Ginger is a widely-used spice that has also been used as a folk medicine for thousands of years. Like its cousin, turmeric, the ginger we think of is the rhizome (root) of a perennial plant. It has originated from the jungle of southeast Asia, where it needs considerable rain and also hot temperatures. Interestingly, ginger does not grow wilder any longer but is exclusively a cultivated crop. I love adding ginger to dishes to add more dimension to the flavor.
Ginger is used for many purposes and is processed in a diverse number of ways, including fresh, pickled, candied, and dried. Per 100g, ginger provides an outstanding amount of nutrition, but, in spice quantities, it only provides a great source of manganese (close to 50% of your RDV!). In folk medicine, ginger has been used to treat digestive problems.
Like all spices, it’s critical to get them from a reliable source. I get my ground ginger from Pure Indian Foods.
Turmeric