Substituting Ginger Bug for Whey?

[Nerium]

I have been trying to find a vegan alternative to using whey in fruit and vegetable ferments. I am wondering if anyone has tried using liquid from cultivated ginger bug, or simply some naturally fermented ginger beer as a whey substitute. I think in theory it could work, but want to know if anyone has had success with doing it that way? Think there could be any health risks?

[fermented-vegan]

Hello Nerium, :)

You don't need to substitute whey with anything. Just let it ferment without the whey. And that's coming from another vegan. :D

My understanding is that whey is used to kick start the fermentation process into high gear. Much like you can use the brine from a previous good ferment to add to a new ferment to get it going faster.

I've never used any starters or bugs. So I'm unable to comment about that.

The general rule of thumb is that if it smells spoiled and/or moldy, it likely is. Although sometimes it is only the top layer that is bad. When I suspect this, I taste a very small amount and instantly know the answer.

Peace & Love from a vegan :)