Product Description
PURPOSE
WHAT IS IT?
(Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or simply ginger, is widely used as a spice or a folk medicine. The fiery and exciting ginger root has a long history of use as a culinary flavor and medicinal plant.
EXPERIENCE
This ancient powerhouse of flavor is pungent, strikingly strong, with notes of lemon pepper. The strong element of heat in ginger allows the spice to lends its zingy flavor to sweet and savory dishes. On a side note, the chewy texture of the crystalized pieces make for a satisfying and flavorful snack.
CULINARY GEOGRAPHY
Ginger originated in the tropical rainforest in Southern Asia. Although ginger no longer grows wild, it is thought to have originated on the Indian subcontinent because the ginger plants grown in India show the largest amount of genetic variation. Presently, the main producers of ginger are India, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, and the Philippines.
TRADITIONAL USES
- Spiced fruit cake
- Chewed on for relief of car or sea sickness
- Curry garnish
- Ginger snap cookies
IMPROVISATIONAL ‘RIFFS’
- Fold into chicken salad with mayo and celery
- Chop → stir into quinoa with herbs and nuts
- Skewer with shrimp → glaze with honey and chili
THE BACKSTORY
Although ginger originated in Southeast Asia, it was widely cultivated in other countries. By the 1st century, traders had brought ginger into the Mediterranean regions. Eventually, it became a popular spice in Rome. Unfortunately, the popularity of ginger fell from use once the Roman Empire fell. At this point, ginger’s worth had increased to the point of only being used fro make royal sweets in medieval times.
AKA
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