Ginger adds the spicy, pungent aromas experienced in Asian dishes. Ginger adds a special flavor to many vegetables and fruit dishes enjoyed by many every day. The spice ginger is not only an essence an a spice; ginger is known to be one of the oldest remedies used in the herbal and aromatic traditions for over 2000 years as a curing agent for inflammation and diarrhea in many Middle Easter and Asian countries.
History
Ginger is a native plant of the Indo-Malaysian forest, but has been cultivated in other countries as its popularity grew. Ginger is a plant that enjoys tropical climate's moist soils for growing. Ginger's plant has bright red flowers of various shapes used in festivals in the South Pacific.
Ginger is a spice from the same family as cardamom and tumeric. As the spice route grew from Asia, ginger became a popular spice in the Caribbean where the tropical weather welcomes the ginger plant. Today, ginger is cultivated throughout the tropics.
Ginger has been known for centuries for its medicinal purposes, and as gradually become a favored spice for food, drinks and teas. Queen Elizabeth I invened the gingerbread man that has become a favorite treat during the holiday season.
Today, the FDA has ginger on its list of safe foods used to mask the unpleasant taste of bitter medicines and cough syrups. Ginger is recognized for its many health benefits.
Benefits
- Bone Health: Ginger has been studied to boost bone health and relieve joint pain.
- Diarrhea: Since ancient times, ginger has been used to cure gastro-intestinal issues.
- Digestion: Ginger has been studied and shown to be a facilitator to the process of digestion. Ginger has been proven in these scientific studies to aide in the regulation of high sugar levels that may disrupt the digestion of food by soothing the stomach and assisting in maintaining a regular rhythm.
- Nausea: Many studies have concluded ginger helps to cure nausea connected to pregnancy, motion sickness and chemotherapy. Ginger is quickly absorbed by the body and is without the side effects of medication.
Ginger has found to have many uses and is now found in many products. The ginger root has been dried, ground, candied, crystallized and made into tinctures and teas to benefit the user.
Other UsesGinger is used in aromatherapy. As an essential oil that is extracted during a distilling process, ginger is added to many products. Ginger oil when combined with oils of cedar wood, sandlewood or patchouli gives the woodsy mix a spicy scent for potpourri and other household products.
Ginger Tea
Ginger Tea has been used for medicinal purposes and as a remedy against colds and flu for centuries in most Asian countries. With its unique flavor and aroma, ginger tea awakens the senses and warms one from the inside out.
Basic Ginger Tea
- 4 cups of water
- 2 inch cuts of fresh ginger
- Lemon slice and honey to taste (optional)
First, peel and slice the ginger root. Put the water in the saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the slices of ginger. Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan and let simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the liquid out, add lemon and honey to taste.
Spicy Ginger Tea
- 4 cups of water 4-5 slices of fresh ginger
- A few strips of orange peel
- 4 pods of cardamom
- 4 cloves
- 2 cups of milk, low fat
- 4 teaspoons of tea leaves
- Brown sugar to taste
Put the water, cardamom, ginger slices, orange peel and cloves in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 10 mintues. Add the tea leaves and milk, simmer for another 2 minutes. Turn heat off; allow tea too steep for 4-5 minutes. Strain the tea and add sugar to taste. Serve hot.
Iced Ginger Tea
- 4 cups of water
- 4-5 slices of fresh ginger
- 1 large or 4 small tea bags
- Sugar to taste
- Orange slices (optional)
Boil ginger and tea bag(s) together, allow to steep for 4-5 minutes. Add sugar to taste. Stir and allow to cool. Add ice. For a change, add orange slices.
Selection and Storage
Choose fresh ginger over dried as the flavor is better and it contains higher levels of gingerol, the active ingredient. When selecting fresh ginger, make certain the root is firm and smooth. Ginger root comes in two forms, young and mature. The mature root will need to be peeled before using and is most widely found in local markets. Local Asian markets are the only place to find young roots that do not require peeling before using.
Ginger is available in many forms including crystallized, candied, pickled and dried. Dried ginger kept in a sealed glass container will have an extended shelf life of one year when kept in the refrigerator. Fresh ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Unpeeled ginger will keep up to six months in the freezer.
When ginger is added to recipes or made into a beverage, there is an added zest of flavor as well as many health benefits. An ancient plant, ginger has so many uses from medicinal to flavorings of food and drinks. Spice up your recipes or beverages with a little ginger and reap the benefits discovered centuries ago.
Lynette Partridge-Schneider - For Lynette Partridge-Schneider, animals have been more than just a lifetime adventure. Her love of animals is a passion. Since, her first ...
