Save Last winter I woke up feeling like my immune system needed serious reinforcement. My friend had dropped off some fresh turmeric root from her local market haul, and I started experimenting with these frozen cubes. Now my freezer is never without them, and they have become my morning ritual during colder months.
My sister was skeptical when I handed her what looked like frozen orange cubes. She warmed up some water, dropped two in, and took a cautious sip. Now she texts me monthly asking if I have made another batch because nothing else seems to help her through allergy season quite the same way.
Ingredients
- Lemons: Fresh lemons give you that bright punch of vitamin C and acidity that cuts through the earthy turmeric
- Fresh ginger: Peel it carefully because the skin can be fibrous, and use about two inches for noticeable warmth
- Fresh turmeric: This golden root stains everything including your hands so consider wearing gloves or working quickly
- Filtered water: Clean water lets the flavors shine without any interference from tap tastes
- Honey or maple syrup: These cubes can be intense without a touch of sweetness but it is completely optional
- Freshly ground black pepper: This tiny amount activates the curcumin in turmeric so your body can actually use it
Instructions
- Blend everything together:
- Toss the lemon juice, chopped ginger and turmeric, water, black pepper, and sweetener into your blender and let it run on high until completely smooth.
- Strain out the pulp:
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing down to extract all the liquid while leaving the fibrous bits behind.
- Freeze into cubes:
- Pour the strained liquid into your ice cube trays and freeze until solid, which usually takes about two hours.
- Serve your wellness shot:
- Pop out two cubes and dissolve them in warm water, blend into smoothies, or take them straight as a concentrated shot.
Save These cubes have become such a staple that I keep bags of them in the freezer to share with friends who complain about feeling run down. There is something satisfying about pulling out a little dose of wellness whenever you need it most.
Storage Solutions
Once the cubes are frozen solid, transfer them to freezer safe bags to save space. They last up to two months, though in my house they disappear much faster than that. Label the bags because bright orange cubes can look suspicious to anyone else raiding your freezer.
Flavor Variations
Sometimes I swap limes for lemons when I want a slightly different citrus profile. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds incredible warmth if you enjoy spicy shots. You can also throw in a clove of garlic during blending if you want something really intense during flu season.
Serving Suggestions
These cubes dissolve beautifully in warm water for an instant wellness shot, but they also blend seamlessly into morning smoothies. I have even added them to hot tea when I wanted something soothing but with an extra kick.
- Use two cubes per serving for a standard dose
- Let cubes melt in room temperature water for about five minutes before drinking
- Start with one cube if you are new to strong ginger and turmeric flavors
Save Keep these cubes on hand and you will always have a little wellness boost ready whenever life gets busy or the seasons change.
Recipe Help
- → How long do these frozen cubes stay fresh?
Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. The citric acid acts as a natural preservative while freezing maintains potency of the ginger and turmeric compounds.
- → Why is black pepper included?
Black pepper contains piperine, which enhances curcumin absorption from turmeric by up to 2000%. A small pinch makes the anti-inflammatory compounds significantly more bioavailable.
- → Can I use ground spices instead of fresh?
Fresh ginger and turmeric provide the most vibrant flavor and maximum nutrients. Ground spices work in a pinch—use 1 teaspoon ground turmeric instead of the fresh 2-inch piece.
- → What's the best way to serve these?
Drop two cubes into warm water for a soothing morning ritual, add to smoothies for extra zing, or enjoy straight as a concentrated shot. The freezing process actually intensifies the flavors.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness level?
The honey or maple syrup is completely optional. Start with 1 tablespoon and blend, tasting before adding more. The natural citrus sweetness might be plenty depending on your lemons.
- → Do I need to strain the mixture?
Straining creates a smoother, more pleasant texture. If you prefer the fiber and don't mind some pulp, feel free to skip this step. A fine-mesh sieve works best for removing smaller particles.