All About Ginger Root

Ginger is a versatile and flavorful spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. With a spicy and pungent taste, ginger is not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits that make it a powerful superfood. From reducing inflammation to aiding digestion, ginger has a lot to offer for overall health and well-being.

One of the most significant health benefits of ginger is its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Studies have shown that ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which have potent anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Ginger can also act as a mild pain reliever, particularly for reducing muscle and joint pain, soreness, and stiffness.

Ginger is also known for its ability to aid digestion and soothe stomach discomfort. It has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Ginger can help to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile, which can help break down food and ease stomach discomfort.

We made a list of 3 great recipes using fresh ginger to help you get started using ginger root.

Want to learn more? Keep reading until the end of the article for 5 bonus fun facts about ginger root.

1. Carrot and Ginger Soup (Vegan Option)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 cups of grated carrots

• 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger root

• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened.

3. Add the grated carrots, fresh ginger root, and broth.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.

5. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the soup until smooth.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish, and serve.

2. Ginger and Maple Glazed Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger root

• 1/4 cup of maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, grated ginger root, maple syrup, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.

3. Brush the mixture over the salmon fillets.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

3. Ginger and Maraschino Cherry Rice Pudding (Vegan)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of white rice

• 2 cups of coconut milk

• 1/4 cup of sugar

• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger root

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

• Maraschino cherries and sliced almonds to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, sugar, grated ginger root, salt, and cinnamon.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pudding is thick.

3. Serve warm or chilled. Immediately before serving, top with maraschino cherries and sliced almonds.

Ginger is a versatile and flavorful spice that offers numerous health benefits. From reducing inflammation to aiding digestion, ginger has a lot to offer. So, next time you're cooking or making a cup of tea, consider adding some ginger to the mix for a boost of flavor and health benefits.

5 Quick Ginger Root Fun Facts

1. Ginger is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes turmeric and cardamom.

2. Ginger has a high amount of gingerol, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It can help with a number of inflammatory diseases in the body.

3. Ginger can be grown at home using the ginger rhizomes found in grocery stores.

4. A ginger plant can grow as high as 4 feet.

5. In Japan, slices of ginger are sometimes eaten between dishes to clear the palate.
   

Curious about more ways to enjoy ginger? We offer ginger as a bulk cut herb (ideal for tea) or a powder that can be used for baking. Our tea blends containing ginger include our Cough and Cold Tea, Deep Sleep Tea, Female Hormone Balancing Tea, Lung Revitalizing Tea, Stomach Healing Tea, and Tissue Healing Herbs. We also offer organic ginger root capsules.

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References

1. Semwal RB, Semwal DK, Combrinck S, Viljoen AM. Gingerols and shogaols: Important nutraceutical principles from ginger. Phytochemistry. 2015 Sep;117:554-568. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.07.012. Epub 2015 Jul 27. PMID: 26228533.

2. Ghayur MN, Gilani AH. Ginger lowers blood pressure through blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2005 Jan;45(1):74-80. doi: 10.1097/00005344-200501000-00013. PMID: 15613983.

3. Fuhrman B, Rosenblat M, Hayek T, Coleman R, Aviram M. Ginger extract consumption reduces plasma cholesterol, inhibits LDL oxidation and attenuates development of atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic, apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. J Nutr. 2000 May;130(5):1124-31. doi: 10.1093/jn/130.5.1124. PMID: 10801908.