Ginger

Food of the Week September 28, 2009

Ginger has a somewhat spicy and hot flavor. It is available year-round in the produce section of your market or grocery store.

Ginger is a good source of potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, and vitamin B6.

Ginger helps with digestion (in particular--fatty foods) and improves circulation. Try using ginger to help ease menstrual cramps and intestinal gas.  Ginger has also been cited in studies as being an antioxidant, helping to prevent motion sickness, and acting as an anti-inflammatory.

It has a brown skin that not necessarily have to be peeled when using it.

The best forms to buy ginger in are:

Fresh root—provide the freshest taste

Dried root—Can be found whole or sliced

Powdered

There are other forms but they have usually been processed, pickled, or drench/cooked in sugar syrup.

A few ideas for using it are to add to salads and salad dressings, teas, and as a way to spice up your Asian-inspired dishes. Here is a simple juice recipe that uses ginger.