There are a lot of cool things out there that make us wonder — do they really work? In our I Tried It series, we set out to use them in the real world and have determined that, in fact, they really do.
On Trial: Ginjan West African Ginger Beverages
Tester: Danielle St. Pierre, lover of spicy ginger wellness drinks
The Brief: Anyone who knows me is aware of my love for all things ginger. From ginger wellness shots to cold-pressed juices that feature the root in its ingredient list, I make it a point to weave ginger into my daily health regimen, and I swear by its many powerful health benefits.
In case you're new to ginger, here's a little backstory on this spicy root. Ginger is an incredibly powerful superfood loaded with health benefits and spicy, herbaceous flavor. From its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, to its use as a natural digestive aid, ginger root has been used as a potent healing agent for centuries, starting with ancient origins in Eastern medicine.
So, when I got turned on to Ginjan — a West African ginger wellness beverage — it was pretty much a given that I would become instantly addicted. Founded by brothers Rahim and Mohammed Diallo, Ginjan is a delicious wellness drink made with fresh organic ginger, cold-pressed organic pineapple, fresh-squeezed organic lemons, vanilla, anise, and cane sugar.
Inspired by the flavors of their native Guinea but frustrated by store-bought wellness-beverage options in the U.S., the Diallo brothers created Ginjan to pay homage to their West African roots. Ginjan has gathered plenty of press accolades in the three years since it first launched in 2017, and the beverages are now sold in over 40 Whole Foods locations across New York City.
The brothers behind Ginjan also recently opened their own cafe in East Harlem, serving premium African coffee by La Colombe, freshly pressed juices, and independent, healthy, Harlem-made eats.
Slightly frothy and best served chilled, I love sipping Ginjan first thing in the morning before I walk my pup to ready my body for the day ahead. It literally warms up my gut and serves as a natural digestive aid. It's also a miracle worker if you're a little hungover or feeling dehydrated from the summer heat. For anyone drinking this for the first time, just be sure to give it a good shake before sipping, as the spices naturally settle at the bottom of the bottle.
This is one of the most well-balanced ginger juices I've tried, including my own very messy attempts at making cold-pressed ginger juice concoctions at home. The taste is slightly spicy, a little bit sweet, and has an earthy licorice kick thanks to the anise, which I personally love.
Also noteworthy: Ginjan offers ongoing support for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic with their initiative to buy a healthcare worker a Ginjan through their site.
Closing Argument: If you're ginger-curious but a bit timid about the natural heat of this root, ease into it with Ginjan. It's one of the most balanced ginger beverages out there. You'll be hooked after your first sip.
Read More:
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