Product Spotlight: Ginger

Ginger, the strange-looking cactus-shaped spice, is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. I love its wonderfully fiery, pungent, and sweet flavour. 

Ginger is part of the Zingiberaceae botanical family alongside turmeric and cardamom. Like them, ginger thrives in a hot climate, so it is typically grown in India, Jamaica, Australia, and Indonesia. Ginger has long been revered as a culinary spice and medicinal herb. The rhizome (root) of the ginger plant is the edible part and can be consumed fresh, powdered, dried, or in oil form.                                                            

A brief history

Ginger has been renowned for millennia in many areas throughout the world. It is mentioned in ancient Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern writings. After the ancient Romans imported ginger from Southeast Asia almost two thousand years ago, its popularity grew in Europe but remained centered in the Mediterranean region until the Middle Ages. Its use then spread throughout other countries. Henry Vlll even suggested it as a remedy for the plague. 

Gingerol

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound within ginger and is responsible for many of its health benefits. It has been studied for its anti-cancer properties. See more here. 

Health benefits

Ginger soothes the digestive system. It is a well known as a remedy for nausea, indigestion and is used to aid wind, colic, irritable bowel, chills, colds, flu, poor circulation, menstrual cramps, and gastrointestinal problems. Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-parasitic properties. Studies have shown that its anti-inflammatory qualities can help with osteoarthritis. See the study here. 

Stay Fresh ginger

Stay Fresh Organics' organic ginger is very fresh, GMO-free, and non-irradiated. It's grown the way nature intended on an organic farm in India and stored in an eco-friendly, resealable pouch to Stay Fresh for longer. Click here to buy.

Using ginger powder: Ginger can be used in an infinite number of ways. These are just a few suggestions:

• Add to soups, sauces, and marinades
• Add to stir-fries
• Perfect for delicious cakes, biscuits, and puddings 
• Add to coffee 
• Add to fresh lemon and hot water for a pure, rejuvenating ginger tea. Ginger tea is wonderfully soothing, especially if you feel a cold coming on