Ginger was the Best Character on Gilligan’s Island
When I was a little girl watching Gilligan's Island, I was fascinated with the best character on the show: Ginger!
Watching each episode, there were always so many reasons to laugh… silly Gilligan making a mess of things while everyone else tried to find ways off the island. So did they need another pretty girl on the show? I thought so… Ginger always glowed on the screen. She had a way of drawing people to her. And I thought it was amazing.
In fact, her sweet and spicy personality reminds me of the root of ginger, used to flavour foods and add a little something more. Her name really fits!
All About Ginger
Unlike the beautiful tv star, the ginger I’m referring to is the gnarled bumpy root of the ginger plant: Zingiber officiale, which belongs to the same family as turmeric and cardamom.
It was domesticated in the islands of Southeast Asia and came to the West via the spice trade. Though there are many varieties of ginger root, the most common has tan, papery skin and yellow flesh inside.
Mature ginger root has a tough skin that must be peeled away to get to the fibrous flesh and is usually grated, chopped or ground for use.
The Hawaiian variety of ginger known as blue-ring ginger or Chinese white ginger. This variety is considered superior for its juiciness and bright flavor. They are also larger rhizomes and is generally more expensive.
Varieties of Ginger
Ginger is available fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized (or candied), and powdered/ground. It's used both in sweet and savory cooking and baking.
Fresh ginger is available in two forms: young and mature. The young roots are also called green or spring ginger. They have pale, thin skin that requires no peeling, is very tender and has a milder flavor. It can be grated, chopped, or julienned for use.
Dried ginger is usually found in whole fingers and also in slices. It is usually soaked in a recipe's liquid before use and isn't hard to dehydrate at home.
Pickled ginger, called gari or beni shoga in Japan, is pickled in sweet vinegar and is usually colored bright red or pink. It is a familiar accompaniment to sushi and is also eaten to refresh the breath. Available at Asian markets, it should be kept refrigerated in its container.
Preserved ginger is available in Asian and specialty markets. This form has been preserved in a sugar-salt mixture. It is generally used as a confection or added to desserts, and it is especially good with melon.
Crystallized or candied ginger has been cooked in a sugar syrup until tender and then coated with granulated sugar. It’s eaten on it’s own as a treat or to cure digestion issues and is commonly used in desserts and can easily be made at home.
Ground ginger (also powdered ginger) is dried and ground, available in most supermarkets, and is used primarily in sweets and curry mixes.
Why It’s Good For You
Johns Hopkins lists many reasons we have for looking to ginger to aid in better health, such as:
Lowers blood pressure
Encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn't linger in the gut
Improves immunity
Alleviates PMS symptoms
Relieves nausea and upset stomach
May help with cancer
Reduces pain
Healthier skin
Weight loss aid
History of Ginger Root
Its native home is debated but its medicinal and spiritual uses were first documented in Southeast Asia, India and China. Ginger was used as a flavoring agent long before history was formally recorded. Indians and Chinese are believed to have produced ginger as a tonic root for over 5000 years to treat many ailments. It’s now cultivated throughout the tropics, with India being the largest glocal producer.
Like many other spices, ginger was once a costly commodity. In the 14th century, a pound of ginger was the price of one sheep. It was used to flavour food or eaten directly, just like today. The leaves were also used to weave items such as floor mats. Ginger also had religious significance for Austronesians, it was used in rituals for healing or for protection from spirits.
Uses of Ginger in Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is used to treat fatigue, a lack of energy and cold dispositions. During winter, eating a little of ginger can help raise your Qi and yang energy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine also considers ginger to have warm characteristics that help to improve the spleen and digestive systems to increase Spleen Qi and yang.
Best Ways to Eat Ginger
In Ayurvedic medicine, ginger is associated with digestion. The tradition is to eat fresh ginger before meals to enhance digestion. Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day. Ingesting more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause reflux, heartburn and diarrhea. You may add any of the types listed above to your favourite meals.
Here are a few other ways you can enjoy the health benefits of ginger:
Ginger water (also called ginger juice) is full of antioxidants, which play an important role in helping your body handle free radicals, lowering your risk of health conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Ginger water is also rich in the mineral potassium. Use ginger in a juicer or shred finely and muddle. Add into water for a yummy drink.
A ginger shot is a very small, concentrated version of ginger water that typically is combined with apple, turmeric, lemon, manuka honey or cayenne pepper. A daily, instant ingestion will rev up your system.
Ginger tea is warm and soothing, great after dinner to help digestion or to relieve nausea when you’re tummy feels a little off. Make it from scratch with fresh ginger or have tea bags on hand for when you want to enjoy.
Ginger candy is enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a little sweet and spicy at the same time. It’s also great to have on hand for a natural stomach relief.
Enjoy Ginger Today
Have I convinced you why I love ginger so much and recommend it to my clients all the time? With the holidays coming up, we’ll see gingerbread and other similar flavours. Try them for yourself and share your favourite recipes in my FREE Facebook Group: Get Healthy and Inflammatory Free with Claudine Grace by joining us today.
