How to choose and store ginger, beneficial and harmful properties. Useful properties and nutritional value of ginger How to choose ginger root for tea

Among spices, ginger root occupies a special place. It is not just a spice that gives a dish an exquisite taste and aroma, but a valuable natural medicine. Weed has been used by people for thousands of years in industries such as cosmetology and medicine. Ginger helps fight various diseases and has few contraindications, so it is popular among those who care about their health.

Ginger, as a spice and healing agent, has been known since ancient times. Quite by accident, since ginger is not attractive in any way externally, three millennia ago humanity noted its taste and medicinal properties. The first mentions were found in Ancient India, where in Ayurveda the plant was called a universal medicine.

With the development of trade, it came to Ancient Egypt and Greece, where ginger root was called a medicine for improving digestion and warming. Today, the miraculous plant has been studied by scientists and shown for use in various areas of human activity.

What does ginger look like?

Pharmaceutical ginger, or Zingiberofficinale, which can be literally translated as “horned root,” belongs to herbaceous plants of the ginger family. It is perennial. The stems reach a length of 1-2 meters and resemble reeds with pointed linear leaves. Spike-shaped inflorescences of blue-violet and orange-yellow colors resemble orchids. The fruit is a tricuspid box.

The ginger root develops horizontally and grows strongly. Its appearance, reminiscent of the horns of ungulates, as one might guess, became the main reason for the origin of the Latin name.

Where does it grow?

The Indian peninsula is considered the birthplace of ginger. Until now, half of the world's total volume of this plant is grown there. The rest is cultivated in Asian countries, Africa, Jamaica, Argentina and other countries. Everywhere it is grown in the form of indoor and garden crops, nowhere growing in the wild.

Plant species

In addition to pharmaceutical ginger, humanity is also familiar with other species of this genus:

• ginger zerumbet;
• kasumunar ginger;
• Japanese ginger Myoga.

With the development of chemical science, it has become possible to find out the real benefits of a particular plant. Ginger root contains fats, fiber, starch, vitamins, minerals, essential oils and carbohydrates, as well as beneficial amino acids (lysine, threonine, methionine).

The main chemical elements in the spice are zingiberene (70%) and starch (4%). The rest comes from bisabolene, gingerin, and cineole. Gingerol gives the plant its pungency, and essential oils are responsible for the aroma.

Below is a table of the approximate nutrient content of ginger root.

Useful properties of the plant

Scientists in their research have discovered the benefits of ginger root. Its medicinal properties have been clinically proven and are often prescribed by doctors as additional measures in addition to the main therapy.

It is used as:

• antiseptic and antioxidant;
• expectorant, diaphoretic;
• medicines for indigestion and weight loss diets;
• blood thinning component;
• sugar-lowering agent;
• blood pressure normalizing plant.

Uses of Ginger

The plant is in great demand among those who, in addition to the main treatment, want to achieve recovery, and among those who simply want to keep themselves in shape. The use of spices in medicine, cosmetology and cooking is widely known.

The spice perfectly strengthens the immune system, increases visual and mental acuity, calms and helps to concentrate.

Ginger, whose use in medicine is undeniable, helps remove toxins from the body, treats sinusitis, sore throat, colds and coughs.

Ginger root is also indicated for impotence, varicose veins and prostatitis.

This natural medicine is also useful for the female reproductive system: it is used to increase the tone of the uterus and for infertility. And these are not all useful properties.

The plant is actively used as a compress. Decoctions are prepared with it to soothe toothache.

For culinary purposes

Dishes prepared using ginger are much easier to digest by the body. The spice stimulates the formation of gastric juice and has a pleasant aroma and taste. In Russian cuisine, it is customary to add the spice to fish and meat in powder form (0.5 g each) 20 minutes before cooking. It is also used in dough, sauces, as well as drinks - jelly, compotes and mousses, elite varieties of tea.

The use of ginger in desserts is quite widespread. For example, gingerbread is well known to everyone.

In cosmetology

The plant is already used by cosmetic companies and clinics for dandruff, acne, hair loss, and cellulite. And thanks to its aroma and essential oil, ginger has proven itself well in aromatherapy: it tones, improves mood and stimulates action.

Popular ginger treatment recipes

Only the root of the whole plant is used in food, which, depending on the processing method, is divided into two types - white and black. Black ginger is not so thoroughly peeled and dried in the sun. It is often sold in powder form and has a sharper taste.

The white root can be found in stores. It is lighter and less pungent. Unlike the black root, it is carefully cleaned and used in teas.

There are many ways and recipes using ginger. The most common forms are tea, decoction and tincture. However, you can also find compresses, creams, mixtures and even baths.

For coughs and colds

To treat cough, you can brew it with honey, ginger powder and lemon juice. For this you will need 1 tbsp. a spoonful of tea, a third of a spoonful of spice powder, a tbsp. spoon of lemon juice, honey.

1. Pour tea into a teapot, add spice, add ½ liter of hot water and let steep for 10 minutes.
2. Next, use gauze to filter the liquid from the grounds.
3. Add juice and honey.

You can also add 4 mint leaves and red pepper to taste.

For pain syndrome

If your throat hurts badly during pharyngitis and sore throat, in addition to the main treatment, you want to reduce the sensitivity of the oral cavity. You can buy fresh ginger root, peel the skin with a teaspoon, cut off a piece and simply suck on it. Ginger will reduce sensitivity in the throat, which will relieve pain. The same should be done for toothache.

With high blood pressure

To stabilize blood pressure, you can also make tea:

• take half a teaspoon of spice powder;
• Brew black tea in advance;
• add ginger and sugar;
• drink 3 times a day (preferably after meals) for a week.

There is no need to drink ginger tea often. This will lead to increased heart rate and increased blood pressure.

For diabetes and pancreatitis

Ginger root is extremely effective for gastrointestinal diseases. However, remember that when combined with medications for diabetics and pancreatitis, ginger may have side effects, so be sure to consult your doctor.

To improve well-being and lower blood sugar, the use of classic tincture is prescribed.

Take approximately 500 g of grated ginger and a liter of vodka. The first ingredient is placed on the bottom of a glass jar, filled with vodka, tightly closed with a lid and infused for a month.

The tincture is shaken periodically and then filtered. For a more pleasant taste, lemon juice is added during consumption.

A decoction will also work. To do this, take about 300 grams of peeled fresh ginger, fill it with cold water, heat it to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes. The decoction is filtered and drunk after meals. Nutmeg is used to soften the effect on the stomach. To do this, add half a teaspoon to a glass of broth (200 ml). nutmeg powder.

To treat joints, ginger is used as a compress:

• take 2 teaspoons of ginger powder and five drops of any seed oil (apricot, grape, peach will do);
• mix ginger with a small amount of warm water and grind to a paste, add a couple of drops of oil;
• Apply to gauze and apply to the sore spot, securing with a bandage.

Instead of powder, you can use grated root. This remedy is also ideal for headaches and osteochondrosis. The procedure time is no more than 40-60 minutes.

For varicose veins

To keep the veins in good shape, take 1 teaspoon of the juice of a houseplant, which is found in almost all of them, namely aloe, a quarter teaspoon of ginger powder, ground cardamom (a pinch). All this is mixed and divided into two parts. Should be taken for 2 months, 2 times a day. per day in about 15-20 minutes. before meals in spring and autumn.

With a decrease in potency

To maintain male strength, you can drink citrus-ginger tincture. You will need 3 tbsp. l. grated ginger, the zest of two grapefruits, the zest of three limes and half a liter of vodka.

1. The zest is carefully removed with a knife and cut into small pieces.
2. Lower the zest along with the ginger to the bottom of a glass jar.
3. Pour in vodka and leave for a week in a dark place, shaking periodically.
4. After filtering, you can drink it by adding honey and sugar.

Ginger will also be useful in the form of teas. A quarter teaspoon of powder and honey are added to regular black or green tea. It is worth drinking 2-3 times a day, which increases blood flow to the man’s penis and thins the blood and cleanses the bloodstream.

Ginger root for weight loss

The beneficial properties of the “horned root” are also known in cosmetology. To lose weight, it is recommended to buy special anti-cellulite creams and drink tea with ½ teaspoon of ginger powder with lemon three times a day. You should not increase the dose, especially if you are actively training.

Is it possible to use ginger during pregnancy?

Experts have differing opinions regarding the use of ginger root during pregnancy. Ginger in small doses is safe: you can drink it to reduce toxicosis. However, you should not get carried away, since the spice, with constant use, can increase the tone of the uterus, as a result of which it can provoke premature contractions.

Consult your obstetrician/gynecologist to be sure whether you can use ginger root and whether it is safe for you and the development of your fetus.

Is ginger good for children?

For children, ginger can be offered in the form of tea with the addition of honey, mint and lemon. Contraindications: age under 3 years, allergic reaction or gastrointestinal disease. But for older children, ginger is indicated to strengthen the immune system, eyesight, and concentration. Often, ginger root is given to a child instead of garlic for resorption during a sore throat.

Contraindications for use

In addition to the beneficial properties, there are also plenty of warnings for use. The important thing to remember here is that it is important to maintain balance everywhere. Ginger root is especially dangerous for those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases, so you should not abuse large doses.

The following can be noted as negative effects due to the use of spices:

• decreased amount of potassium in the body;
• increased blood pressure;
• conflict with many medications, including diabetic and antiarrhythmic drugs.

How to choose the right ginger root?

When choosing ginger in the store, give preference to a smooth and dense plant without spots, damage or mold.

When choosing a product, pay attention to color. The lightest root will be the most useful and fragrant. If a lot of fibers and veins are visible, the goods are stale.

Conclusion

Ginger root is one of the most popular remedies in cooking, modern medicine, aromatherapy and cosmetology. With its help, parallel treatment of the most complex diseases of the male reproductive system and the female gastrointestinal tract is carried out. The plant is useful for strengthening the immune system and is generally considered a universal medicine.

Buying ingredients for ginger tincture or tea, decoction, compress is simple and inexpensive, and the treatment effect will pleasantly surprise you.

Ginger contains vitamins B, C, E, trace elements, essential oils, amino acids and plant dietary fiber. This root is widely used in cooking, cosmetology and the treatment of viral diseases. The medicinal properties of ginger root enhance gastric secretion, strengthen the immune system, stabilize blood circulation, and prevent nausea and vomiting. In this article we will look at the properties of ginger tea.

How to choose the right ginger?

The beneficial properties of ginger directly depend on storage conditions and the freshness of the root. How to choose the right ginger root? As a rule, products of African or Indian origin are presented on the shelves. Both roots differ in the following characteristics:

• African root- has a dense, slightly rough and dark skin, the pulp has a strong aroma, pronounced bitterness and is yellow in color;
• Indian root- has a smooth and thin skin of light color, pulp with a pronounced aroma and light yellow color.

For information! Ginger is rich in potassium; 100 grams of the product contains 415 milligrams of the substance.

Basic parameters for choosing ginger root:

• the surface of the peel should be free of scales and light in color;
• the surface must be smooth, without damage, mold, breaks and putrefactive manifestations;
• the root should be free of putrefactive odor and signs of rottenness.

If sprouts are present on the ginger root, this indicates that the plant has been stored in a bright and warm place for a long time. This product no longer contains essential oils and nutrients. The level of freshness of the plant can be determined by the intact, smooth and golden skin. If you break the product, the root should make a crunch; the lighter the color of the pulp, the younger the root. This plant is considered truly healing, because it contains:

• microelements;
• phosphorus;
• calcium;
• potassium;
• zinc;
• sodium;
• vitamins B1, B2 and C;
• essential oils of gingerol, borneol, camphin, cineole, phelandrin.

It is worth noting that the plant has antihistamine properties, which can be used to treat various inflammatory processes.

How to brew ginger tea for maximum benefits?

During the process of growth, the rhizome of the plant accumulates beneficial qualities, so ginger tea and its beneficial properties are as follows:

• has a beneficial effect on the nervous system;
• supports and strengthens the immune system;
• a large amount of zinc in the root promotes the production of sex hormones;
• the root is considered a powerful aphrodisiac for men;
• the beneficial components of ginger act on the male body as an energy drink;
• copes well with viral infections and flu;
• improves memory quality;
• normalizes cholesterol levels;
• ginger tea relieves hangovers and removes toxins;
• beneficial substances and essential oils prevent the development of tumors;
• the medicinal components gingerol, cineole and citral have an antiseptic effect on the body;
• It is useful to take the root for those suffering from asthma, because... the components of the plant have a bronchodilator effect;
• increases potency;
• gives strength and endurance;
• improves sperm quality;
• accelerates prostate blood circulation and metabolism.

Important. To prepare ginger tea, use fresh or dried root. Experts say the dried plant contains more gingerol.

Daily consumption of the plant helps strengthen the immune system, increase the body's protective function, potency and libido in men. Let's take a closer look at how to use ginger in tea and its beneficial properties.

Preparation for using the root begins with washing and cleaning. It is recommended to cut off the peel in a thin layer, because... The main value and usefulness of the root is contained in its surface.

For information! Ginger eliminates the manifestations of an allergic reaction and the development of diseases associated with the skin.

How to make ginger tea? Tea recipes based on ginger root have a rather specific taste, so it is recommended to combine the root with honey, cinnamon or lemon. Consider the recipes for ginger drink:

• Ginger tea with lemon- for preparation you will need 1 small piece of plant up to 7 cm long, 3.5 tablespoons of honey, 1 lemon, 3 glasses of water. Method of preparation: add lemon juice to water, bring to a boil, grate ginger and add to boiling water, let simmer for 5 minutes. Then add honey and let it brew for 3 minutes;
• Ginger tea with strawberries- for preparation you will need 100 grams of fresh or frozen strawberries, 100 milliliters of strawberry syrup, 5 grams of black tea and 1 piece of plant up to 8 cm long. Method of preparation: brew tea, add finely chopped ginger to it, let it brew for 10-15 minutes. Then add lemon, berries, pour the finished tea into a cup and add strawberry syrup;

For information! Long-term infusion of ginger root in tea promotes the formation of a rich and pungent taste.

• Mint tea - to prepare you will need 1 lime, 20 grams of fresh mint leaves, root or ginger syrup. Method of preparation: pour syrup into water and boil a little, add a piece of the plant, boil for 10 minutes. Then add lime juice, put mint leaves in a cup and pour the resulting tea.

It is worth noting that the plant can be consumed in pure or pickled form. Microelements and zinc help increase potency and testosterone production. In addition to the main beneficial properties of this plant, it is also used as a strong aphrodisiac. It has been proven that daily use of the plant helps eliminate male infertility, increase potency and libido. In perfumery, plant extracts are widely used to obtain bright and rich aromas. Constant use of the root in tea helps prevent inflammation of the prostate gland. To enhance potency and libido, it is recommended to brew tea with the addition of licorice, urticaria and galangal. All ingredients must be mixed in equal proportions, brewed and allowed to brew for 60 minutes.

Contraindications for use

• People suffering from arterial hypertension should not take root-based tea;
• in the presence of allergic reactions;
• patients suffering from kidney stones and cholelithiasis;
• for liver cirrhosis and hepatitis;
• for pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis);
• in the presence of a malignant neoplasm of the prostate gland;
• with benign prostatic hyperplasia;
• for acute and chronic forms of prostatitis;
• at elevated body temperature;
• It is not recommended to combine the plant with medications that thin the blood;
• for malignant neoplasms;
• individual intolerance.

It is worth noting that the root is contraindicated for people who are undergoing surgery under anesthesia. In the process of treating inflammation of the prostate gland, it is important to observe the dosage of the plant, because. increasing the amount of ginger may cause an allergic reaction.

Combining Ginger with Medicines

Ginger root can be combined with medications, however, there are exceptions. For example, it is not recommended to simultaneously use the plant with drugs:

• lowering blood pressure;
• stimulating the functionality of the heart muscle;
• antirhythmic drugs.

The combination of these drugs with the root can cause an overdose. It is worth noting that the plant has a sugar-lowering effect.

For information! Ginger is contraindicated for men with kidney stones.

The use of the root is contraindicated for patients suffering from hemorrhoids, because ginger can cause bleeding.

How to store ginger for tea at home?

It is recommended to store ginger root in the refrigerator, because... It is at low temperatures that the plant is able to retain its beneficial properties. In order to prevent the plant from wrinkling and drying out, it must be wrapped in cling film. This procedure will prevent air from entering the product.

For information! Before placing the root in a sealed bag, it is necessary to inspect it for damage and the presence of mold or rot.

If you wrap the root in a paper towel or napkin, place it in a plastic bag and refrigerator, you can prevent the product from rotting. Let's take a closer look at options for storing ginger at home.

Dried product

• thoroughly rinse and dry the root;
• cut into thin slices;
• preheat the oven to 50C degrees;
• lay parchment on a baking sheet and lay out the product;
• place the root pieces in the oven for one hour, then remove and let stand for another hour;
• When the pieces have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature.

Frozen product

The freezing process is quite simple; to do this, you need to wrap the roots in cling film and place them in a plastic bag. This method allows you to store the product in the freezer for up to three months.

For information! The presence of air in a plastic bag contributes to the process of rotting food.

Some people prefer to store the plant in sugar, this method gives the tea a richer and more aromatic taste. To prepare the sugar filling you will need:

• dilute one glass of sugar with one glass of water;
• pour syrup over thin slices of product;
• put on fire and boil for 20 minutes;
• let the finished syrup cool;
• take out the root plates and roll them in powdered sugar;
• place the pieces on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 50 minutes;
• store in a closed glass container.

All ginger storage methods help preserve the taste and nutrients.
You can learn more about the contraindications of the plant from the video.

The beneficial properties of ginger tea have a positive effect on the male body. Thanks to useful components and microelements, it is possible to increase potency and eliminate the development of inflammatory processes in the prostate gland and neoplasms. Daily use of the product helps strengthen the immune system and improve tone.

Ginger is a hot spice that came to us from the east. Ginger is used both fresh (root) and dried (the same root, only dried and ground into powder). It is added to soups, meat dishes, baked goods, desserts, and drinks. Ginger has many beneficial properties. What are the beneficial effects of this seasoning? This will be discussed further.

Ginger for weight loss

Nowadays, many women actively use ginger for weight loss. For this purpose, it is added to various dishes during the cooking process and drinks are made from it, which are drunk 2-3 times a day before meals.

Doctors confirm that with moderate consumption and the absence of contraindications, ginger is really useful for weight loss. Ginger root contains a substance called gingerol, which stimulates digestion and improves metabolism. Thanks to this, beneficial substances are better absorbed, and harmful ones are eliminated from the body faster; Accordingly, digestion is normalized, the body is cleansed, and therefore the extra pounds go away.

In addition, ginger helps normalize intestinal function and prevents the accumulation of “bad” cholesterol in the body - the same one that accumulates in blood vessels and subsequently forms plaques that close the lumen of the blood vessel and disrupt normal blood circulation.

Ginger for weight loss is most often used in the form of a drink prepared like tea. To prepare such a drink, peeled ginger root is cut into thin strips, poured with cold water, then put on fire and brought to a boil. When the future drink boils, you need to let it simmer for about 15 minutes, then strain, add honey and the juice of a lemon wedge to taste. You can add mint or lemon balm leaves, cinnamon, and cardamom to this tea. Drink this tea throughout the day, preferably before meals.

Those who intend to lose a lot of weight make a ginger drink with garlic, thus enhancing its effect. In this case, take 50 grams of fresh ginger root and one small clove of garlic per liter of water. All this is thoroughly crushed and filled with hot water in a thermos. The drink should steep for 15 minutes, after which it is ready to drink.

How to choose ginger root

It is better not to replace ginger root with dried ginger in some dishes: it will give more aroma, a brighter taste, and its beneficial properties will probably be better preserved. The main thing is to choose the right ginger in the store. To do this, you need to pay attention to several points.

1. When choosing ginger for pickling, pay attention to smooth, hard, thick roots. If the ginger roots are flaccid, thin, covered with thread-like shoots, they are already old, hard, and should not be taken.
2. Ginger root is stored in the refrigerator for no more than 4-5 days. You can also put it in the freezer, after wrapping it in a plastic bag.

Pickled ginger: uses, recipes

Pickled ginger is an indispensable appetizer for sushi and rolls, and other Japanese dishes. After marinating, it retains its beneficial properties and specific spicy, burning taste, acquiring softness and a beautiful bright pink color. Pickled ginger also promotes weight loss, strengthens the immune system and nervous system. You can buy ready-made ginger in the store or prepare it at home yourself.

To make your own pickled ginger, you will need:

• ginger itself – preferably young roots;
• rice, wine or apple cider vinegar;
• salt;
• sugar.

Mix vinegar, salt and sugar, boil and pour the resulting marinade over thinly sliced ​​ginger. When the marinade has cooled, put the container with ginger in the refrigerator. It can be stored in this marinade for several months, but will gradually become softer and lose its pungency.

Ginger tea is an ideal remedy for colds and excess weight

Ginger tea, as mentioned above, is great for burning excess fat. But this is not its only beneficial property: this drink stimulates blood circulation, warms well in the cold season and successfully fights the first symptoms of colds and flu.

There are many ways to prepare ginger tea. The simplest option is to add a little dried or fresh grated ginger, honey to taste, a slice of lemon, and lemon balm or mint if desired, to regular black or green tea, and a delicious warming drink is ready.

Or you can do this: cut the ginger into thin strips, add water, boil and add the same honey and lemon. You can drink this tea either cold or hot.

You can also add dried rose hips to it - such a drink will not only strengthen the immune system, but also help cope with female diseases. It is not recommended to drink ginger tea just at night - it has a strong invigorating effect, which can lead to insomnia.

Properties of ginger

The beneficial properties of ginger make it an almost universal product.

• It affects the functioning of the stomach and intestines, accelerating metabolism and digestive processes;
• stimulates blood circulation and reduces cholesterol levels in the blood;
• has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects;
• calms the nervous system; relieves nausea, including manifestations of toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy.
• In addition, ginger has mild aphrodisiac properties that affect both men and women.

Such beneficial properties of ginger are manifested due to its high content of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances, including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, calcium, manganese and others.

Ginger, unfortunately, has contraindications and negative properties. So, consuming it in large quantities can provoke an exacerbation of gastric diseases.

What exactly are the benefits of ginger for the body?

Above we have listed the beneficial and harmful properties of ginger in general, without going into detail. Now let’s tell you what exactly the benefits of ginger are.

1. Ginger has excellent warming properties. Thanks to this, as well as the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, tea with this spice, the addition of honey and lemon, is an excellent remedy for colds and flu. Ginger can also be used as a prophylactic during the cold season: it has been proven that those who use it in winter get colds less often.
2. Thanks to its potassium and magnesium content, ginger strengthens the cardiovascular system and cleanses blood vessels.
3. The benefits of ginger include the fact that it is a choleretic and mild laxative, relieves pain and cramps in the abdominal area, promotes the formation of gastric juice and improves appetite.
4. Ginger compresses relieve pain from arthritis and other joint diseases.

However, despite the undoubted benefits of ginger, it is worth consuming it in moderation, remembering that it is still a seasoning for the main dish, and not the dish itself.

When used correctly, ginger can, if not become a cure for many ailments, then significantly improve health and improve well-being.

Previously little-known among us, ginger has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years due to its amazing properties.

Ginger came to domestic cuisine from Japan, where it was used as a seasoning for seafood, and also to remove the taste of one fish before trying another.

But today, numerous beneficial properties of ginger have been identified, which we will discuss below.

Benefits of ginger for bronchial asthma

Recent research by American scientists from Columbia University in New York has created a real sensation in the world of science. As it turned out, ginger root contains a large amount of an amazing substance called gingerol (from the English ginger - ginger). This substance is capable of dilating the bronchi in bronchial asthma and bronchial obstruction, enhancing the effects of drugs.

Ginger itself will not cure asthma, but it will be an excellent help for easing breathing during the treatment period.

Bactericidal properties of ginger

Another very useful property of ginger is its ability to resist pathogens. The bactericidal properties of ginger are widely used in folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of colds, as well as gastrointestinal infections.

Ginger has a warming and tonic effect on the body, which helps to quickly cope with various diseases at the very beginning of their manifestation.

With regular consumption of ginger, the mouth is sanitized, preventing pathogens of various diseases from entering our body.

Ginger for weight loss

In addition to all the above features of this amazing product, ginger also has excellent fat burning properties. This allows you to use it effectively while losing weight.

With regular consumption of ginger root, a noticeable reduction in subcutaneous fat deposits is observed.

You can watch a video on how to prepare ginger tea for weight loss, as well as how to use it correctly:

How to choose ginger in a store?

Since this is a product of plant origin, you need to choose it as well. How we choose other edible products - apples, tomatoes or, for example, potatoes.

The root should be fresh and firm to the touch.

If the ginger root has become soft as a result of storage and can be pressed quite easily with your fingers, then its beneficial properties will be significantly lower.

The largest amount of useful substances in ginger is concentrated directly under the thin crust, and during storage these substances gradually evaporate.

When choosing ginger, pay attention that it does not have black eyes, wormholes, or rot.

How to properly store ginger?

Ginger can be stored fresh, pickled or dried.

All these methods differ in the amount of useful substances retained in ginger during preparation for storage and shelf life.

Fresh ginger can be stored at room temperature for no more than 10 days. After this, it greatly loses its beneficial properties.

Ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 30 days by wrapping it in cling paper and placing it in the vegetable compartment.

You can prepare pickled ginger. At the same time, the beneficial substances are preserved almost completely. But when pickling, a fairly large amount of salt is used, which is harmful to our body.

You can also prepare dried ginger, which is stored for a very long time, but the content of nutrients in it is the lowest (about 20% less than in fresh or pickled). To prepare dried ginger, you need to cut the root into small slices and dry it in a convection oven at a temperature of 50-60 degrees.

One of the best ways to store ginger is in white wine. To do this, you need to carefully peel the ginger root from the thin peel with which it is covered on the outside, trying not to cut off the layer located directly under the peel (it contains the main amount of useful substances), then place it in a glass jar and fill it with white wine.

Ginger is, if not a magical remedy, then surprisingly universal. Even its translation from Sanskrit sounds exactly like this: universal.

It is a spice, a medicinal remedy, and a wonderful antiseptic. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can even eliminate pregnancy sickness or motion sickness.

The greatest number of beneficial properties are found naturally in fresh ginger root. Therefore, knowing how to store ginger, you can get the most out of this root vegetable.

Dry ginger somewhat loses its qualities, but pickled ginger is practically devoid of vitamins. However, it is also very popular in cooking.

Like young potatoes and other root vegetables, the maximum amount of “goodness” is located immediately under the thin skin of the root, and therefore it must be peeled extremely carefully, scraping off the minimum layer.

There are absolutely no difficulties here. After all, this is not a product whose appearance is not visible under a layer of polyethylene, and not a product that, while beautiful on the outside, may turn out to be absolutely tasteless. Look at the root: if its surface is smooth, even, slightly golden, the root is not flaccid and without visible damage, you can buy such ginger.

Knowing this, you can easily distinguish the “wrong” ginger from the “correct” one: the old root is covered with threads, thickenings, and may have potato-like eyes on it. It's not worth choosing. It has already lost its beneficial properties and taste.

How to store ginger

In a refrigerator

In the freezer

It is quite possible to store the entire spine in the freezer. It is believed that it does not lose its benefits, and its shelf life increases significantly. To do this, the root must be tightly packed in a plastic bag. As needed, you can cut off the required amount from it, and send the rest back to the freezer.

For convenience, you can peel and grind the root in a blender before putting it in the freezer. Place it in a bag and shape it into a thin tile. Then, in order to add it to any dish, it will be enough to break off the required amount of ready-to-use ginger, and return the rest to its place.

All other storage methods are more suitable for culinary needs than for medicinal ones, since the beneficial qualities are somewhat lost. Although, of course, not everything is lost;)

Methods for preserving ginger

In white wine

Thinly chopped root (pre-peeled) can be poured with white wine and refrigerated. This way it will keep for several weeks. Very good to use for sauces and other dishes.

In vodka

You can preserve ginger in alcohol by placing a whole piece or root plates in vodka or alcohol and letting it brew for 2-3 weeks. The root itself is used as usual, and the tincture is well suited for adding to tea, fruit drinks, syrups in order to increase the beneficial properties and taste.

In sugar

If you plan to make ginger ale (can you? 😉), you can save the syrup. To do this, peeled and thinly chopped root is poured with sugar syrup (water and sugar 1:1), brought to a boil and cooked until the syrup begins to thicken. After this, the ginger needs to be rolled in sugar and dried in the oven. Now it can be stored in an airtight container even at room temperature for quite a long time. Well, use the syrup, as you wanted, for ale.

Ksenia Poddubnaya