeric powder, and it left my pan terribly stained. All my pans are white inside; I used various things to get most of the stain out but I’m wondering if I could line the pan with a slow cooker liner? I have an induction stovetop so there’s no flame. What do you think?
Catherine Hurst says
Kevin, I looked at the recipe link and it looks like it hasn’t been changed. Do you put the pepper in when you’re brewing/steeping, or grind pepper directly into the finished product?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Catherine – I’ve updated this recipe with a video (you might need to refresh your browser to see it). In the video, I put 1 teaspoon of black pepper corns in the sauce pan along with the ginger, turmeric, and lemon. Enjoy!
Catherine Hurst says
Thanks for the update, Kevin!
Lise says
Hi Kevin, i checked my garden. I couldn’t believe it! My snowdrops are coming up!!! wow! i’m so excited. The one thing though, we have NO SNOW and haven’t had any for a long while! Live near Northampton, ma
I am definately going to try this tea, i have arthritis. We got the ingredients, going to make tomorrow… thank you!
Sue says
I found tumeric root on Etsy. Also some great looking powdered tumeric.
Shellee K Morrison says
Middle of the country – Kansas. Cold! We’d just as soon not have a heat wave in the next month! My hellebores are doing their early, early spring blooming though.
Addie says
Hi, Kevin, I answered my own question of Feb 20 by calling Reynolds and asking about using their slow cooker liner in my pan on the stove to prevent the turmeric from staining, and they said NO.
That said, I hunted around in my cupboards and found a big pot that’s brown inside – yay! And I also found turmeric root at my local Publix supermarket, so today I made a double batch and you’re right – it tastes way better! And I added the peppercorns. Now I just have to somehow get the turmeric stains out from under my fingernails LOL
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Addie – Turmeric likes to stain everything it touches! To clean my English teapot, I simply add hot water and a tiny amount (about 1 teaspoon) of liquid bleach. Boom — the yellow turmeric stains instantly disappear. Good to know that you found the actual turmeric root was better-flavored than the powder, just as I did.
Phyllis McDaniel-Cook says
Hi Kevin,
Wanted to try your Ginger-Turmeric Tea recipe but was not able to download as I’m afraid to download anything due to contracting a virus previously on computer. Was wondering if there was another way of obtaining recipe?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Phyllis – I hope you won’t mind jotting down the ingredients for this tea. Since there are no exact measurements, I did not produce a printable recipe.