01.
Ginger: A Bit of Botany
a little botanical information on ginger

description
Ginger is a perennial root of the plant Zingiber officinale (of the Zingiberaceae family) which creeps and increases underground, in tuberous joints; in the spring it sends up from its roots a green reed, like a stalk, 2 feet high, with narrow lanceolate leaves; these die down annually. The flowering stalk rises directly from the root, ending in an oblong scallop spike; from each spike a white or yellow bloom grows.

common names & nomenclature
The genus name zingiber is from Old English gingifer, from Medieval Latin gingiber, from Latin zingiberi, from Greek zingiberis. The word apparently was readopted in Middle English from Old French gingibre (Modern French gingembre). Meaning "spirit, spunk, temper" is from 1843, American English. "Ginger-ale" was recorded and in use by 1822; and ginger-snap as a type of cookie is from 1855, in American English.

Also known as:
ginger, ginger root


02.
Ginger: Where in the World
habitat and range for ginger

Ginger cultivation began in South Asia and has since spread to East Africa and the Caribbean.

03.
Ginger: Cultivation & Harvesting
considerations for growing and harvesting ginger

climate
Ginger prefers a tropical climate - sheltered spot, filtered sunlight, warm weather, high humidity.

soil
Ginger prefers rich, moist soil that is never water-logged.

growing
Plant sections of ginger rhizome, each with growth buds, in late winter or early spring.

Every rhizome you plant will first only grow a few leaves, in the one spot. Over time it will become a dense clump and very slowly get bigger.

harvesting
The best time to harvest ginger is any time after the leaves have died down. Usually it takes eight to ten months to reach this point.

preserving
Ginger root can be used fresh, or dried as cut pieces, powdered, or even crystallized/candied. Store dried ginger in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
Ginger: The Rest of the Story
ginger history, folklore, literature & more

ginger beyond the kitchen
Ginger is a culinary staple, especially in Asian cooking. But what you may not know is that it has many uses beyond flavoring for your favorite dish. In fact, ginger is one of the best herbs you can use for stomach complaints and beyond.

Ginger has been used in China and Europe for thousands of years to treat problems with the stomach and to treat respiratory infections such as the cold and flu. And even now, modern herbalists prescribe ginger in the same way.

You can take advantage of using ginger in your medicinal routine by using it to treat the problems that ail you. For example, a ginger infusion can help to relieve problems with nausea and indigestion. If you’re suffering from morning sickness during pregnancy, ginger can be particularly useful to soothe your stomach. It won’t harm your baby and it will allow you to have some relief.

Ginger can also help for problems with motion sickness and nausea that comes as a result of chemotherapy and radiation. It’s a natural way to calm the stomach and give you relief so you can rest and heal.

If you have a cold, eating foods that contain ginger or drinking a ginger infusion can also provide you with relief. It can help to reduce your symptoms and give you relief from headaches and chills associated with fever. It will also help to relieve you from stomach upset due to mucous drainage.

The good news about ginger is that unlike some other herbal remedies, it’s a delicious answer to what ails your body. Ginger is very pleasant to the taste and drinking a ginger infused tea is not a chore.

Keeping ginger a part of your every day routine can also be good for your health. It’s thought to decrease the amount of infections that you get and actually improve your heart health. Ginger is thought to help reduce cholesterol and actually keep the arteries free from plaque that can lead to heart disease.

Try adding it to your favorite dishes to provide some extra spice. It is particularly good in Asian inspired meals. However, if you choose to use ginger as an infusion, you’ll still reap the benefits. Some people actually like to chew directly on ginger root to treat problems such as nausea and vomiting. Keep some ginger root in your supply so you’ll have it when you need it.