Ginger Recipe & Nutrition | ‘s Encyclopedia of Food

Ginger is one of the oldest and most popular spices in the world and is an integral part of many different culinary traditions around the globe. In particular, it is used in many Asian dishes, and its pungent taste is widely regarded as having a warming effect on the body. Ginger is a member of the ginger family, which includes turmeric, galangal, and cardamom. The ginger family is a large one, which includes over 180 other species of plants. Most members of the family are native to tropical or subtropical climates, and the family is characterized by a range of flavours and aromas ranging from spicy and floral to aromatic spices. Ginger is a perennial herb that is cultivated primarily for its rhizomes. ~~

Ginger is an excellent spice to add to food if you want to boost the flavor. It has a unique flavor that can make the food more powerful. It is a great addition to marinades, soups, sauces, stews, and more. When you want to buy this spice, you should try to buy the whole root or the powder, which is preferable. You should also use it in your food in moderation to avoid any kind of stomach upset.

A healthy body needs a healthy diet. But what, exactly, constitutes a healthy diet? To answer that question, we turned to Dr. James Dillard, a certified diabetes educator and a certified nutritionist, to share his expertise on the importance of whole food nutrition.

A Quick Look

Ginger is a pungent, knobby root with a modest appearance. It has a heat that rapidly rises from the lips to the nose. Ginger, on the other hand, has a crisp and quick heat that does not linger like a hot chile. Despite its fiery reputation, ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that is utilized in herbal therapy to alleviate chronic pain and, most notably, nausea. Ginger is available as a raw root or a dried powder as a spice. Both have a spicy, aromatic, and somewhat sweet flavor, but the root has a fresher, brighter flavor than the dried powder, which tastes more woody and earthy. Ginger is a widely used spice in Asia, where it may be found in warm digestive drinks, curries, stir-fries, and as a pickled and pink condiment. We prefer our ginger in ginger ale or ginger cookies in the West. To put it another way, with sugar.

Overview

Ginger is a spice with a personality.

This plain-looking knobby root has a fiery taste to it; when eaten raw and unadulterated, the heat rapidly rises from the mouth to the nose, clearing everything in its route.

Despite its fiery nature, ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that is used in herbal therapy to treat chronic pain and, perhaps most notably, nausea caused by pregnancy, motion sickness, or illness.

In Asia, ginger is a very popular spice. In India, it’s used in curries, baked goods, and chai; in China, it’s mixed with garlic, scallions, and soy sauce; in Thailand- Thai ginger it’s mashed into a paste with lemongrass and coconut; and in Japan, it’s pickled pink and served with sushi and other meals.

We enjoy our ginger the same way we like most things in the West: with sugar (for example in ginger ale or in ginger biscuits).

Turmeric and galangal, both knobby roots with spicy tastes, are linked to ginger. Ginger is often used as an ornamental plant in warm areas, and although the root is homely, the above-ground portions are quite spectacular and attractive if allowed to develop and bloom.

Ginger is believed to have originated in India, which continues to be the world’s leading producer.

Identification

Ginger is available as a raw root or a powdered form.

The colorful and knobby beige colored root has a distinct arrangement of bulbs, nubs, and shafts on each root, all branching out in various ways. The skin of the root may be thin when it is young or somewhat rough when it is older. In every instance, the skin is edible and contains the majority of the taste. The inside is light yellow, fibrous, and stiff.

Dried ginger is fine and sand-colored. It’s so fine, in fact, that it’s simple to inhale a stray cloud of ginger powder, which will almost certainly result in a minor coughing fit.

Both have a spicy, aromatic, and somewhat sweet flavor, but the root has a fresher, brighter flavor than the dried powder, which tastes more woody and earthy. Ginger’s heat is intense and quick, but unlike a hot chile, it doesn’t linger.

Nutritional Information

In the quantities commonly ingested, ginger, like other spices, is not a major source of nutrients. Manganese content is, however, disproportionately high.

Consider ginger not only for taste, but also for physical well-being, as it includes certain health-beneficial chemicals that may assist to improve digestion and decrease inflammation in the body.

Selection

Ginger may be obtained in most grocery stores, health food stores, bulk food stores, fruit and vegetable markets, and spice shops as a raw root or a dried powder.

When buying dry powder, look for shops with high turnover and covered bins at bulk food stores. Although dried ginger does not go bad, it does lose its effectiveness. Check to see whether the ginger you’re buying still has a strong spicy aroma.

Look for roots that are heavy for their size and have firm skin that is taught and slightly shiny when buying fresh roots. Avoid roots that appear to be withered, very dull, or have nicks and blemishes.

Ginger may also be found puréed, pickled, candied, and in a number of different forms. Although these forms are convenient, they may also include additional preservatives, coloring additives, or sugar.

Storage

Store ginger powder at room temperature in a tightly sealed container away from heat and light, such as a closed cabinet or drawer. Ground ginger has a six-month shelf life, assuming appropriate storage. Ginger is still safe to consume after this period, but it will have lost a lot of its taste.

Fresh ginger root should be stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for two to three weeks to keep it fresh. It may also be stored for up to six months in the freezer. Keep it intact in the fridge and slice off a knob as required. To avoid freezer burn, wrap it tightly.

Preparation

Ginger is a wonderful addition to warm drinks, curries, soups, smoothies, and porridges, whether you use the dried powder or the raw root.

The powder may be sprinkled straight into meals, while the root must be cut, grated, or minced before use.

Slice a knob of the root using a sharp knife and either cut it into very thin slices, chop it, or grate it. Although some people like to peel it first, the skin is completely delicious and contains a lot of the taste.

BRUSSEL SPROUTS WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE SAUTEED WITH GINGER AND GARLIC

Ginger

Ginger appears twice in this recipe: first to lend zest to a spicy peanut sauce, and again to give sautéed Brussel sprouts a subtle, aromatic scent. The peanut sauce goes nicely with any vegetable and may also be used as a dip.

Ingredients

Natural peanut butter as a sauce 1 cup of water 2 tbsp sriracha-style spicy sauce 4 tbsp mirin lime juice, 2 tbsp 1 tbsp freshly chopped fresh ginger root 2 tbsp. salt Brussel Sprouts: toasted sesame seed oil, 1/4 teaspoon 2 tbsp freshly minced fresh ginger root 1 tsp finely minced garlic 2 brussel sprouts cloves, rough butts removed, longitudinally halved 2 cups green onions, neatly cut in rounds, sea salt to taste 2 handfuls toasted peanuts, for serving (optional)

Directions

Time to Prepare: 20 minutes Time to prepare: 12 minutes There are 6 servings in this recipe.

To make the Spicy Peanut Sauce, combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Whisk together all of the ingredients in a container until smooth. Make the Brussel sprouts as you wait.

Sautéed Brussel Sprouts with Ginger & Garlic:

In a large pan, heat the toasted sesame seed oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger and toast for 1-2 minutes in the oil.

Toss the cut Brussel sprouts in the skillet to coat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and put the Brussel sprouts cut-side down in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes without stirring after covering the pan with a lid. After 10 minutes, check on them. They should be delicate but still brilliant green when they’re done.

Remove the Brussel sprouts from the heat and place them in a mixing dish. Season with salt and pepper, then serve with spicy peanut sauce, sliced green onions, and crispy peanuts on the side.

Serve right away.

Book of Free Recipes

Every month, the Encyclopedia of Food grows as we include new delicacies and stunning food photography. Simply click this link to keep up with the latest news. Following that, we’ll give you a complimentary copy of our recipe book. We’ll also notify you when we add new and delicious foods to the site.

For a free copy of the Encyclopedia of Food recipe book, go here.

Foods That Are Related

On a recent trip to India, I had to have a mouthful of ginger. The problem was that I had no idea what to do with it. I had read so many stories about how ginger was used in many ways to help things such as staying alert, improving digestion, soothing menstruation cramps and even killing colds. I thought it might be nice to share some of that information with you too.. Read more about ginger recipes for health and let us know what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with fresh ginger?

Fresh ginger can be used in a variety of ways. It is most commonly used as a spice for cooking, but it can also be used to make tea, or even eaten raw.

What foods can ginger be used in?

Ginger is a spice that can be used in many different dishes. It is typically used as a flavor enhancer, but it can also be used to help with digestion and nausea.

What happens if you drink ginger everyday?

You will get sick and die.

Related Tags

This article broadly covered the following related topics:

  • ginger health benefits
  • ginger nutrition facts
  • benefits of ginger
  • ginger benefits
  • uses of ginger

Una is a food website blogger motivated by her love of cooking and her passion for exploring the connection between food and culture. With an enthusiasm for creating recipes that are simple, seasonal, and international, she has been able to connect with people around the world through her website. Una's recipes are inspired by her travels across Mexico, Portugal, India, Thailand, Australia and China. In each of these countries she has experienced local dishes while learning about the culture as well as gaining insight into how food can be used as a bridge between different cultures. Her recipes are often creative combinations of traditional ingredients from various different cuisines blended together to create something new.