How much do you know about ginger? First, you probably know it comes in both fresh, powder, crystallized, and pickled forms. But do you know when each is incorporated in your recipes? Well read on about Ginger – November Featured Ingredient. Versatile and intoxicating delicious is how I describe this vegetable.
Most often fresh ginger is described as both fruit and vegetable but is considered a herb or spice when used in cooking. Ginger can be incorporated in hundreds of recipes and since the holiday season is upon us what better time to give you a little education on Ginger – November Featured Ingredient.
Ginger – November Featured Ingredient
Let’s start with the taste of ginger because no matter what form you use the flavor is the same. Your recipe will dictate the form of ginger to be used. The taste is peppery, somewhat hot, and pungent and can overpower your dish so be careful until you feel comfortably adding ginger to recipes that don’t originally call for it. In addition, cooking does mellow the flavor of ginger. Ginger is fragrant and can change the flavor profile of any dish with amazing results you’ll fall in love with. I have no doubt you will cook with ginger more and more if you don’t already.
Ginger – November Featured Ingredient
Fresh ginger has a shape easy to recognize with its knobby exterior and thin light brown skin. To peel, use the top of a spoon and scrape away skin. Use a paring knife to cut away bad spots and to shape if cutting into julienne or match sticks. Most likely this cut would be used for flavoring teas, stir fries, curries, or pickled ginger. You can also use fresh grated or sliced ginger to make the syrup for my Cherry Apple Ginger Spritzer. I’m talking cocktail heaven. Ground ginger is powder and is used in both cooking and baking. Make cookies, marinades, sauces, or as a seasoning on fruits and roasted vegetables. When purchasing fresh ginger, choose smooth roots with few knobs and firm to the touch.
Ginger – November Featured Ingredient
While powdered ginger is most often used in baking I love the opportunity to bake with crystallized ginger. This form is actually chunks of ginger dried and coated with sugar. It’s heavenly when baking my Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies. They are one of my favorite holiday cookies beaming with ginger chunks and rich molasses.
Pickled ginger is served as a side or condiment in Asian cooking. Most often served with sushi along side wasabi and soy sauce. Very pungent but oh so flavorful delicious. Pickled ginger is also used to cleanse and refresh the palate. This allows you to taste each subtlety when eating sushi.
Ginger – November Featured Ingredient
Ginger – November Featured Ingredient
Lastly, are you aware of the health benefits of eating ginger? Ginger is used for medicinal purposes including treatment of reducing nausea, inflammation, and pain. Eating fruits and vegetables has long been associated with reducing risk of some health conditions. Yet some herbs and spices are associated in these reductions and ginger is one of those spices.
Ginger contains metabolites which contribute in healing. Eating ginger can aid in digestion, cold and flu relief, motion sickness, pain reduction, and cardiovascular health. To reap the benefits, add Ginger – November Featured Ingredient to juices, smoothies, and teas. Add powdered ginger to salad dressing and incorporate into your fish recipes. Such a deliciously fresh taste that can’t be beat. I love ginger!
Ginger – November Featured Ingredient
The recommended daily consumption of is 4 grams daily supplements but only one gram if you’re pregnant. Acid re-flux and irritation of the mouth can occur if too much ginger is ingested. You be the judge or ask your doctor if necessary. Remember it is always best to get nutrients from dietary sources and not supplements.
During the holidays is a great time to try a new spice if you have not. Don’t let your ginger sit in your spice cabinet unused and don’t forget to pick up fresh at your local market. Ginger will keep up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Dry about six months when stored in a dark place in an airtight container. Be adventurous and daring this holiday season. Checkout recipes from one of my favorite cooking magazines, Fine Cooking for recipes using ginger and more information. I think you’ll love them and find your own uses. You and your family will be one happy clan, I promise.
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