Ginger is a widely used pungent herb that is used in cooking. The main producers of ginger are India, Brazil, Jamaica and Nigeria.
When added to curries, the ginger roots are chopped, crushed or grated to release the flavour. You can buy ginger in powder form but most purists say that the root should be used just prior to cooking so that the flavour is fresh.
Ginger is a versatile herb and is used to make pickles, chutneys, curry powder, confectionery, biscuits, cakes, desserts, soft drinks, liqueurs and tea. It seems that ginger can be added to almost anything that you can eat or drink.
There have been claims that ginger helps combat nausea, diarrhoea and morning sickness.
Ginger is used as a dietary supplement and is used in some folk medicine treatments for treating inflammation, arthritis, colic and headaches.
There is evidence that ginger interacts with prescribed medicines so care must be taken when taking ginger whilst using medicines – always check with your doctor.
Research continues on various medicinal uses of ginger.
