Ginger

There are certain smells that just set you back in time or set a mood for a certain season of the year.  Ginger just says "Christmas".  I was baking some gingerbread last night and it sure helped to bring the Christmas spirit into my home.

Ginger is a wonderful spice! Not only is is tasty but it has many health benefits. Did you know that ginger-

1. is effective in alleviating gastrointestinal distress

2. has antioxidant properties

3. has anti-inflammatory properties

4. boosts the immune system

5. prevents symptoms of motion sickness

6. decrease nausea associated with pregnancy

7. protects against colorectal cancer

Ginger can be purchased in a variety of forms.  Fresh, crystallized, candied and pickled, as well as ground ginger, can be found in your local grocery stores. When possible, purchase fresh ginger, since it is not only superior in flavor, but contains higher levels of gingerol, ginger's anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure the root is firm, smooth and free of mold. Mature ginger, generally sold in America, has a tough brown skin, which needs to be peeled. Fresh ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks if it is left unpeeled.  Store unpeeled ginger in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Dried ginger should be stored in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year.

Preparing and serving Ginger

Remove skin with a paring knife or vegetable peeler. The ginger can be sliced, minced or julienned. If you enjoy a more subtle flavor of ginger, add it to your cooking process in the beginning.  For a more pungent flavor add the ginger near the end of cooking.

Quick Serving Ideas

• ginger lemonade-combine freshly grated ginger, lemon juice, sugar or honey and water
• heat up a rice dish by adding grated ginger and sesame seeds
• combine ginger, soy sauce, olive oil and garlic to make a salad dressing
• add ginger and orange juice to pureed sweet potatoes
• add grated ginger to your favorite stuffing for baked apples
• spice up a vegetable dish by adding fresh minced ginger

Try this recipe-

Pineapple Salas with Ginger Syrup

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup peeled and thinly sliced fresh ginger
1 medium pineapple cut into 1-inch chunks
4 firm bananas, sliced

Directions:

Combine water, honey and ginger in a small sauce pan over high heat. Cook for about 15 minutes, until it reduces and becomes somewhat syrupy. Strain and refrigerate. Make sure you give the syrup a chance to slightly thicken and chill before mixing it.
Cut pineapple and banana and mix together with chilled syrup.
Serves 4

Recipe courtesy of Whole Foods