September 2012 - Costa Calida Chronicle

Ginger is
probably one
of the most
common
and popular
herbs used
in cooking
and medicine.
The
G i n g e r
Root, or rhizome,
can
be used, as
can Ground Ginger. The Ginger Plant is
often used in gardens of subtropical homes
as it produces attractive clusters of white and
pink buds that develop into yellow fl owers. It
is a perennial reed-like plant with a leafy stem
and can grow up to 4ft.
The rhizome of the Ginger plant is harvested
when the stalk withers. It is then scalded,
washed and scraped to prevent it from
sprouting. Young rhizomes can be pickled
in vinegar or sherry and eaten as a snack
or used in cooking. The more mature Ginger
rhizomes are more fi brous and dry. It
is these roots that are used in cooking, especially
Indian and Chinese cuisine. In China,
sliced or whole Ginger root is often paired
with savoury dishes such as fi sh, and chopped
Ginger root is commonly paired with meat,
when it is cooked. However, candied Ginger
is sometimes a component of Chinese candy
boxes, and a herbal tea can also be prepared
from Ginger. The Ginger roots are powdered
and used in traditional cooking such as Gingerbread,
Ginger Snaps, Parkin and Ginger
biscuits. The Ginger root can also be
dried and candied for use.
Ginger Wine has been produced in the UK
for centuries and is traditionally sold in green
glass bottles. It is quite spicy and can be
drunk on its own or with ice, but the best
known means of consumption is as a ‘Whisky
Mac’, a combination of Ginger Wine and
whisky. It can also be drunk with lemonade
or other mixers.
Ginger Tea is a beverage drunk in many
countries, made from the Ginger root. In
China, the tea is made by boiling peeled and
sliced Ginger to which brown sugar is often
added.
Preliminary research indicates that nine compounds
found in Ginger may bind to human
serotonin receptors which may infl uence
gastrointestinal function. There are various
thoughts on how Ginger helps during medical
conditions, the prime one being nausea, especially
travel sickness, morning sickness and
nausea brought on by chemotherapy. Just
eating Ginger biscuits can help these condi-
tions.
Ginger was historically called Jamaica Ginger
and was classifi ed as a stimulant and
carminative, used for dyspepsia, constipation
and colic. Some studies indicate Ginger may
provide short-term relief from pregnancy-related
nausea and vomiting. Tea brewed from
Ginger is a common folk remedy for colds
and Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer have also
been said to settle an upset stomach.
Although Ginger is generally considered a
safe food, it can interact with some medications
such as Warfarin and it can promote the
production of bile, so may affect those suffering
with gallstones. Although rare, allergic
reactions to Ginger have been observed, as
have heartburn and bloating, but this popular
spice or herb has many positive attributes.
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