Cross-section of a relatively young ginger root
There are many healing properties to ginger. It’s pretty cheap but delivers plenty of benefits and flavor.
What is ginger?
Ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant with a firm, striated texture. The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color, depending upon the variety. It is covered with a brownish skin which is best removed by scraping it with a spoon.
What is ginger used in?
It’s used in many Asian stir fry dishes, ginger candy, gingerbread and ginger ale among other foods and beverages. Ginger has a spicy and distinct flavor.
Go get your own ginger!
You can find ginger in most supermarkets where you can find produce. You can buy it already sliced and pickled, but it’s cheaper and easier to buy your own fresh. It’s so easy to use once you’ve peeled it. You can add it to your own sautee or boil it till it reduces with water and sugar for a syrup you can add to sparkling water so you can make your own ginger ale.
Ginger! What is it good for?
A lot of things actually. Historically ginger has been used effectively to alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal distress like motion sickness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting even during pregnancy. Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. Inflammation leads to issues like arthritis.
Ginger protects against colorectal cancer, has anti tumor effects, has anti ovarian cancer cells effects, and boosts your immune system.
“Ginger is a good source of potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese and vitamin B6.”
How do you use ginger?
If you make your own juice with a juicer you can throw a chunk of ginger in. You can use it in your cooking. Ginger goes well with apples, oranges, pumpkin, sweet potato, cinnamon, nutmeg, stir fry vegetables and more. Combine a few chunks in a pot with cinnamon stalks, a few anise stars and water to make your own tea.
Do you like ginger? What do you like to use ginger for?