Remember those days when mom gave you Ginger Ale soda and crackers when your tummy didn’t feel so good. Today’s fresh ginger culminates to even greater heights of culinary and medicinal value.
At only 5 calories a tablespoon serving, fresh ginger is so flavorful. It contains high levels of gingerol as well as ginger’s active protease (it’s anti-inflammatory compound). Fresh ginger bundles micronutrients and minerals such as water-soluble B-Complex, Vitamin C and Potassium.
Some useful health benefits:
Nausea
Morning sickness
Osteoarthritis
Before surgery
Dizziness
Find the best:
You can find fresh ginger root in the produce section of markets. When purchasing fresh ginger root, make sure it is firm, smooth and free of mold.
Looks like:
There are two forms, either young or mature. Mature ginger is more available and has a tough skin that requires peeling. Young ginger, available in Asian markets, does not need peeling.
Select organic:
When purchasing ginger powder as a dried spice, look for flavorful organically grown.
Stored best:
Fresh ginger is best stored unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Unpeeled ginger freezer safe containers will keep up to six months.
Prepare:
After removing the skin from fresh mature ginger with a paring knife, slice, mince or juliene. The taste that ginger imparts to a dish depends upon the cooking process. Cook ginger longer for a subtle flavor or spice up a dish at the end for a stronger taste.
Everyday Uses:
- Grated fresh ginger is nice in hot tea, homeade lemonade and salad dressings.
- Minced fresh ginger is healthy added to baked veggies such as: sweet potatoes and squash.
- Sliced or minced fresh ginger is nice added to sautéed veggies or stir-fry.
“I love iced ginger tea lemonade … I love hot ginger green tea … I love ginger cookies.” -Michelle Bradford
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