Gushing Over Ginger

Ginger is one of those spices that never got used much in my kitchen cabinet.  When a recipe called for it, I would sprinkle a dash of powdered ginger in, but that was the extent of my ginger use!

Currently, I'm taking a deeper look at fresh herbs and spices and the benefits of ginger caught my attention. 

 

Below is a list of the healing properties of ginger and how it can be used to benefit one's health:

• Ginger has a warming and invigorating effect on the body.
• It can boost poor circulation, particularly in the hands and feet.
• Ginger can relieve the pain of arthritic and rheumatic joints, as well as sports related muscle injuries.
• A ginger tea will promote sweating and lower a high temperature and relieve flu symptoms.
• Ginger tea can help to clear up congestion, catarrh and chest infections such as bronchitis.  
• Ginger prevents motion sickness such as when travelling by car, coach or boat. It can also stop nausea and vomiting.
• Ginger can relieve indigestion, reduce flatulence and calm the digestive system.  
• Ginger contains components that help to clear up mucous.
• Ginger speeds up digestion and a ginger tea taken after a meal will help.
• Ginger is said to promote menstruation.
• It can be used to lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Research has found that ginger contains many anti-oxidant components and can help prevent against some forms of cancer.

• Ginger stimulates the liver and the elimination of harmful toxins and waste from the body.

Of course the biggest factor is how does fresh ginger taste and how can it be used!  I bought a piece of ginger from my local produce store.  Once home, I wrapped it in a wet paper towel and placed that in a ziplock bag in the crisper part of the refrigerator. When ready to use, ginger must be peeled and cut finely. 

Here I found a great way to get fresh grated ginger for cooking.

Then I found a few ideas on how to use ginger in my food dishes. 

Some ideas on how to use ginger in the kitchen

• Use ground ginger in biscuits, milk puddings and desserts, gingerbread and cakes.
• Add chopped or grated ginger to curries and all types of stir-fries.
• Use ginger for marinades for poultry and meat.
• Use chopped ginger together with garlic and onion as an addition to vegetables or meat.
• Use fresh ginger to make spicy curries or coconut milk creamy curries.
• Use to make a refreshing ginger lemonade or ginger ale.
• Use ginger with any type of Chinese style sauce made with soy sauce.
• Add grated ginger to spice up rice or couscous.
• Add ginger to olive oil and garlic to make a tasty dressing for salad.
• Add to freshly juiced carrots and apples for an invigorating pick-me-up drink.
• Sprinkle dried ginger over apple or rhubarb crumble.
• Make a ginger tea sweetened with honey.

Since experimenting with fresh ginger, I have made salad dressings with it, used it to bring flavor to vegetables and a stir fry dish and other meals.  My husband was suffereing from nausea recently and I brewed a cup of ginger tea for him!  The taste of fresh ginger is fantastic and adds some splash and pizazz to food.  If you're looking for a little something different in your kitchen, give fresh ginger a try!