NUTRITION INFO
PER SERVE 930kJ, protein 5g, total fat 2g (sat. fat 2g), carbs 27g, fibre 12g, sodium 369mg • Carb exchanges 2 • GI estimate low • Gluten-free option
The root of the ginger plant was revered as a culinary and medicinal spice in ancient India, China, Greece and Rome. Gingerbread, ginger beer and preserved ginger are all familiar products. But ginger is more than a seasoning – its medicinal properties have been valued and used throughout the ages.
ORIGINS
Native to South-East Asia, India and China, ginger has been an integral component of people’s diets and valued for its aromatic, culinary and medicinal properties for thousands of years. The Romans first imported ginger from China and, by the middle of the 16th century, Europe was receiving more than 2000 tonnes a year from the East Indies. The top commercial producers of ginger now include Jamaica, India, Fiji, Indonesia and Australia.
GINGER IS AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS FORMS
• Whole fresh roots. These provide the freshest taste.
• Dried roots.
• Powdered ginger. This is ground and made from the dried root.
• Preserved or ‘stem’ ginger. Fresh young roots are peeled, sliced and cooked in heavy sugar syrup.
• Crystallised ginger. Also cooked in sugar syrup, air dried and rolled in sugar.
• Pickled ginger. The root is sliced paper thin and pickled in vinegar.
This pickle, known in Japan as gari, often accompanies sushi to refresh the palate between courses.
RESEARCH
Historically, ginger has been used for medicinal needs for thousands of years, and many of these uses are now being widely researched. Ginger is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which may create a protective and anti-inflammatory affect in the body.
SOOTHING THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
In the past, the root has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating discomfort and pain in the stomach. Ginger has often been regarded as an excellent carminative, a substance that promotes the elimination of excessive gas from the digestive system and soothes the intestinal tract.
NAUSEA
Ginger root appears to reduce the symptoms associated with motion sickness, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting and cold sweating. Ginger has also been used to treat the nausea and vomiting associated with mild symptoms of pregnancy sickness. But, as with any herbal or nutritional supplements or medications, it is important to discuss these with your healthcare team before commencing.
Ginger has been soothing upset tummies for thousands of years