Herb Collection
Ginger Spice and All Things Nice
A powerful root herb
Ginger comes from the root of a native plant likely cultivated by Austronesian peoples. It doesn’t grow wild, but evidence points to these peoples trading it as they expanded trade routes over 5000 years ago from Madagascar to Hawai’i. We know this because they also domesticated turmeric, another ginger with potential medicinal value.
Luya, as ginger is called in Tagalog, found its way into many Asian cuisines. Native peoples eat the leaves and rhizomes, and the leaves are also used in mat-weaving and as sacraments. Gingerol is one active ingredient, and it has potential medicinal value.
Nomenclature: Zingiber officinale
Tastes: Peppery, pungent, spicy, sweet
Uses: Candy, cocktails, flavor, food, folk medicine, pickles, soda
Origin: Maritime Southeast Asia
Recipe: Candied Ginger Recipe
Ingredients: Cooking spray, ginger root, sugar, and water. See link.
