Plant kingdom amasses various types of plants; each having a unique quality in taste, flavor and decoration. Ginger is one such plant that adorns the global kitchens with its rich aroma and exquisite herbal quality.
Ginger- A Great Herb
Ginger possesses miraculous, herbal powers making it a "must" in cooking and medicine preparations. Born under earth like any other root vegetable, ginger has proved itself to be effective and efficient in several places through several centuries.
Ginger- Designed As Horns
Ginger has a horny and tubular body which stands on earth with stem support of about 70 cms. The tuber also called rhizome can be used in various forms; Dried, Whole, Fresh, Sweetened, to name a few. The yellow and green flowers emerge among the green leaves in clusters. Grown throughout the year in loess, it is harvested in hot tropics in the presence of ample rainfall.
Ginger- Cookery Add-on
Ginger is used as a spice in Asian kitchens and as aromatic herb in Western bakeries. It infuses a certain aroma into the dish or drink. In fact, Asian cooking experts often use ginger in preparing gravy, chutney or pickle. The Japanese "gari" or pickled ginger is served with main course of sushi. Fresh ginger is cut into small dices or crushed to prepare paste. In several Indian dishes and soups, it is added for tang and taste. In Continental kitchens, it is used in salads. Dried ginger powder is used in garnishing Cantonese dishes. Indian cooks use ginger powder or "sauth" in preparing local Indian dishes. During winters, crushed fresh ginger is used in preparing early morning tea.
In Western kitchens, ginger is used in jams, cakes, pudding, bread and biscuits. Ginger bread is a very well heard item with stories behind it. Lately, ginger has become an ingredient of desserts like ice-cream and sundae.
Hard drinks like ale, beer or wine also have ginger properties. Ginger ale gained fame during 1900s when tons were transported through casks on caravan to bar hubs.
Ginger- Medicinal Drug
Like any other herb, ginger has certain medicinal properties that make it one of the necessaries in homes. It has detoxifying and cleansing properties that allows proper blood circulation and regular bowel disposal. In effect, it works as a laxative. Digestive and metabolic problems like gas, acidity, piles and fissure can be controlled as it increases the proportion of fluids in body. As anti-inflammatory agent, it helps curing arthritis, rheumatism and spasms thereby relieving pain. It has valuable anti-diabetic and anti-hypertension properties. It allows fever or flu to subside helping release body sweat. Ginger based drops, syrups and tablets are available for the treatment of bad throat and cold.
Ginger should be used in proper proportions as it is considered a warm herb. It is cultivated in almost every part of the world and in every month of the year. It is used and consumed in almost every dish or drink making it one of most desired aromatic herb.
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