| Issue #45, February 15, 2008 |
Ginger: A Super Ingredient 
Fresh, grated ginger adds a kick to any dish. But in addition to its culinary uses, ginger has been heralded as a powerful, effective ingredient with many health benefits.
Ginger is a perennial plant with fleshy, fibrous roots. It is the root, or rhizome, of the plant that is eaten and used in recipes and folk medicine preparations. A common ingredient in Chinese, Indian and Southeast Asian foods for thousands of years, ginger was brought to Europe by around the 10th century AD, when it began appearing in books. In the 16th century the Spanish carried ginger to the East Indies and America, where it flourishes, particularly in the south.
The plants can grow up to four-and-a-half feet tall. Ginger has been used in health and medicinal preparations by the Chinese for thousands of years. The fresh root has been used to treat colds, flu and respiratory infections. Ginger has also be used to treat stomach disorders like nausea, heartburn, and indigestion, as well as diarrhea - even commercial ginger ale is commonly used as home remedy for stomach aches. When the essential oil is extracted by steam distillation, ginger can increase circulation and improve digestion.
Growing research shows that ginger has pain reducing qualities and is an anti-inflammatory, even when used in small amounts. According to Neal Barnard, M.D., author of Foods That Fight Pain, "It works like ibuprofen, but without the side effects." To reap the health benefits of ginger, it's best to have some every day. Just a half-teaspoon sliced into a stir-fry or crushed into tea is enough.
Getting your daily dose of ginger is easier than ever. Companies like The Ginger People (www.gingerpeople.com) are devoted to bringing to the public all things ginger, offering recipes and products. From the soothing qualities of ginger drinks like Ginger 'gizer to the delightful balance of sweetness and spice in candied ginger, this pungent root suits a wide range of palates.
There are many delicious ways to incorporate ginger into the diet - from the pickled ginger that accompanies sushi to crushed, dried ginger for tea. Grated ginger can be mixed into salad dressings or used in marinades.
Garlic Ginger Chicken
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 cloves crushed garlic
3 tablespoons ground ginger (powder)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 limes, juiced
Directions
Pound the chicken to 1/2 inch thickness. In a
large re-sealable plastic bag combine the garlic, ginger, oil and lime juice. Seal bag and shake until blended. Open bag and add chicken.Seal bag and marinate in refrigerator for no more than 20 minutes. Remove chicken from bag and grill or broil, basting with marinade, until cooked through and juices run clear. Disposeof any remaining marinade. This marinade could also be used with meat, fish or tofu.
Recipe from www.allrecipes.com
Hot Ginger Lemonade
A simple, quick way to get ginger into your diet,
and a boost when you're a bit under the weather.
Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoon bottled ginger juice
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch cayenne pepper
Directions
Mix the ingredients together and serve warm.
Recipe from www.gingerpeople.com.
- Emily J Weitz
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