Botanical name

Zingiber officinale

Description 

Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger, is widely used as a spice and an alternative medicine.

Vitamins and Minerals

• Thiamine (B1)
• Riboflavin (B2)         
• Niacin (B3)    
• Pantothenic acid (B5)
• Vitamin B6    
• Folate (B9)     
• Vitamin C      
• Vitamin E      
• Calcium         
• Iron    
• Magnesium    
• Manganese     
• Phosphorus    
• Potassium      
• Zinc    

Possible Health Benefits

• Gingerol is the main compound in ginger that is responsible for much of its medicinal properties.
• Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant effects.
• Due to its anti-bacterial effects, ginger can be effective for:
  • Lowering the risk of infections.
  • Reducing the oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases in the gums, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain, as well as reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain.
• Ginger can be used as a nausea and sea sickness remedy. There is some evidence that it may be as effective as prescription medication for these issues.

Quick Tip:

I often use crystallized or candied ginger such as these here for nausea and I find it works quite well.

• Ginger may help lower blood sugars.
• Can help treat chronic indigestion.
• May reduce menstrual pain.
• May lower cholesterol levels.
• May improve brain function.
• Can help protect against Alzheimer’s Disease.

Flavor Profile

Warm, spicy and peppery.

Background and History

Ginger originated in Southeast Asia. It was one of the first spices to have been exported from Asia, arriving in Europe with the spice trade, and was used by ancient Greeks and Romans.

In 2016, global production of ginger was 3.3 million tons, led by India with 34% of the world total. Nigeria, China, and Indonesia also had substantial production.

Popular Uses

• The juice from ginger roots is often used as a seasoning in Indian recipes and is a common ingredient of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and many South Asian cuisines for flavoring dishes such as seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes.
• Ginger can be steeped in boiling water to make ginger root tea,
• Can be made into a candy known as candied ginger or crystallized ginger.
• Powdered ginger root is used as a flavoring for recipes such as gingerbread, cookies, crackers and cakes, ginger ale, and ginger beer.

Quick Tip

Fresh ginger can be substituted for ground ginger at a ratio of six to one.

Quick Tip

For longer-term storage, peel and chop or grate ginger, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for later use. Note: Place ginger spread out on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and freeze for several hours. Then transfer frozen ginger into a freezer-safe container. This will help keep the ginger from freezing/sticking together into one giant clump.

Recipes

Ginger Root Tea

Candied/Crystallized Ginger

53 Ginger Recipes That Are Just the Right Amount of Spicy

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger