Ginger: health benefits and harms

Ginger is a unique healing plant, the history of its use has been going on for many centuries. But with all its positive effect on the body, one should not ignore the contraindications that this product also has. With extreme caution, spicy root should be used for people with chronic diseases.

What does ginger look like and where does it grow

Many people know what ginger root looks like. It is bizarre in shape, round in diameter, covered with a thin but stiff skin. The plant itself resembles the reed familiar to us in shape, while its scaly stems can grow up to 2 m in length. The grass blooms, forming inflorescences of a pineal shape of a bright pink, orange or brown color, while ginger does not bear fruit. Propagated by cuttings from the root.

The plant is sensitive to a lack of lighting and moisture, so the best climate for growing ginger is considered tropical. Grass grows in countries in southeast Asia, parts of Africa, as well as in most of South America.

Fact! The dried ginger root is more acute than fresh.

It is noteworthy that ginger, grown in China, often contains nitrogen compounds that exceed the permissible norm. Such a product should not be used for food or for medicinal purposes.

Composition and calorie content

Ginger root is a low-calorie product, 100 g of which contains only 80 kcal. Moreover, it has a unique valuable composition:

1. Essential oils - not only give a characteristic aroma, but are also one of the main components due to which ginger is used for treatment.
2. Amino acids, including irreplaceable ones - they help strengthen the vascular walls, and also take an active part in the generation of muscle fiber cells.
3. Unsaturated fatty acids that maintain proper lipid metabolism.
4. Mineral elements, including rare zinc and chromium, with which the daily diet of most people is most often poor.
5. Fiber is a universal aid for the digestive and immune systems.
6. Vitamins (A, B, C).
7. Curcumin is a substance that exhibits bactericidal properties and has a stimulating effect on the immune system.
8. Gingerol is a compound that accelerates the metabolic processes in the body and promotes the breakdown of excess body fat.
9. Capsaicin is an alkaloid that helps to relieve pain and relieve inflammation.

Useful properties of ginger root

General benefit

This product has a unique effect on the body. It can be used in fresh, dried, pickled form. Its action is manifested as follows:

1. Ginger normalizes metabolic processes.
2. The synthesis of fatty acids under the influence of the root returns to normal, while the deposited lipids begin to break down into the simplest compounds.
3. The plant is a natural laxative. It has a slight effect, while not injuring the intestinal wall.
4. The product improves digestion and absorption of nutrients and decay products.
5. Under the influence of acids and minerals from ginger, the condition of the gums and teeth improves.However, to achieve a tangible effect, regular chewing of the root is necessary.
6. Various products from the plant successfully eliminate the symptoms of nausea experienced by women in the first trimester of pregnancy and travelers suffering from seasickness.
7. The analgesic effect of ginger is known. It relieves mild headache, and also helps to reduce muscle cramps.
8. Spicy products from the root have a calming effect on the nervous system, help relieve chronic stress and help in the fight against insomnia.
9. Alkaloids and amino acids, as well as fatty acids in ginger, support the heart muscle, contribute to its saturation with oxygen, strengthen the walls of large vessels and capillaries.
10. Due to its severity, ginger has an anthelmintic effect, therefore it can be used both for the prevention and treatment of parasitic diseases.

With some ailments, ginger is used most often. Basically, the treatment is effective:

• with early manifestations of diseases of the joints and connective tissue;
• vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and varicose veins;
• burn lesions and inflammation of the soft tissues;
• migraines, mild headache and toothache;
• diseases of the respiratory system, including viral origin.

For women

Ginger is a valuable product for a woman’s health. It not only relieves nervous tension, strengthens the immune system and accelerates metabolism, but also has a positive effect on the genitourinary system. This product is able to relieve mild inflammation in the female genital organs, and also helps to keep the uterus in tone, which is important for the regular menstrual cycle and the normal functioning of the reproductive system as a whole. Using ginger root during a period of periodic secretions, you can get rid of pain. In addition, it helps in the fight against stress and overwork.

A number of studies have shown that women who regularly use ginger root as a general restorative are much less likely to experience genital diseases.

For men

For the male body, amino acids and vitamin C, found in ginger root, are valuable. These substances stimulate the conduction in the muscles of the genitals, due to which the blood circulation in the inguinal region is accelerated. This effect is the prevention of inflammation of the prostate. In addition, ginger acts as a natural aphrodisiac for men, and also stimulates thought processes in the cerebral cortex.

Another benefit of the plant is the strengthening of blood vessels. According to statistics, it is the male population that is more often susceptible to strokes, so maintaining the tone of the vascular walls is one of the main effects of ginger.

During pregnancy

Ginger will help relieve toxicosis in the first few months of pregnancy. But from the second trimester, it is strictly forbidden to use it, since uterine stimulation during this period is extremely undesirable and dangerous to the fetus.

In the early stages, with the help of ginger root, colds can be quickly cured, and immunity can be strengthened to facilitate the further course of pregnancy.

When breastfeeding

Ginger root tea is known among nursing mothers as a means of increasing lactation. However, it should be borne in mind that, first of all, the product is a spice that can cause allergies. Therefore, you must follow certain recommendations, using this tool:

1. If the baby has hypertonicity, mother should not use ginger root, since it has a stimulating effect on the child’s nervous system through milk. For the same reason, it is better to plan a ginger drink for the first half of the day.
2. The use of spicy root for food by a nursing mother is allowed 2 months after delivery. Reception should begin with a small amount. It is better to limit yourself to 1 tsp. per day, while monitoring the baby’s reaction to the spicy product.
3. If a woman has any postpartum inflammatory foci (for example, hemorrhoids), ginger should not be consumed. It can make the problem worse and cause bleeding.

For kids

Ginger acts as an immunomodulator, so for children it is an effective way to support the body in the cold season. In addition, this product is completely natural.

Most often, children perceive ginger tea well, and if flavored with honey, they will drink with pleasure.

However, before starting treatment or prophylaxis for a child, you should consult with a pediatrician, and also make sure that there is no allergy to the spicy root.

When using ginger, children should be careful and follow these recommendations:

1. Children's age up to 2 years is a strict contraindication to the use of ginger in food.
2. For the nutrition of children, it is better to use freshly cleaned and ground root of the plant. The powder form is undesirable, as it may contain trace amounts of harmful impurities, which can unpredictably affect a fragile organism.
3. When giving a child ginger root, the daily norm should be observed. Excess dosage in 0.5 tsp. per day can provoke an allergy.

Children can be given a product not only to treat colds and diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, but also to restore normal digestive function with vomiting or diarrhea.

When losing weight

The plant is also widely used for weight loss. There are a large number of recipes for drinks with ginger root, which help in the breakdown of body fat, accelerate metabolism and acquire a toned body shape.

It should be noted that the result when taking ginger can be achieved only if you take drinks with its content on a regular basis.

In addition to a tangible fat-burning effect, ginger has a positive effect on digestion in general. Many women who have gone on a diet with the addition of this spicy plant to the diet, note that its use helps to switch to a more balanced and healthy food.

The most popular weight loss ginger root companions are:

• kefir;
• turmeric;
• hot peppers;
• lemon.

Those who can not do without sweets in drinks, even while on a diet, use honey as a sweetener. It not only complements the taste and makes it more enjoyable, but also supplies the body with additional nutrients.

The benefits and harms of ginger tea

Ginger tea is a real panacea for those who often experience runny nose and weakened immunity. The drink has a number of useful properties:

1. Relieves inflammation and promotes the healing of small wounds on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
2. Thanks to the essential oils in the composition, it facilitates nasal breathing and stimulates blood circulation.
3. Increases the overall tone of the body and invigorates.
4. It is a prophylactic against cancer.
5. It normalizes the acid balance in the stomach, relieves cramping, and fights nausea and dizziness.
6. Helps relieve nervous tension.
7. Relieves sore throat, relieves cough and swelling in the nasopharynx.
8. It is an aid in the fight against colds.
9. Lowers bad cholesterol in the blood.
10. It removes toxins and removes slagging in the intestines.

With all its advantages, ginger tea also has warnings for use. It should not be used:

1. With a tendency to allergies to this plant.
2. Before going to bed, as it can cause a sleep disorder.
3. With exacerbation of diseases of the digestive and excretory systems, since some active substances of the plant can contribute to exacerbation of problems.

How to brew

The classic recipe for tea involves infusing chopped ginger root, boiled in boiling water, for at least 20 minutes. To get a richer aromatic tea, chopped root should be boiled in water over low heat for about 10 minutes.

Connoisseurs of the drink note that the richer taste of ginger tea is revealed when it is brewed in a glass teapot.

Pickled ginger: benefits and harms

Surprisingly, pickled ginger retains an almost complete set of nutrients that is present in the fresh product. In this case, the calorie content of ginger after pickling is significantly reduced and is only 15 kcal per 100 g of product.

Pickled ginger has a number of useful properties:

1. Stimulates the production of gastric juice, which improves digestion.
2. Improves cerebral circulation and the ability to perceive information.
3. It manifests itself as an aphrodisiac, and also supports the normal functioning of the organs of the reproductive system.
4. Helps relieve chest breathing in asthma and nasal in colds.
5. Helps to eliminate toxins and burn excess body fat.

With the daily use of pickled ginger as a seasoning for familiar dishes, you can get rid of extra pounds without restricting yourself to food.

This product can be harmful to women during the period of bearing and breastfeeding, as well as to people who have a history of digestive tract diseases.

Some lovers of pickled ginger soak it in sugar syrup and roll in sugar crystals. Thus, a peculiar dessert with a sweet-spicy taste is obtained.

How to pickle

You can use regular vinegar as a marinade for ginger. For cooking you will need:

• ginger root (medium size - about 100 g);
• wine vinegar (6%) or table vinegar (9%) (150 or 100 g, respectively);
• fresh beets (small amount for coloring);
• sugar (4 tablespoons);
• salt (1 tsp);
• water.

Pour water into the pan, add salt and sugar, mix, and then pour vinegar. Put the container on medium heat and bring to a boil. Pre-peel the ginger root from the peel and cut it into thin sectional plates.

Put chopped ginger in a glass container with a lid, put several thin slices of beetroot there. Pour the marinade, which has not yet had time to cool. Close the container with a lid, and after cooling, send it to the refrigerator. Ginger pickling time - at least 3 days. Due to the coloring property of beets, spicy petals acquire a faint pink color.

What is the use of dried ginger

Dry powder form is the most common form in which ginger is used.

This product has a huge positive effect on the human body:

• improves patency of blood vessels;
• accelerates metabolic processes;
• helps strengthen immunity;
• stimulates mental activity and improves the ability to remember;
• relieves colds;
• possesses a disinfecting property;
• relieves inflammation.

The harmful effects of the product include:

1. The ability to slightly increase blood pressure, which is dangerous for people with problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
2. The aggravation of febrile conditions at elevated body temperature.
3. Softening the edges of internal wounds and ulcers, which can be dangerous with a stomach ulcer and a number of other diseases of the digestive system.
4. Stimulation of uterine contractions, which is extremely undesirable for women in the last stages of pregnancy and in the period of postpartum recovery.

How to dry

There are 2 ways to dry ginger root at home:

1. In the oven. Drying is carried out at a temperature of 50 ° C (minimum degree of burning fire) with the door open. Cut ginger into thin strips or slices, put on a baking sheet covered with baking paper, which should then be placed in the central part of the oven. The drying process itself is quite lengthy and takes at least 150 minutes. After long languishing, the temperature can be increased to 70 ° C and hold ginger in the heat for another 10 minutes.
2. In electric drying. The process requires a minimum of effort, but takes a long period of time.Cut ginger into thin plates, distribute on the lattice of the device, making small indents. Set the temperature mode to 60 ° C. Dry for about 7–9 hours. In order for the root slices to dry evenly, they should be mixed with each other from time to time.

Ginger root in medicine

Surprisingly, not only traditional healers know about the healing properties of this oriental plant. Traditional medicine has long recognized the benefits of ginger for the body and even admits the advisability of using it as a dietary supplement. However, there are conditions in which the use of a spicy root in food or in the form of a drink can be dangerous.

With diabetes

Ginger is only useful for type 2 diabetes. With a long course of treatment with the introduction of ginger root as an auxiliary therapeutic agent, an increase in the body's sensitivity to glucose is noted, which positively affects the overall picture of the course of the disease.

In type 1 diabetes, the property of ginger to lower blood sugar has an opposite, negative effect because the mechanisms of development of this type of ailment are radically different from type 2. Therefore, with the development of type 1 diabetes, it is forbidden to take any drugs and supplements based on ginger.

Important: Ginger Glycemic Index - 15 units.

With pancreatitis

The intake of products that have a stimulating effect on digestion in pancreatitis is extremely undesirable. Ginger in any form can provoke or aggravate the manifestations of pancreatitis and lead to increased pain. It is forbidden to use it with this disease.

With gout

Since this disease is associated with metabolic disorders, the use of spicy root is not only shown, but also highly desirable. Ginger helps to normalize metabolism, stop the development of pathological processes in the joints, and also facilitate the actual manifestations of the disease. With gout, it is recommended to use the plant as part of tea, combining it with honey and lemon. In combination with oil, ginger used for massage is able to locally affect the focus of pain and eliminate it.

With gastritis

The inflamed walls of the stomach with gastritis are extremely susceptible to coarse fibers and active substances contained in ginger. The acute form of this disease is a strict contraindication to the use of the root of a spicy plant. In mild forms of gastritis and during remission, ginger is allowed to be used, since it eliminates small areas of inflammation in the stomach and contributes to the rapid restoration of the organ.

For the intestines

Ginger serves as an aid to digestion not only in the stomach, but also in the intestines. Here, the coarse dietary fiber of the plant acts as a stimulant of peristalsis, fatty acids participate in metabolic processes, and gingerol eliminates stagnant areas, helping to increase the intestinal lumen.

Helping ginger is especially important for the elderly, who often experience decreased bowel activity due to age-related changes. Teas, infusions, and even the usual powder used as a seasoning, help to avoid problems with the digestion of food.

For constipation

Ginger root and powder form exhibit a mild laxative effect. In this case, the mucous membranes are not injured, and the inflamed areas heal. Normal microflora in the intestine are also restored, which makes subsequent release from decay products much easier.

For the liver

Ginger has a beneficial effect on the liver. Its active components trigger the regeneration process in this organ, as well as contribute to the rapid elimination of toxins, accelerate the circulation of bile. The use of ginger root in food is one of the ways to prevent the development of hepatitis.

With cholecystitis

For all its benefits and the ability to relieve inflammation, ginger is contraindicated in cholecystitis. Its action in this disease is such that the irritation of the gallbladder mucosa only intensifies, and the disease can go into a more acute form.

Under pressure

There are known cases of the use of ginger to regulate blood pressure. However, the effect of this plant is unpredictable. When using ginger, the pressure can both decrease and increase. In addition, if medications are taken in parallel to normalize blood pressure, their activity may also decrease or increase. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body. Most doctors agree that with serious pressure surges, experimenting with ginger root is not worth it. If the fluctuations in pulse and pressure disturb only occasionally and are insignificant, the plant can be used during periods of good health, without abusing it.

Ginger in cosmetology

The beauties of antiquity knew how to preserve the freshness and youthfulness of the face and hair. At the same time, the achievements of science were not available to them. They used folk remedies, among which one of the main belongs to ginger. Due to the unique composition of the mask, extracts and elixirs based on this plant have a rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory effect, and also promote the healing of wounds, small scars, eliminate stretch marks and traces of rashes, increase skin elasticity and improve its color.

For face

The best cosmetic companions of ginger for the face are citrus fruits, clay (blue or black) and honey.

To prepare masks for skin care you can use:

• dry ginger powder;
• ground root;
• extract of essential oils.

Surprisingly, the spicy root fits any type of skin. It dries oily skin, eliminating excess fat, and dry - on the contrary, nourishes it from the inside and helps to saturate it with moisture.

Some mask recipes have come down to us through the ages and have proven effectiveness:

Regenerating mask
To prepare a rejuvenating mixture you will need:

• banana (1 pc.);
• spinach (1 cup leaf);
• mint (a quarter cup of fresh leaves);
• ginger (3 cm fresh root);
• honey (2 tablespoons).

Peel and chop the ginger root, mix with mint and spinach and grind with a blender. Next, add a banana mashed with a fork. Fill the mask with honey and mix thoroughly. Place the mass on a face cleansed of cosmetics. The exposure time of the product is 15 minutes, after which it must be washed off with gentle movements at room temperature.

Facial mask oily and combination type
For cooking, you need such components:

• white cosmetic clay (1 tbsp);
• ginger powder (2 tsp);
• herbal tea (green or chamomile, about 50 ml).

Mix the dry ingredients, and then pour a small amount of tea, strained from the tea leaves. Apply to the face with a spatula or a special brush, avoiding the area around the eyes. Wait until the mask is completely dry, then rinse with water. After that, you can additionally wash your face with cool water to give it a tone.

Vitamin mask
Components:

• ginger (2 tablespoons powder);
• pomegranate juice (0.5–1 tablespoons).

Ground ginger mixed with juice, apply on face and décolleté for 20 minutes. Wash off the mask with herbal decoction or green tea.

Mask for radiant skin
To prepare you will need:

• ground ginger (1 tablespoon);
• yogurt (1 tbsp);
• orange juice (1 tablespoon);
• honey (1.5 tbsp).

Pour ginger powder into the container, then pour the remaining ingredients into it in turn and mix thoroughly. Apply on face for 20 minutes, then wash with water at room temperature.

Mask for skin prone to irritation
Components:

• ginger (2 tablespoons);
• lemon juice (1 tsp);
• honey (1 tbsp).

Mix all the components of the mask and let it brew in a cool dark place for at least half an hour. After that, the mixture is ready to be applied to the face. The exposure time of the mask is 15 minutes, after which it should be removed by simple washing.

For hair

As part of hair masks, ginger helps strengthen hair follicles, and also helps to eliminate dandruff, get rid of itching, soften dry curls, nourish the scalp with vitamins and minerals and improve blood circulation. Thanks to this, the condition of the hair improves, and their growth is accelerated.

For hair treatment, ginger masks should be used for at least 2 months with a regularity of 1 time in 3-4 days. These products should be applied exclusively to the scalp.

The most effective hair strengthening compounds:

Repair mask
To prepare you will need:

• ginger juice or pharmacy extract (2 tablespoons);
• aloe gel (3 tablespoons);
• coconut oil (1 tablespoon).

Mix ginger juice with aloe gel and add coconut oil to the mass, which, if necessary, can be melted in a water bath. Apply the product to the roots, alternately distributing the hair into partings. Soak for at least an hour, and then rinse with ordinary shampoo.

Soda mask
Ingredients:

• ginger juice (1 tablespoon);
• baking soda (1 tablespoon);
• liquid honey (2 tablespoons).

Mix the components and apply like massage oil, rubbing into the scalp. This mask stimulates the activity of the bulbs, helps exfoliate keratinized particles and improves microcirculation of the skin of the root zone of hair growth. After massage for about 10 minutes, rinse the mixture with shampoo.

Kefir mask
For cooking you will need:

• kefir (50–70 ml);
• ground ginger (1 tsp);
• 1 egg yolk;
• honey (0.5 tbsp).

Mix the ingredients, apply to the hair at the roots, stand for about an hour. To enhance the effect, you can wrap your head with a film or a towel. Wash off with warm water. This mask perfectly restores hair affected by repeated dyeing and styling. To get a lasting and tangible effect, it is necessary to do the hair care routine regularly for at least a month. Permissible frequency of use of the mask is 1-2 times a week.

Fragrant mask for hair growth
For cooking, you need the following ingredients:

• ginger root (2 tablespoons grated);
• cognac (1 tablespoon);
• burdock oil (2 tablespoons);
• rosemary oil (3-4 drops).

Mix and apply the ingredients with massage movements at the roots of the hair. This mask should not fall over the entire length of the hair. The exposure time is about 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water using shampoo.

Particular attention when applying the mask should be paid to the parietal region and parting. It is these parts that are usually susceptible to greater hair loss. Often baldness begins with these areas, so it is important to devote more time to them. This will help warm the top layer of the skin, improve blood circulation, and as a result, the nutrition of the hair follicles improves. Thanks to this mask, even bulbs that have stopped generating hair can be revived.

Ginger Coffee Mask
Ingredients:

• ginger root (about 3 cm);
• eggs (2 pcs.);
• cake from coffee (2 tsp);
• honey (2 tablespoons).

Grate the root on a fine grater, squeeze the juice from the resulting mass (it should turn out about 2 tablespoons), add the eggs. Instead of chicken, you can use quail eggs, in which case they will need 4 pieces.

Then mix the mass, shaking slightly, then add the sleeping coffee and slightly warmed honey. Apply the product along partings while simultaneously making massage movements.

Cooking Application

Ginger root is a universal seasoning. Thanks to him, dishes acquire a special spicy taste with a hint of spiciness. Useful properties of the product led to its widespread distribution. Many peoples even have traditional dishes with the addition of the root of the plant - ginger ale, gingerbread, beer, bread and even beets, as well as very popular lemonade.

Spice, used as a seasoning for meat, promotes easier digestion of fatty foods, stimulates the production of digestive juices and accelerates the absorption of nutrients into the general bloodstream.

The use of ginger in cooking in the modern world is widespread. It is used as a seasoning:

• to meat and fish dishes;
• sauces;
• salad dressings;
• marinades;
• desserts
• baking
• vegetable casseroles and stews;
• drinks like tea or vegetable shakes.

There are rules for adding ginger to various dishes:

1. In desserts, spice is added at the very end of the heat treatment.
2. In the preparation of sauces and dressings, ginger is added together with other spices.
3. In meat dishes, spice should be added in the middle of cooking.
4. Season the dough when kneading.

Ginger has a fibrous structure, so it is better to grind it with a knife. To do this, peel the root, removing the upper thin layer, cut into slices, straws and then into small cubes.

If dried ginger is used for cooking, soak it in water for 10-15 minutes before adding to the dish.

Ginger root goes well with most cereals and can be added to soups. The only cereal that is not suitable for the tandem with spices is buckwheat. All other side dishes can be complemented with notes of ginger.

Spicy root is able to add variety to the taste of familiar dishes. It highlights the taste characteristics of each ingredient for the consumer. In Japanese cuisine, pickled ginger seizes dishes before proceeding to the next. Thus, it is possible to try out many culinary masterpieces that are often combined in one meal.

Harm and contraindications

Ginger contains very active ingredients that can be harmful in the following cases:

1. Women who are in position. The plant is a threat because it stimulates blood circulation in the pelvis and uterine contraction.
2. People suffering from hypertension or blood pressure spikes. Most often, such conditions require taking medications that can exhibit unpredictable activity in combination with ginger.
3. Persons with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute period. In the presence of chronic inflammation and wounds, ginger may not heal them, but rather irritate them even more.
4. To diabetics. They should not eat this spicy root. Moreover, patients with type 1 diabetes are strictly prohibited from taking any form of the plant.
5. With problems of blood coagulation and taking medications that affect the composition of the blood, the use of ginger is contraindicated.

How to choose and store ginger root

When choosing the roots for your culinary masterpieces, treatments or cosmetic procedures, you should be guided by the following tips:

1. The most useful is the largest root, because it contains the largest amount of vitamins and minerals.
2. Paying attention to the peel, you should look for a smooth, shiny product.
3. If spots are visible on the surface of the skin, incomprehensible blotches or eyes similar to potato ones, it is better not to take such a product, since most likely it will no longer be suitable for food.
4. If possible, you should try to bend the root, which should be accompanied by a characteristic crunch.
5. You can pry the skin with a sharp object: drops of juice will appear on the fresh product, it will emit a characteristic aroma.
6. In no case should you buy parts of the plant from which an uncharacteristic or unpleasant odor emanates.
7. The color of the fresh ginger root is light golden, beige.

Ginger root should be stored in the refrigerator with an unpeeled skin. After a week, the product is better not to eat.For optimal storage, the root should be wrapped in a paper towel and placed in a bag.

There are several ways to extend the shelf life of ginger root for use in food:

• dry in the sun, this extends the shelf life to 1 month;
• pour boiling water; when stored in an airtight container, the product is suitable for up to 2 months;
• freeze - 4-6 months;
• dry - up to six months.

Is it possible to freeze

It is believed that at low storage temperatures, ginger loses its useful properties, so freezing is not a priority storage method.

How to eat ginger root

Spice is not worth abuse. For adults, the norm of consumption of ginger per day, which is 1 tsp. for ground root, and 1.5–2 tsp for raw. Children are not recommended to consume ginger up to 10 years of age on an ongoing basis, for them the daily rate is one third of a teaspoon.

How to clean

1. Most of the nutrients of ginger are concentrated under the peel, so you need to cut it as thin as possible. To do this, you can use a knife, spoon or metal washcloth.
2. With a knife, the ginger root cleans most quickly. It is enough to take a tool with a sharp blade, and after a few minutes the cleaning will be completed.
3. A metal washcloth cleans ginger according to the scraper principle. This process is more time consuming and takes about 10 minutes.
4. Cleaning the root with a spoon is possible when there is no suitable tool at hand. In addition, in this way you can peel off the thinnest skin, leaving the most useful part of ginger for cooking.

Is it possible to eat raw

Raw ginger root can be used in all areas where it may be needed. Fresh it has a more intense aroma. At the same time, the pickled and powder form have almost the same nutrient composition as a fresh plant.

Can animals be given ginger

Ginger is just as good for animals as it is for humans. However, few pets will agree to eat it voluntarily because of its specific flavor. A number of manufacturers of mixes for feeding cats and dogs solve this problem by adding ginger powder to feed. This allows you to strengthen the animal's immunity and saturate its body with vitamins.

Interesting facts about ginger

1. The Qur'an calls ginger "a spice from Paradise."
2. The gingerbread familiar to the Slavs got its name from ginger. In the time of Ancient Russia, overseas merchants often brought gingerbread cookies, which local chefs tried to reproduce, giving the name of their product as a derivative of the brought.
3. The first historical mention of ginger is over 5 thousand years old.
4. The ancient Greeks and Romans considered ginger their secret ingredient. They strictly observed the mystery of the preparation of medicinal potions, were sure that this plant would retain their youth, strength and empower them.
5. Many body treatments in SPA salons are carried out with the addition of extract or ground ginger root. These services include body wraps, lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massages.
6. In medieval England, a whole adult sheep could be paid for 0.5 kg of ginger root.
7. Ginger is one of the few plants whose healing properties are recognized by traditional medicine.
8. Ginger root was used as a prophylactic during the global plague epidemic.
9. In nature, there is black ginger. In this case, the peel of the root remains the same as that of the classical species. Black ginger grows on the island of Barbados. It has a richer flavor, but it does not taste as pleasant as a familiar product, because it is bitter.
10. The exotic flower that the plant grows is highly regarded among florists and gardeners. Bright, unusual flowers can be grown at home. There are also home growing techniques for predominantly rhizome propagation.
11. In the Middle Ages in Europe, ginger was used as a flavoring agent for liquors and tinctures.
12. In ancient Greece, the spicy root was crushed and added to the dough when baking bread.

Ginger Photo