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Ginger Know Your Herbs and Spices

Cross-section of a relatively young ginger root
Cross-section of a relatively young ginger root (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 I love ginger root.

Pass me a ginger ale, some ginger snaps and this Christmas we’ll build a gingerbread house together. I use ginger fresh and raw in dressings and marinades. Use it cooked in a variety of cuisines including many Asian and Indian dishes.
Powdered works best in baked goods. Its warm sister spices include cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. These spices together pack a flavor punch and aroma like no other. It makes your mouth water.
Ginger grows well in a tropical climate like Hawaii but not impossible to grow indoors in a sunroom or well heated area. Rhizomes are the root-like part of the plant most people recognize.
Candied or crystallized ginger can be eaten as candy or used in baking and cooking. I like to use it prepared this sweetened way in cookies and salsas.
My Mom always gave me ginger ale when I had a belly ache. The official verdict is still out if it actually helps with stomach inflammation or nausea. I know when I’ve been in the hospital they always offered me ginger ale. Hmmm.

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Cindy's Recipes and Writings

As a professional cook, I love creating exciting new recipes on the job as well as at home. Assisting in teaching low-income families how to buy, store and prepare healthy food through Penn State’s alliance with Pennsylvania’s Supercupboard Program was very rewarding. During my 11 years with the Master Gardener program, I taught horticultural therapy to assisted living patients using healthful, fr
esh grown food as a focal point. . My hands-on programs and instruction helped hundreds of children and adults learn about where their food comes from and how important fresh food is for your body.
Currently I’m a cook at a college in Pennsylvania. We prepare everything we can from scratch, including our potato chips that tout the seasoning of the day!
Of course I write about food; it's in my blood!

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6 Comments

  1. Ginger is a very commonly used spice in savory dishes in Togo, Africa. I usually get mine sent from there and it is grounded and you will always find fresh ginger in my fridge. It also freezes well

    1. I never tried freezing ginger, Marlys. I know it gets moldy fast in the fridge if its not fresh when you buy it.

  2. I love ginger! My mom always gave me some when I felt carsick on roadtrips. (Maybe it’s just mentally, but I think it works!)

    1. Like any herb or spice, ginger helps some people, others not so much. I believe it helps! 🙂

  3. I need to try some fresh ginger as I’ve not done that before. Thanks for sharing this information. I SO love gingerale myself.

    1. Let me know what you make with it, Marsha. I love your recipes!

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