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April
3, 2002
Ginger
is a plant from tropical and sub-tropical regions grown primarily
for its root. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word for horn root,
probably referring to its gnarled and knobby appearance. Ginger's
flavor is peppery and slightly sweet with a spicy aroma. Ginger is
grown commercially in Jamaica and to a lessor degree in India, Africa
and China.
The earliest recorded use of ginger was that of the yogi's of India
who claimed it promoted mental clarity, and unlike garlic, left a
sweet breath that did not offend the Gods. Ginger is a beloved spice
in kitchens around the world. The versatile root has long been a mainstay
in Asian and Indian cooking.
The Chinese, Japanese and East Indians use ginger in a variety of
forms: grated, ground, and sliced, in many savory dishes. Europeans
and Americans are more likely to use the dried ground form of ginger,
usually in baked goods such as cookies and cakes. The flavor of the
dried ginger is very different from that of fresh ginger root and
is not an appropriate substitute for dishes specifying fresh ginger.
It is, however, a delicious addition to some soups, curries, and meats
as well as for the usual gingerbread and cookies .We are also familiar
with ginger ale and ginger beer although most ginger ales today use
artificial flavorings.
Besides the more common forms of ginger there are also other of forms
of preserved ginger such as pickled in sweet vinegar or in a salt-sugar
mixture available in Asian markets and some larger supermarkets. My
favorite form of ginger is the crystallized or candied ginger that
has been cooked in a sugar syrup and coated with sugar. It is delicious
eaten out of hand. I always have some on hand to use in baking. It
is a delicious addition to cookies, cakes, scones, muffins, just use
your imagination. I love experimenting with it and surprising my family
with delicious, unusual and healthy treats. Try it diced in your next
batch of oatmeal cookies instead of raisins. Yum!!!!
An old Indian proverb says "Every good quality is contained in
ginger." Fleshy and aromatic, ginger root has been used in cooking
and healing since the dawn of history. Modern science has supported
some of it's traditional medical uses including ginger's helpfulness
in preventing motion sickness and several others. It is suggested
to use ginger tea as a digestive aid and to help treat colds, flu,
nausea, morning sickness, or arthritis or to help prevent heart disease
and stroke. To make ginger tea, use 2 teaspoons of powdered or fresh
grated ginger root per cup of boiling water. ( I prefer the fresh.)
A significant and therapeutic amount of ginger may be ingested by
eating ginger-spiced food or drinking ginger ale (if flavored with
real ginger and not a synthetic flavoring). Ginger is used for motion
sickness as needed at sea or on the road. Capsules containing powdered
ginger are quick and easy. One drop of the essential oil of ginger
in a massage blend can help to relieve sore muscles. These words of
warning are necessary before using any herb for medicinal purposes:
always check with your doctor first!
Ginger can be grown indoors and makes a lovely and useful houseplant
if the right conditions are met. It is propagated from young fresh
roots (rhizomes) which contain eyes similar to potatoes. The best
place to obtain fresh ginger is in Asian markets. Some nursery's may
carry it. Plant the root in a large deep pot to a depth of about three
inches in a soil mixture of loam, sand, compost and peat moss. Give
it warmth, plenty of water and humidity. A greenhouse environment
is best. The plant can be grown in the garden in warmer climates such
as Florida and the Southwest. It grows best in raised beds set in
partial shade filled with a moist compost-manure mixture.
This beautiful plant has an aromatic rhizome, erect stems of two ranks,
lance-shaped leaves and spikes of white flowers. The raw flowers are
also editable and make a delicious garnish. Treat yourself and your
family to the many wonderful benefits of this delicious and healthy
herb.
For more gardening tips don't forget the Master Gardener sponsored
Yard N' Garden day set for this coming Saturday, April 6, at the Penn
Yan Middle School. The seminars are filling up fast so do not delay
to sign up for some of the great seminars offered this year. To learn
which seminars still have room call the Cooperative Extension office
at 315-536-5123. As always Master Gardeners are trained to assist
you with your lawn and garden questions. Just call the extension office
and leave your message along with a time we can return your call.
www.cce.cornell.edu/yates/mgindex.htm.
Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association
Last updated: 3/28/02
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