Ginger: health benefits and the best ways to use it

Ginger is not just a popular spice but a plant with a history spanning thousands of years and a wide range of applications. It has been known to humanity for more than 5,000 years and is used not only in cooking but also for general health and wellness purposes and even in cosmetics.

Interesting facts about ginger

Despite its widespread popularity, there are some little-known facts in the «biography» of this remarkable plant. For example, its name is literally translated from Sanskrit as «horned root», because its unusual branched shape resembles the horns of a ram.

During the Middle Ages in what is now the United Kingdom, ginger was a highly valuable commodity. It could reportedly be exchanged for almost anything, including gold and jewelry. Approximately 450 grams of ginger root were considered to be equal in value to one sheep.

Ginger is also mentioned in the Quran as a spice served in paradise, while its beneficial properties were described in the works of Avicenna and even the philosopher Confucius.

Health benefits of ginger

The health benefits of ginger are associated with its unique chemical composition. One of the main active compounds in ginger root is gingerol, a biologically active substance responsible for its characteristic spicy flavor and known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger also contains:

• Shogaol and zingerone — phenolic compounds formed when ginger root is dried or cooked. They may help support healthy blood glucose levels and protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals;
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) — a well-known antioxidant and essential nutrient that supports the normal functioning of the immune system and helps the body maintain its natural defenses against infections;
• B vitamins (B1, B2, B3/PP, and B6) — nutrients involved in numerous metabolic processes. Vitamin B1 is important for converting carbohydrates and fats into energy, B2 supports energy metabolism and iron utilization, B3 is involved in maintaining normal cholesterol metabolism, while B6 plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood and the nervous system;

Fresh and dried ginger root also contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, zinc, potassium, and calcium. These nutrients are essential for the normal functioning of various organs and systems in the human body.

How to use пinger

Ginger root is widely used in cooking and can be used both fresh and dried. The enzymes naturally found in ginger can help tenderize meat fibers, which is why ginger is traditionally added to marinades for lamb, beef, and game meat.

Ground ginger gives baked goods a richer and more delicate aroma. It is commonly added to dough and batter for gingerbread, cookies, cakes, pastries, buns, rolls, and other baked goods.

Ginger root is also added to tea, mulled wine, and other warming beverages to give them a more distinctive, spicy flavor.

Dried and ground ginger is an ingredient in many seasoning blends for poultry (like «Aromatic chicken with ginger and curry»). It can be used when preparing chicken, goose, turkey, and quail.

Pickled ginger, also known as gari, is a traditional Japanese appetizer served with fish and rice dishes.

Interestingly, a particular subspecies of ginger grows in tropical regions of the Asia-Pacific area and is known as zerumbet. An aromatic substance extracted from its flowers is used in hair care as a conditioning ingredient.

CraftOil dried ginger — a natural product for cooking and everyday wellness

CraftOil offers a carefully selected and continuously expanding range of craft products. Our catalog includes organic, 100% natural dried ginger root with quality certification, stored under suitable conditions to preserve its properties. We pack our dried ginger in practical plastic containers, seal them airtight, close them securely with lids, and promptly ship orders throughout Ukraine and worldwide.

At CraftOil, you can also find our «Aromatic chicken with ginger and curry» seasoning, as well as dried dill, parsley, basil, savory, cumin, and many other spices and seasonings that can turn everyday meals into genuine culinary creations.

To explore our full range of products, simply use the search function on our website.