Ginger Root

Zingiber officinale is a perennial plant, commonly known as ginger. The stem of this plant is used as a popular cooking spice throughout the world. It is often mistaken to be a root because it grows underground. Ginger has been cultivated in China for thousands of years. From there, harvest of ginger spread to countries like West Africa, India, the Caribbean and south-east Asia.

Chemical composition of ginger

Essential oils form upto 3% chemicals in ginger. This is the main factor contributing to the aroma of ginger. This spice gets its pungent taste from the compound called phenylpropanoid. They constitute primarily of shogaols and gingerols, which are derived when the ginger is cooked or dried. Zingerone compound is also produced from gingerols. It has a mild pungent and a sweet and spicy fragrance.

Various forms of ginger spice

Fresh ginger is basically referred to the whole raw uncooked spice. A piece of ginger is known as a ‘hand’. The skin of this spice can be of various shades from dark brown to palest golden yellowish. Jamaican ginger is the most popular variety of pale ginger. The Indian and African variety of ginger is considered to be inferior in quality. Ginger in these regions has a darker s hade. However, the darker Kenyan ginger is considered to be quite good.

Ginger is also available in the dried form. As a whole stem it is dark or light in shade, depending on the type of ginger and is found whole or sliced in the spice markets. It is also available in powdered form. The powder is usually buffed or pale yellow in color.

Preserved ginger is available in canned form. The fresh ginger is peeled, sliced and boiled in sugar syrup till it becomes pulpy and tender.  Candied form of ginger is nothing but ginger boiled in sugar and air dried. Candied ginger is sweet, spicy and pungent in taste. It is eaten after meals to aid digestion.

Ginger is also available in pickled form with thin slices of ginger stored in vinegar. This is known as ‘gari’ and is quite popular in Japan. It is eaten with sushi and is also known to cleanse the palette between courses of meals.

Ginger – The universal spice

Ginger is one of the most popular spices used in oriental and Asian cuisines. It is used mostly in it fresh form and either sliced, minced or crushed to get the maximum flavor and aroma. Fresh ginger stems can be stored for several weeks in the refrigerator. Dried ginger can be stored for months in stem or powder form for months, in air-tight jars.

Powdered ginger is one of the key ingredients in various types of curry powders. Ginger stems are also used in the preparation of chutneys, pickles, curry pastes, candies etc. Ginger sprouts can be used as part of green salad. Raw or steamed ginger is also used in salads and is either eaten raw or used in salad dressings for added flavoring.

People in the west use ginger as a popular bakery ingredient. It can be used to make biscuits, ginger-bread, cakes etc. It is also used to make jams and preserves and is mixed with different fruits for the purpose for an extra zing.

Ginger is also used to prepare different drinks like ginger based wines known as Canton and ginger liquor, which are popular in France and United Kingdom, ginger beer, ginger-ale and as an added spice to teas. It is also used as a garnish for various Thai and Chinese dishes in raw or pickled form. It is also used to prepare sweets and puddings and is used to make truffles and ice-creams.

Medicinal uses of ginger

Ginger is considered an effective medication to treat common colds. It is popularly had with tea to treat the symptoms. It is added to honey and water to treat sore throats.

It is considered very effective in battling nausea caused by chemotherapy, morning sickness, motion sickness, seasickness as well as post-operative nausea.

Ginger is good for patients suffering from arthritis as it is known to eliminate joint pains. It is also considered a very good remedy for heart patients as it lowers cholesterol and thins the blood. Its anti-oxidant properties help prevent cancers. It is used to prevent gall bladder and kidney stones too. Even though ginger is spicy, it is said to have a cooling effect on the body and is used widely in summer months as it is in winter months.

Ginger is also used to treat inflammations both external and internal. Ginger paste, when applied to the forehead also relieves cold based headaches. Its anti-bacterial properties make it a good remedy to battle bacterial infections. It is in also used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory diseases.  It is also used in the treatment of gastroenteritis and to relive indigestion, stomach cramps and gastric problems.