Dried or raw, baked or stewed, powdered or crystallized, ginger has found its way into almost every kitchen in the world. Widely prized for its medicinal and culinary value, the aromatic spice is the essence of many oriental dishes, particularly from China and India.
Although called a root, ginger is actually the rhizome of the perennial Zingiber Officinale, which takes its name from the Pali “singiveram” meaning “horn-shaped.” A rhizome is a horizontal stem, usually underground, with multiple roots and shoots emerging from its nodes. Thought to be of Chinese origin, ginger was also cultivated in India and Southeast Asia thousands of years ago. It is considered to be the first oriental spice introduced to Europe.
While Asian cuisine traditionally uses ginger in its raw form (chopped, crushed, grated) in curries, chutneys, stir-fries, soups and salads, Western cuisine tends to prefer dried ginger which is used in sweet things like ginger ale, gingerbread, gingerbread cake, jams and sweets. Hot and sweet, with a distinguished aroma, ginger is truly a universal spice capable of blending organically with almost any dish.
Ginger Health Benefits
Ginger has been known for its many health-enhancing properties for thousands of years. It is a popular cough and cold treatment, especially effective when consumed in the form of a tea or as a juice mixed with honey. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory quality, ginger is also good for treating arthritis-related pain and relieving muscle aches and migraines. Women throughout Asia use ginger in food and drink to relieve menstrual cramps; Ginger tea is believed to stimulate contractions of the uterus and is recommended to be taken after delivery to help the uterus shrink faster. It is also considered useful in the production of breast milk.
Ginger in various forms has been shown to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of nausea. Includes nausea experienced due to motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy. Ginger in moderate amounts stimulates digestion and prevents stomach gas. The unique spice has been hailed as an antioxidant; it is widely believed to be an aphrodisiac as well. To top it off, ginger is an excellent mouth freshener, instant hangover relief, and mood enhancer; this last quality was used by perfume manufacturers.
Ginger Recipes
Ginger adds a spicy, lemony flavor to food. The pungent-sweet flavor of fairies pairs well with a variety of dishes and drinks; So, ginger offers enough room for experimentation and improvisation. Try these easy and tasty ginger recipes or go ahead and make up your own!
Mango Ginger Chicken
Ingredients:
¼ cup olive or vegetable oil
2 fresh garlic cloves, crushed
2 pounds skinless chicken breast fillets
1 cup peeled and diced mangoes
¼ cup dark brown sugar
¼ teaspoon freshly ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
In a heavy skillet heat the oil, add the garlic and sauté for a few minutes. Add chicken tenders and cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile, blend the mango with the sugar, cloves, ginger and nutmeg. Pour mixture over cooked fillets to evenly coat all pieces. Add soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Cook 10 more minutes. Serve hot with a side of rice and/or green vegetables.
hot coffee with ginger
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons of ground coffee
1 tablespoon orange peel, grated
1 tablespoon ready-to-use candied or crystallized ginger (available at grocery stores)
½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
6 cups of cold water
Nonfat whipped cream, cinnamon sticks – to taste (optional)
Prepare the coffee, orange peel, ginger and cinnamon together as usual. Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.
Ginger to quench thirst
Ingredients:
1 inch piece of ginger, grated
1 glass of hot/cold water
2 teaspoons organic jaggery
a few mint leaves
½ teaspoon ground cumin seeds
½ lime
Salt to taste
Mix the water, brown sugar, cumin seeds, and salt. Add the mint leaves and ginger, and squeeze the lime.
Caveat:
Although generally safe, ginger in excessive amounts can cause mild heartburn. Pregnant women should consume ginger with caution and avoid it after the first trimester. Ginger may interfere with certain medications or be contraindicated in some conditions.