23 October 2009
Ginger evolved in tropical Asia but can no longer be found in its wild state. It was known of and used by the Greeks and Romans and could be found throughout Europe as far back as the 10th Century
Today ginger is grown in most tropical countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Jamaica is renowned for producing the world’s best quality root ginger. India is responsible for about half of the world’s entire ginger production.
The Latin name zingiber is derived from the Sanskrit word shringavera, which means ‘shaped like a deer's antlers’ because of the knobbly shape of the root.
It is propagated from rhizome pieces. After 5-7 months, new rhizome forms are dug up and preserved in sugar syrup or used for crystallised ginger.
After 8-10 months, older rhizomes (the underground stem of the plant) are dug up and may become dried ginger. This can be used in biscuits, puddings, cake, gingerbread, soups, pickles, curry powder, ginger beer, ginger ale or ginger wine.
Essential oil is produced from the ginger plant.
Ginger is often used as a remedy for appetite loss, indigestion and motion sickness and is often taken as a tea by pregnant women suffering from morning sickness.
