How to use ginger: the ingredient that brings goodness and well-being together
Ginger is good. Ginger is good for you. Ginger is trendy. Ginger root has rightfully entered the new trendy foods that have revolutionized our gastronomic habits and a little bit also our lifestyle. There are many reasons not to give up its slightly spicy taste and its delicious scent. One of these may be the fact that ginger is the right ingredient to prepare many new oriental-inspired dishes.
Are you ready to find out how to use it in the kitchen?
The ginger root: all the properties
Ginger is rich in beneficial properties for our health: by continuing to read you will discover them all and you will understand how important it is to always have some at home, just like a drug. Its active ingredient, gingerol, facilitates digestion and can be a valuable aid for those who embark on a diet to lose weight because it allows you to dissolve fats. It is excellent as an anti-nausea, effective in case of gastritis and to relieve heartburn. It is valid as an anti-inflammatory and as an antioxidant, which is why its anti-aging effect is recognized. Ginger is used as a detox food, able to purify our body from the depths: it is no coincidence that fresh or powdered ginger is widely used both in Ayurvedic medicine and in oriental cuisine. It can also be an effective remedy for those suffering from vertigo or musculoskeletal diseases such as neck or joint pain. Last but not least, ginger root keeps colds and seasonal ailments away.
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Ginger: the ginger root
Ginger, ginger in English, is actually rhizome (a lumpy thickening) and not a real root as it is commonly referred to for convenience. Its plant resembles an orchid and is encountered in many tropical countries and in India, but now seen as being very widely used, it is also widespread in Europe. Usually ginger is eaten fresh, depriving its root of the peel, but it is also possible to find it in powder, or dried. The cut root should always be kept in the fridge, possibly tightly closed to prevent it from losing its aromas. On the market you can also find candied fruit, ideal as a snack or in brine, to accompany sushi. Many love its spicy taste, so much so that it can even be eaten sliced in salads!
In short, from decoction to herbal tea, from sushi to desserts, to salads, ginger can be the right ingredient to create new dishes and revive every recipe ... even the most classic cocktails!
How to use ginger root: 7 ideas to try
Ok, driven by its many properties and its inviting and decisive taste, you let yourself be tempted and purchased ginger root or ginger powder. Maybe now you are wondering how to best use it. Here are 7 very different ideas that are a great starting point for introducing ginger to your kitchen.
1.As a herbal tea or decoction: for all well-being
With ginger you can prepare a delicious anti-inflammatory herbal tea by combining ginger with turmeric. Boil the water and then add half a teaspoon of ginger powder and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Let it cook for 10 minutes and then drink the herbal tea. It's perfect if you have joint pain and don't want to resort to anti-inflammatories. A valid alternative to herbal tea is the decoction, suitable for when you have digestive problems. Boil the ginger root like half a cinnamon stick. Then add honey or sugar or lemon juice.
2.As an aromatic oil for dressing
Macerate slices of fresh ginger in olive oil. The ideal doses are 30g of ginger for every 500ml of olive oil. Leave to macerate for 7 days and then use this delicious aromatic oil for seasoning
raw or cooked vegetables and give that extra touch to salads or any savory preparation.
3. In place of chilli
Even those who do not like chilli might appreciate the delicate and less persistent spiciness of ginger. Ginger used for dressing instead of chili can be really delicious! It goes well with garlic, oil, lemon and other spices. Also as a condiment for pasta or as a jolly ingredient in seconds: you will amaze all your guests!
4. As an ingredient for sweets
Ginger makes Christmas right away! Impossible not to think of the famous American biscuits, the "gingerbreads" or even the French pandolce "Pain d’épices" which deliciously mix honey, cinnamon and ginger.
Ginger can give that extra note of taste to all your sweet preparations, shortbreads, biscuits, pies, cakes and it goes great with many ingredients that you always use for the preparation of cakes and sweets, such as chocolate, sugar, carrots, lemon, cinnamon and honey.
5. A thousand recipes with ginger
Fresh grated ginger is the right spice with which you can embellish simple vegetables in the steam, or give an extra touch to salads, grilled vegetables, but also soups and seasonal soups and practically any gastronomic preparation. In addition, ginger can be the right ingredient to revive the usual recipes, the ones that you always prepare and that need a bit of novelty. Ginger goes great with white meats such as chicken and turkey and also with fish, especially shellfish. Ever tried with shrimp? Yes, this spice is really versatile, you just have to try it!
6. Candied ginger as a snack
If you are a real sweet tooth, you cannot fail to try it candied. Candied ginger is found in the best supermarkets but is also easily prepared at home by cutting the root into thin slices and boiling it for 40 minutes or until it is really soft. After boiling it, drain it and put it back to cook with water and white sugar or brown sugar, taking care to let all the water evaporate slowly. Let cool and then sprinkle your candied slices with brown sugar. An irresistible and healthy candied snack is ready!
7. Your beauty water with ginger
Did you have some ginger root left in the fridge? This spice has detox properties too special to leave there. Prepare a cellulite detox toilet like New York models do. Put half a slice of pineapple, a few slices of cucumber, a little sliced ginger (but grated is fine too) and a slice of lemon in a bottle full of water. Let it macerate in the fridge overnight and then drink it hydrant the day to purify yourself like water and that's it. Do this every day for at least a month, it will help you get back in shape!
