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Uses of Fresh Ginger

Jun 18, 2011 | By Caroline Thompson
Uses of Fresh Ginger
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Ginger is from the Zingiber Officinale plant. Ginger is the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant and has been used in herbal medicines and as a spice for thousands of years. Fresh ginger has a distinctly spicy aroma that adds a savory flavor and warmth to many Asian and Indian dishes. The versatility and variety of uses of fresh ginger make it a favored spice to keep in your pantry.

Herbal Medicine

Ginger has been used in herbal medicine since ancient times. Fresh ginger helps the digestion and may be effective at reducing nausea and vomiting, according to a study by A.K. Pillai and published in a 2011 issue of "Pediatric Blood Cancer." The placebo-controlled study gave one group of chemotherapy patients ginger and another group of chemotherapy patients a placebo. The patients given the ginger had significant reduction in nausea and vomiting compared with the placebo group. The study concluded that ginger root is an effective treatment to help reduce the severity of acute to moderate nausea and vomiting. Ginger also is used for nausea related to pregnancy and in post-operative nausea and vomiting. Fresh ginger can be cut in chunks, and then boiled with honey to make a soothing ginger tea. Fresh ginger also reduces dizziness and the nausea associated with it.

Snacks

Fresh ginger makes a flavorful snack. You can eat it raw or boiled and dipped in sugar for a sweet and savory snack. Fresh candied ginger has 140 calories, 1 g of fiber, 4 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A and calcium and 2 percent of iron per four 2-inch-long pieces. Snacking on fresh ginger also freshens your breath. You can cut fresh ginger into small cubes and combine it with nuts and other dried fruits to make a savory trail mix.

Cooking

Chopped fresh ginger is a common ingredient in stir-fry dishes and as a spice for meats. It adds flavor to cookies, cakes, muffins, scones and other baked goods. Fresh ginger makes a good rub for meats, can be included in a variety of baked goods or used in chutneys. Sautéed fresh ginger adds additional warmth to sauces and sauté dishes. Fresh ginger also is used in desserts and as a garnish to top whipped-cream desserts.

Air Freshener

Fresh ginger, when peeled and added to other botanicals such as lemongrass and citrus peel, makes an aromatic room deodorizer and potpourri. Another way to freshen the air in your home is by slicing some fresh ginger and boiling it in a pot on the stove. Adding other aromatic herbs to the pot to enhances the aroma. This is an effective way to get rid of overpowering cooking odors, such as fish, garlic and onion.

References

Article reviewed by Glenn Singer Last updated on: Jun 18, 2011

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