What is Ginger?
Ginger is a flowering plant which is widely known for its aromatic, spicy, and pungent rhizome. A rhizome is the underground stem of the plant. Young stems tend to be extremely juicy with a slightly milder taste than the more mature plants which tend to be more fibrous and dry. It is used as a spice and herbal remedy in various cuisines and traditional medicines around the world. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly India and China, but it is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions globally.
History & background
The earliest cultivation of ginger can be traced back to ancient Southeast Asia, specifically India and China. It has been cultivated for over 5,000 years for its culinary and medicinal properties. It was highly prized and widely traded along ancient spice routes, reaching other parts of Asia, the Middle East, and eventually Europe. The use of ginger in various cultures and cuisines has a long history, making it one of the oldest known spices cultivated by humans.
What form does it come in?
Nowadays ginger comes in many forms including:
- Fresh
- Crystallized
- Paste
- Freeze Dried
- Ground
- Powder
- Minced
- Juice
We have included a link for ginger powder, so that you will always have some ready to use in your cooking.
Organic Ginger Powder by Naturevibe Botanicals.
This product is organic, Non-GMO, gluten-free and keto friendly.
The 5 lb pack will ensure you always have a good supply whenever you want to use it in your cooking.
Is Ginger good for you?
Yes, it is generally considered to be good for you and offers several health benefits.
It has been traditionally used to relieve digestive issues such as nausea, indigestion, and bloating. And it is believed it can help stimulate digestion and alleviate discomfort.
It also contains compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
Using ginger has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, particularly in cases of pregnancy-related morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
It has immune-enhancing properties and can help strengthen the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of infections.
Furthermore, it can been used as a natural remedy for pain relief, including menstrual pain, muscle soreness, and headaches. It may have analgesic properties.
Some studies suggest that it may help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve overall heart health.
It’s worth noting that while ginger has these potential benefits, individual results may vary, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for specific health concerns or conditions.
Flavor profile
The flavor profile is quite unique and is sometimes described as spicy, with a hint of warmth, and slight sweetness. It has a peppery and slightly tangy taste with a hint of citrus and a refreshing, earthy aroma. The flavor can vary depending on its freshness, variety, and how it is prepared or cooked. In its raw form, it has a sharper and more intense taste, while cooked ginger tends to mellow out and become more subtle. Overall, it adds a distinct and pleasant kick to dishes and beverages.
The aroma of fresh ginger is also very pleasant – when you cut into the rhizome it release a natural sweet fresh smell.
Cooking with Ginger
It can be used in various ways to add flavor and aroma to your dishes. The hot, zesty flavor works well in both hot and cold recipes and can be paired with chicken, vegetables, ice cream, chocolate, stir fry’s… the list is endless.
Here are a few common methods:
- You can peel the skin off and finely chop, grate, or mince it before using. It works well in stir-fries, soups, curries, marinades, and sauces. It can also be added to teas and infused into beverages.
- To make a paste, blend or finely grind fresh ginger with a small amount of water. The paste can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks and used as a convenient addition to your recipes. It can be added to curries, marinades, and sauces.
- Thinly slice fresh ginger to add to stir-fries, soups, and stews. The slices infuse the dish with flavor and can be removed before serving if desired.
- Ground ginger is a convenient option and works well in baking, spice blends, and dry rubs. However, the flavor of dried ground ginger is slightly different from fresh ginger, so adjust the amount accordingly.
- Pickled ginger, often served with sushi, has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. It can be made at home by pickling thin slices of ginger in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Pickled ginger is commonly used as a condiment to complement sushi or other dishes.
Remember that ginger can have a strong flavor, so start with smaller amounts and adjust according to your taste preferences. It’s also worth noting that cooking ginger for longer periods may mellow out its spiciness, while adding it towards the end can preserve its sharpness.
Recipe ideas using ginger
Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add the sliced chicken and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for a few minutes until crisp-tender.
- Stir in the oyster sauce and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve the ginger chicken stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.
Try serving with prawns or beef.
Ginger Carrot Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute.
- Add the chopped carrots, broth, and ground cumin to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the carrots are tender.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender, and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve the ginger carrot soup hot.
Serve with warm crusty bread.
Ginger Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional)
- Additional granulated sugar, for rolling
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the finely chopped crystallized ginger, if using.
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly browned.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Perfect for afternoon tea or a quick snack.
Common uses
Ginger is a versatile ingredient that is used in various cuisines around the world. It goes well with a wide range of dishes, hot or cold.
Here are some common uses:
- Cooking: It adds a distinctive flavor and aroma to both savory and sweet dishes. It is commonly used in stir-fries, curries, soups, stews, marinades, and sauces. It pairs well with ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, lime, and chili peppers.
- Baking: Ground ginger is a popular spice in baking. It is used in gingerbread cookies, cakes, muffins, and pies to impart a warm and spicy flavor. It can also be used in spice blends like pumpkin spice.
- Beverages: It can be used to make refreshing and soothing beverages. It is commonly added to herbal teas, hot water with lemon and honey, ginger ale, ginger beer, and ginger-infused cocktails.
- Asian Cuisine: It is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines. It is used in dishes like Thai curries, Chinese stir-fries, Japanese pickles, and Korean kimchi.
- Condiments: Pickled ginger, also known as gari, is often served with sushi and sashimi as a palate cleanser. It can also be used to make chutneys, relishes, and spicy dipping sauces.
- Remedies: It has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It can be used to make tea or infused into hot water for its soothing and digestive properties.
Other alternatives
Finally, if you are looking for an alternative to ginger then you could consider using cinnamon, galangal, turmeric, all-spice, or cardamom. Each can bring a slightly different flavor to your dish.