Ground ginger: beneficial properties and contraindications

Dry ground ginger: properties

Ginger is added to many dishes to add piquancy. Dried ginger has beneficial properties that help in the treatment of many diseases. Only ginger root is suitable for use in dry and raw form.

Ginger is a universal medicinal plant and has the following properties:

helps cope with viruses;
has an antioxidant effect;
antiseptic properties;
eliminates inflammation;
has antimicrobial properties;
has an expectorant effect;
reduces pain symptoms.

Ginger is a perennial herbaceous plant. The leaves are narrow, long and similar to reed leaves. During flowering, yellow, orange or purple flowers open with a pleasant aroma.

The use of compounds from the root of the plant leads to improved mood, increased oxygen supply to the brain, thinned the blood, removed toxins from the body, and strengthened the immune system.

Description, mineral and vitamin composition, nutritional value

Ginger is a flowering herbaceous plant with an erect, rounded stem, native to Asian countries.
The leaves are lanceolate-shaped, with pointed ends. The flowers have a variety of colors (from purple to yellow-orange). Ginger root is an underground shoot of a plant that has been transformed into a fibrous root system that forms above-ground shoots. The rhizome has the appearance of rounded, palmate pieces collected in one cavity. The spicy plant contains many nutrients that have a positive effect on health. It contains:

carbohydrates;
proteins;
fats;
cellulose;
potassium;
copper;
manganese;
magnesium;
phosphorus;
iron.

The root of the plant is rich in vitamins C, B6, panthenolic acid, riboflavin and thiamine. The nutritional value of 100 g of product (raw) is 80 kcal.

Description

Fresh ginger root can be added to tea, salads, baked goods, and the ground product is an excellent spice. The spicy root contains many vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, fiber and essential oils. Essential oils contained in ground ginger have a beneficial effect on the functioning of all internal organs, human hair and skin.

The seasoning powder has a light yellow color, an spicy taste and a pleasant aroma. The list of benefits of ginger powder is long:

eliminates the feeling of bloating and abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea;
improves blood counts and normalizes sugar levels;
accelerates metabolic processes in the body;
relieves headaches;
relieves inflammation;
stimulates the immune system;
removes toxins from the body.

In addition to its beneficial properties, the crushed product also has contraindications that must be taken into account so as not to cause harm to the body.

Ginger in cooking

Any dish to which dry ground seasoning is added during production will acquire an interesting taste and aroma. It is added to soups, salads, drinks, including alcoholic ones. Ginger powder is often added to marinades when cooking fish or canning vegetables. In Europe, this seasoning is added to ice cream, sweet pies, tea and even coffee.

Minerals

Mineral components are other benefits of dried ginger.

It contains large quantities of macroelements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus.
Microelements contained in the dry product include: iron, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc.

About the plant

Ginger is a perennial plant with narrow, long leaves that look like reeds. During the flowering period, beautiful flowers of various colors appear - yellow, purple, orange. During flowering, ginger emits a strong spicy odor that can be heard over a considerable distance.

But only the root of this plant is valuable; it is it that has all sorts of wonderful properties. The spice is usually used both raw and dried. The fresh plant is more flavorful, and the dry powder will add more heat. After drying, it does not lose its properties and retains the amino acids, vitamins A, C, group B, zinc, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium it contains.

Uses of dry ground ginger

The beneficial properties of the seasoning do not disappear even during the process of grinding the fresh product. Ginger powder is used in cosmetology, cooking and almost all areas of medicine.

All the benefits of ground ginger are preserved during the preparation of tinctures, decoctions and other drinks that are used for pain, digestive tract disorders, colds, and also for weight loss.

In cooking

Ginger was widely used in cooking and medicine back in the ancient world. In addition, at that time it was very valuable; a pinch of spice could buy a fortune.

The fiery spice can be added to almost any dish. It can be added to cereals, cheeses, legume dishes, soups, salads, vegetable and mushroom snacks. Sauces and dressings for many dishes also acquire a piquant taste.

The seasoning is used during the preparation of dessert dishes and drinks. Gingerbread, tea and coffee are especially popular. It can be added to ice cream, pies, when canning compotes, preserves, and jams.

Each case has its own recommendations when it is better to add dry seasoning to a dish, and in what quantity. When cooking meat, spice is added 15–20 minutes before cooking in the amount of 5 g per 1 kg of meat. Add 1 g to the dough during kneading. The component is added to sauces after readiness in a dosage of 1–2 g.

You can dry ginger, preserving all the benefits, using an oven, convection oven, or electric dryer. The dry product can be ground into powder using a blender or mortar. A similar mixture can be effectively used in folk medicine.

In folk medicine

Ginger has found its use in various branches of medicine. Due to the beneficial health properties of the ground product, tinctures, decoctions, and compresses are made from it:

To prepare the tincture, you need to take 100 g of ground spicy mixture, add 1 liter of vodka and leave for two weeks in a dark place. Then the finished product is filtered. You can add honey. Take 5 ml of the drug before meals, twice a day, after diluting it in 100 ml of water. The product helps cure colds, nervous system disorders, and restore immunity.

To prevent colds, take baths with a decoction based on the crushed product. Dissolve 25 g of ground spice in 500 ml of water. After boiling, cook for about 20 minutes. The resulting decoction is added to bath water. The procedure lasts about 20 minutes.
Ginger is the best remedy for any type of cough. Add 2 g of ginger, 5 g of turmeric and a little honey to a glass of warm milk. Leave to infuse for 10–15 minutes. The resulting composition should be drunk in small sips throughout the day.
For digestive disorders, use the following remedy. 5 g of hot seasoning and 2 g of nutmeg are diluted in 250 ml of water. The resulting composition should be drunk in two doses.
For pain in bones and joints, compresses are used. Mix turmeric, ginger, ground hot pepper, a few drops of mustard oil and add 25 ml of hot water. The resulting pulp is distributed on a gauze bandage and applied to the sore spot for 30 minutes.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, ginger mixture is used to smooth and lighten the skin, get rid of wrinkles, acne, blackheads, normalize metabolism, and eliminate cellulite. There is a large selection of masks, creams, oils based on the spicy component.

For an anti-aging face mask, add ground ginger, fresh mint leaves, banana, honey and spinach juice. All components are crushed in a blender. The resulting paste is applied to the face. The procedure time is 20 minutes.

Medicinal properties of spices

Thanks to such a rich composition, ginger powder has found wide use in cooking. If the spice is regularly added to everyday dishes and drinks, of course, without exceeding the permissible dosage, this will have a beneficial effect on health. Healing teas with such a spicy additive are especially useful. Therefore, the medicinal properties of ground ginger should be considered in conjunction with the culinary capabilities of the product. Although the encyclopedia of folk recipes contains many independent, very effective preparations based on this universal seasoning.

Let's name the main properties of the valuable powder:

antibacterial;
antiviral;
pain reliever;
antispasmodic;
antioxidant;
anti-inflammatory;
expectorant;
immunostimulating.

All components of the spice composition in a single combination act synergistically, that is, they enhance each other’s effect. Therefore, with proper use of the product, positive changes are observed in almost all organs and systems.

Contraindications

Despite all the benefits of dried ginger, it can also cause harm to health if all contraindications are not taken into account.

The seasoning must be used carefully and exactly in the proportions indicated in the recipe.

It is not recommended to use any plant-based products during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you have heart disease, stomach disease, or with high body temperature. Children under three years of age are also considered a limitation.

In cosmetology

Dried ground spice has earned popularity in the field of cosmetology due to its ability to have a rejuvenating effect. It cleanses the skin of the face from irritations and pimples, giving it a fresh look and softness. Many care products can be quickly prepared at home.

For example, to make a relaxing face mask you need to take:

a teaspoon of dried ground ginger;
a tablespoon of orange juice;
the same amount of spoonful of natural yogurt.

Mix the ingredients and add a spoonful of liquid honey to the mixture. Apply the mask to cleansed facial skin and rinse after 15-20 minutes. It is recommended to carry out this procedure twice a week.

Using a product made from dry ground seasoning, you can restore shine and silkiness to your hair. To do this, you need to apply a mask to your hair once a week, consisting of a tablespoon of honey, ginger and one yolk. Mix the components of the treatment composition and apply to the entire length of the hair, covering it with cling film for 30 minutes. Then wash off the mask with warm water.

Cooking recipes with photos

Many housewives are interested in what dishes they can add ground ginger to. Women, having purchased this seasoning, can prepare various dishes using it. The spice is added little by little, following the recommended proportions.

The classic gingerbread recipe consists of butter, honey, sugar, eggs and flour. The dish may also contain some other seasonings, such as cinnamon.

To prepare the meat sauce, you need to mix ground ginger with soy sauce, sugar, dried basil and chopped garlic. The resulting sauce is poured into the meat, which is stewed over the fire, 15 minutes before it is ready.

Ways to use seasoning

Since a balanced nutritious diet is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, it’s worth starting with the gastronomic possibilities when listing the ways to use ground ginger. Spicy powder can be added to almost any dish. The spice is in harmony with the following products:

cheeses;
meat;
beans;
cereals;
pasta;
mushrooms;
fish;
alcoholic drinks;
vegetables.

Ground ginger goes well with other spices, so it is often included in mixtures and sauces. Any dressings containing crushed ginger root give food a pleasant aroma and piquant taste. Baking and desserts are no exception. Gingerbread and spicy drinks are especially popular.

This universal spice is even added to jams and ice cream, and experienced housewives, when canning fruit compotes, will also definitely throw a pinch of fragrant powder into the jar.

Ginger tea: recipe

When making a tea mixture with ground ginger, consider its “base”. Black tea with ginger will be slightly more bitter than green tea.

Often, a variety of ingredients are added to the infusion, the recipes of which are distinguished by a huge variety and methods of preparation, as well as the “reason” for use (“just because it’s delicious,” for medicinal or other purposes) – from one or two to a dozen! As a rule, this is sugar, honey (it is better to put it not in the teapot, but in a cup with the finished drink), lemon (it can be either infused together with other ingredients or put in a glass), orange, mint and/or lemon balm, as well as some spices (cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, almonds, etc.).

The basis of the drink with ground ginger, in addition to black and green teas, can be juices (orange, apple), milk, decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs (when brewing them, you can do with “empty” boiling water, without tea leaves).

How to use ginger root?

By now, you're probably wondering how to use ginger root to reap its many potential health benefits. Luckily, ginger root is available in a variety of forms and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

Fresh ginger should have thin, shiny skin that can be easily scratched with a fingernail. It should also have a tangy, tangy and tangy flavor. On the other hand, ginger that has gone bad will have soft spots and a soggy texture, while cut ginger will begin to darken around the edges as it goes through its freshness.

Ginger root can be eaten fresh or ground, juiced, or infused in your favorite drinks. Ginger root tablets are also available in tablet or capsule form to provide you with a quick and concentrated dose of antioxidants. Additionally, ginger essential oil is also available and can be applied topically or taken orally to increase gingerol levels.

You can also use ginger to make homemade cough syrup, add a few tablespoons to a relaxing hot bath, or mix into a soothing foot remedy.

Ginger tea

Ground ginger is more tart and pungent compared to fresh root. Therefore, when using not a “live” root to make tea, but a dried, ground root, you should be careful with its quantity. Brew tea with ground ginger using boiling water.

A wonderful cup of ginger tea

Some recipes (and there are a great many of them on the Internet) suggest not only brewing, but also boiling the drink (5-20 minutes), and then letting it brew for up to one hour! However, if ginger was not previously included in the list of additives you used for brewing tea, then you should start introducing it into your diet with small doses, infusing for no more than five minutes.

We recommend reading an interesting article on our website: How to properly brew tea with ginger

Various additives mask the astringency of ginger well: honey will not only soften the taste, but also make the drink medicinal, and lemon will “distract” with its sourness, adding sophistication to the tea, while jasmine will overpower the taste and aroma of ginger, turning the tea into a more “familiar” drink.

How to store ginger?

To get the most out of your ginger, store it unpeeled in a plastic bag and place it in the cooler compartment of your refrigerator. Refrigerated ginger can last for about 3-4 weeks or even longer if stored properly.

You can also freeze ginger to extend its shelf life even further. This works especially well if you plan to grate the ginger. Simply place the ginger in a plastic bag and store it in the freezer. If you are using it to make ginger juice, you can grate it and extract the juice without defrosting it. Alternatively, try mincing or mincing the ginger before freezing it.