Spice Profile: Ginger
Ginger is the rhizome or root of the plant Zingiber officinale. It is native to South Asia and has spread to other Pacific tropics such as Hawaii. Varieties of the plant can flower and be used in landscaping although the good edible ginger is less appealing and more rugged.
Choosing ginger
The younger ginger rhizomes are usually juicier and more mild than the older roots, which can become fibrous and dry. Usually recipes call for dry ground ginger, which is less mild than fresh, but can still be substituted. If you are substituting fresh ginger for ground, use a ratio of 6 to 1. Store ginger in the refrigerator up to a month.
Health Benefits
Ginger contains volatile oils that have been known to have antibacterial properties. The oils have been used to prevent skin cancer in mice and studies from The University of Michigan have shown that ginger can kill ovarian cancer cells. It is also known to cure motion sickness and stimulate the production of saliva, which can help make swallowing easier.
