The Many Uses of Ginger Root

Ginger is pretty well known no matter who you are or where you're from. Though you hear about it and most likely have it from time to time, it's a heck of a lot more than just the pink stuff you get beside your wasabi at the sushi bar. Ginger has been used since ancient times in food as well as medicine, and it's scent and nutritional merit has even been known to prevent against and fight off sickness and disease.

The ginger root is exactly that, a root growing underground of the plant "Zingiber officinale", or the ginger plant. It's a flowering plant that's had a history spanning centuries, and has been said to originally come from mid-Asia. It is currently grown in Africa, Asia, India, and even on islands in the Caribbean.

Young ginger roots have a higher moisture content, and have been known to taste a lot blander than the roots that have been underground longer. More often than not, young ginger is pickled or powdered, used as a spice and an ingredient in dishes all over the world. It's commonly found in many Indian, Japanese, and Chinese recipes, used most often with fish and vegetables. It's used sliced and cooked, chopped up, or just used as a seasoning. Ginger is found in some of the most popular dishes in the world originating in those areas, such as sushi, kim-chee, and curry, and of course, gingerbread.

For quite some time in human history, ginger has been used for medicinal purposes spanning from nausea and upset stomachs to colds and flus. Ginger is often used in tea, ginger ale, and even used in pill form as the main ingredient in many multivitamins. Ingesting ginger in these ways is said to quickly cure nausea or menstrual cramps. Ginger is also available as a paste, and in India, it is actually rubbed into the pained areas of the head in order to stop a powerful headache. Ginger tea is also used commonly in the islands as a cure for fatigue and over-tiredness.

Ginger is an amazing root with countless uses that's been cultivated and used by humans for countless years. It's positive effects are hard to ignore, and all parts of the plant, even the flower, are now being used in creative cuisine and used ground up as powder incense. Whether you're suffering from a tummy ache or having a craving for some sushi, ginger will cure what ails you.