The Organic Market and Café

Ginger - Ground

$58.95 per kg

Description

Ground ginger is the dried, powdered form of Zingiber officinale, a root native to Southeast Asia, India and China. Cuisines around the world use ginger as an aromatic ingredient, and the spice also has a long history as a treatment for nausea, motion sickness, gas, bloating and other digestive complaints. Phytonutrient Content The medicinal uses of ginger derive from its rich content of phytonutrients called gingerols, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Ground ginger is more widely available and convenient to use than the fresh root, but has lower levels of gingerol. In addition, a study published in the German journal "Nahrung" in 2000 found ground ginger that was irradiated -- a technique to destroy microbes in foods -- lost as much as 70 percent of its gingerol. Look for ground ginger that has not undergone irradiation. Savory Dishes If you don’t have fresh ginger root on hand or you dislike its potent taste, ground ginger makes a flavorsome addition to savory dishes, especially when accompanied by complementary herbs. For example, use a combination of ground ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and coriander to spice up basmati rice to serve with your favorite vegetable stir-fries or curries. It not only tastes delicious, but may also help prevent intestinal gas and bloating. For a salad dressing with an Asian flair, mix ground ginger with rice vinegar, tamari, sesame oil and minced garlic. You can also whip up a marinade for chicken or salmon from honey, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, a few tablespoons of water and some crushed garlic. Baked Goods Unlike many other herbs, ginger not only goes well in spicy meals, but is also an excellent addition to a variety of sweet dishes and drinks. Ground ginger is obviously a prime ingredient in gingerbread, gingersnaps and ginger ale and beer, but also goes well in pumpkin pie, pound cake and fresh fruit tart. Both lemon and lime pair well with ground ginger in cakes, frosting and sauces. You can sprinkle ground ginger into applesauce along with a dash of cinnamon for an extra kick. Considerations Ground ginger is safe for most people, says MedlinePlus. However, if you are taking prescription blood thinners, eating ground ginger may cause bleeding or bruising. “PDR for Herbal Medicines” states that you would need to eat 4 grams of dried ginger, or a little less than a teaspoon, in order for bleeding problems to arise. Also, there is some controversy over whether ginger can harm unborn fetuses, but MedlinePlus concludes it is generally safe for pregnant women. References The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods; Michael Murray, N.D. PDR for Herbal Medicines, 4th ed.; Physicians Desk Reference The World’s Healthiest Foods; George Mateljan MedlinePlus: Ginger Nahrung: Assessment of oleoresin and gingerol contents in gamma irradiated ginger rhizomes