Ginger is one of the world's most well-known and widely used spices, and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. From soups to smoothies, ginger adds a unique flavor and aroma to any dish. In this blog post, we'll discuss why ginger is so important, the different types of ginger, how to incorporate it into your diet, and its many health benefits. So let's get started and explore the wonderful world of ginger!
Ginger
Ginger is a root plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. Ginger has a distinctive flavor and aroma that is used to season many dishes. It is also used in many medicinal applications and as an herbal supplement.
Ginger is a perennial herb with a long, thin stem and a knobby root. The root, the edible part, has a yellowish-brown skin with a thick, fibrous layer. The flesh of the root is creamy white and has a sweet, spicy, and pungent flavor.
Ginger is available in many forms, including fresh, dried, powdered, and extracted. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It's also commonly used in beverages like tea and ginger ale.
Records show that ginger has been used as a tonic to treat illness in both India and China for over 5,000 years, but it was likely used in medicine and cooking long before formal records were made. Ginger was also exported from India to the Roman Empire, where it was a key ingredient in Roman medicines. In the Middle Ages, ginger was believed to ward off the plague. Unfortunately for them, placing a ginger root on your kitchen table won't do much to combat a deadly disease...
Ginger varieties
Ginger grows best in a tropical, humid environment. It is primarily cultivated in South and Southeast Asia, with India as the main producer. The ginger we consume comes from the rhizome of the ginger plant—a stem that grows underground. Today, ginger is commonly used to flavor food, treat ailments, and maintain overall well-being. Its popularity as a wellness supplement continues to grow as more and more people realize the many benefits of consuming ginger daily.
There are many different types of ginger, each with its own unique flavor and aroma. The most common varieties are:
- White ginger: This is the most common type of ginger. It has a mild flavor with slightly sweet and spicy notes. It is often used in Asian dishes.
- Red ginger: This type of ginger has a stronger flavor and aroma than white ginger. It is used in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisine.
- Black ginger: This type of ginger is often used in Southeast Asian countries. It has a strong aroma and a sweet, spicy flavor.
- Blue ginger: This type of ginger originates from India and has a strong, earthy flavor. It's often used in Indian dishes and curries.
- Yellow ginger: This type of ginger is native to South America and has a mild flavor and aroma. It's often used in Latin American dishes.
Storing ginger
Ginger is a delicate root and can spoil easily if not stored properly. To store ginger, wrap it in a paper towel and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
You can also freeze ginger to extend its shelf life. Slice or dice the ginger root and store it in an airtight container or plastic bag. Frozen ginger will keep for up to three months.
To dry ginger, thinly slice it and place it on a baking sheet. Bake the ginger over low heat for about 30 minutes. Once dry, store it in an airtight container. Dried ginger will keep for up to six months.
Why is ginger so important in the holistic world?
Ginger is rich in nutrients essential for maintaining balance between body and mind. It contains a wide variety of vitamins, such as vitamin C, B vitamins, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, plus a whole range of minerals, including iron, calcium, and phosphorus.
Ultimately, ginger plays a key role in the holistic world as a preventative measure against ill health because of the many ways it enables the body and mind to thrive.
Ginger is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, both of which are crucial for long-term well-being. It helps promote healthy aging in body and mind and prevents the risk of chronic diseases.
Other ways ginger can help maintain well-being include stimulating digestion, reducing bloating and gas, stabilizing insulin levels, and supporting a healthy weight and metabolism.
How is ginger used in the wellness world today?
Ginger is not only consumed as a preventative measure against ill health, but is also still commonly used to treat illnesses once they have occurred – as it always has been.
We've all turned to ginger tea when we're feeling run down. That's because ginger's anti-inflammatory properties are considered effective in soothing sore throats, fevers, and even menstrual cramps! Ginger tea is a great way to start your weight loss journey. It's low in calories and can help boost your metabolism and burn fat. Drinking ginger tea can also help curb cravings, making you less likely to overeat.
Ginger remains a popular ingredient in skincare products worldwide, especially face masks and moisturizers. The antioxidants in ginger are said to effectively preserve the skin's collagen levels, maintaining elasticity and reducing signs of aging. Ginger's antioxidants are also said to reduce the appearance of scars and even out skin tone, making it a great all-rounder for flawless skin.
Can ginger help with stress?
Jamu made with ginger is traditionally said to bring balance to an overactive mind. Increasing energy to the digestive system brings a sense of calm to the brain. Studies show that ginger can improve your mood and alleviate negative feelings somewhat; even just smelling the aroma of ginger can lift your spirits.
Why is ginger so important in Good Jamu?
Traditionally, each type of jamu is made with its own unique collection of ingredients, but because of its healing and wellness powers, ginger has always been one of the most common ingredients in all types of jamu.
Our goal to keep the jamu tradition alive for future generations to enjoy was one of the two reasons we were inspired to create Good Jamu, so we had no doubt that ginger had to be one of our key ingredients.
Our belief in nature's ability to balance body and mind is the other reason Good Jamu exists. We wanted to show the world what nature can do for you in terms of well-being. So, what better ingredient to choose than ginger, a root that generations of people have turned to for lasting well-being?
Our Island Ginger jamu combines organic ginger in its freshest, raw form (so the potency of the nutrients is fully preserved) with our potent spice tea, sourced directly from Indonesian farmers. Everything here is designed to maximize the benefits of ginger for your body and mind.
Find out more about our Island Ginger jamu.
