Ginger, what a passion! History of a plant with a thousand benefits

Table of contents:

The plant
The history
What are the properties and benefits of ginger?
How to use ginger?
Curiosities

A relative of cardamom, which we told you about a few articles ago, ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. As much as its appearance does not make it the most beautiful in the plant world, ginger is an increasingly popular source of wellness. From the Alps to the pyramids, whether in the form of ginger infusion, refreshing slice, or dehydrated, ginger is a gold mine of health and wellness. Native to South Asia and China, ginger was already used in Ancient Rome and considered, along with pepper, a prized ingredient. Let’s discover together the history, properties and uses of ginger.

The plant

Ginger is a plant with celebrated anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion and is an excellent digestive aid after a particularly greedy lunch or against the most annoying gastroesophageal reflux. However, ginger also improves circulation, speeds up metabolism, and you name it. How can you recognize it? By the lumpy rhizomes. The plant, which reaches five feet in height has sterile, leafy hollow stems or short, leafless ones. It prefers tropical climates and fears the winter season. To those wondering how to grow ginger, the answer is: with a lot of patience. This plant needs climates with a temperature no lower than 15°, preferably in half shade, because it does not like direct sun. Characterized by a lemony, pungent flavor, of ginger the fresh root is used preferably sliced and peeled or it is finely chopped.

History

The name ginger has ancient origins that are lost in the mists of time. In fact, its name is derived from Sanskrit srnagravera and Arabic, zanjabil. In both languages the meaning is horn, which refers to the shape of its rhizomes or roots. Known and appreciated since the time of Confucius (5th century B.C.), history records recipes in which ginger is present as an ingredient in the preparation of sauces and marinades in the ancient Rome of Apicius, a true gourmet ante litteram. Pythagoras counted it as an effective remedy against reptile bites, while Alexander the Great used it to season meat. Then in the Middle Ages, candied ginger was very popular in the preparation of sweets. In short, from a remedy against the plague to a gift for diners at the English court of Elizabeth I, to being a real commodity traded in the Middle Ages, ginger has traveled through world history on the tables of all peoples.

What are the properties and benefits of ginger?

First and foremost, ginger is known to be very good for you. Its function is across the board and suitable for treating a great many ailments, but among the benefits of ginger is undoubtedly its digestive function. To the question, who should avoid ginger, we answer: no one. Ginger greatly reduces the feeling of nausea, both from pregnancy (which as we know is a delicate time) and from travel and commuting. In short, if you suffer from motion sickness, a slice of ginger will save you. Did you eat too much? Digestion will no longer be a problem; ditto heartburn or the more obnoxious gastroesophageal reflux. An excellent remedy against the rigors of winter, ginger also has an antipyretic action. But the benefits of ginger do not end there, as this plant is also useful in fighting migraines and, in the spring season, will be your natural antihistamine. Also known of ginger are its slimming properties, making it perfect for a natural detox. And it is precisely ginger that is one of the ingredients in the Remedium No. 3 – Digestive , an infusion of ginger, lemon, licorice, rosemary, etc. created to aid digestion after a hearty meal.

How to use ginger?

If you don’t know how to use ginger in cooking, here are some tips for you. Fresh, very fresh (and peeled) ginger is at its best. You can use it to season meat or fish and to add a fresh touch to your recipes. Sliced or grated, it is in fact a must-have ingredient in Asian cuisine. Combined with the bouquet of herbs, it can be the quid you don’t expect when making boiled meat or in desserts. Gingerbread, in fact, is beloved in Northern Europe, which even dedicates its name to the spicy ginger-based dough of crispy, fun little man-shaped cookies. How to store ginger: If fresh, wrap it in food wrap and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. If powdered, keep it away from direct sources of light in a cool, dry place.

Curiosities

Have you ever heard of ginger ale? It is a popular carbonated soft drink among the British. What if we told you that ginger is also an oral antibacterial? Well yes: make a decoction of boiled ginger, let it cool, and use it as a natural mouthwash.

Sitography

https://www.cure-naturali.it/enciclopedia-naturale/alimentazione/nutrizione/zenzero.html
https://www.greenme.it/mangiare/alimentazione-a-salute/zenzero-tutto
http://wiki.cucchiaio.it/wiki/zenzero/