Ginger

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated January 31, 2022)

Ginger, also known by the scientific name Zingiber officinale, was originally found in what is now called China. This spice became so beloved of the early Chinese people that it was said to be the embodiment of the favorite son of the Kitchen god. There are many legends and stories about this spice to be found in the Orient, many of which revolve around the romantic aspects of the plant. For example according to some legends, even the most "plain" of women will be pursued by all the men she could want if she understands the use of this spice.

This love of ginger can be seen in just about every aspect of Chinese cuisine. In fact, it is used in everything from soy sauce, to sweeten and spice fruit and hour d'oeuvres. Ginger can, and does, provide wonderful examples of the power of choosing the right seasoning for your meals can have. Ginger can be used to either punch up the power of a dish, or if used judiciously can tone down an otherwise overpowering dish. All it takes is a little experimentation and imagination.

There are many properties that make ginger such a sought after spice. Besides it's culinary uses, ginger also possesses many pharmacological properties as well. Often used as an ingredient in perfumes and colognes, ginger can also be used to calm a nauseas stomach. Ginger ale, which naturally possesses ginger as one of its main ingredients, can be used to help settle the stomachs of children who are ill. In addition to helping ill children, ginger is also a main ingredient in many air and motion sickness medicines.

Though ginger is a plant that is native to the Orient, it has since spread throughout the rest of the world. Currently, the United States imports a vast majority of its ginger supply from the island country of Jamaica. Since it was first discovered by the West, ginger has been a favorite spice for baking things like cookies, pies, and cakes. Ginger has also been used as a method for pickling, as well as processing meat, and also as an additive for drinks. Traditionally, English pubs would keep ginger at the bar and add it to wine, beer, or porter which would then be stirred with a red hot poker. The resulting "spiced" drink would then be served hot.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Get Rid of Dryer Grease Stains

For some reason even though you do everything right when washing your clothes, there are times when stains still seem to ...

Discover More

Planting a Winter Hanging Basket

Just because winter is here doesn't mean that you have to go through gardening withdrawals. Planting a winter hanging ...

Discover More

Pruning Tools

Pruning is an important part of gardening and landscaping, and as such needs to have the proper tools. Without the proper ...

Discover More
More Cooking Tips

Bay Leaf

Bay leaves (also known as Laurus nobilis) have had a long history both in the kitchen and out of it. This lovely herb ...

Discover More

Saffron

Crocus satiuusy, or saffron as it is more commonly known, is a wonderful little spice that holds many surprises. While ...

Discover More

Caraway

Caraway has been around for a very long time and long held a place of honor among the herbs and spices of the world. Take ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five minus 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)