Ginger

[donna]

Since I have mentioned ginger in all the gingerbread recipes, I will have it as the spice of this week, Nov. 7-14.

Ginger is the root (rhizome) of a tuberous, perennial bush which flourishes in the tropics and semi-tropics. Ginger is a native of Southern Asia, although it is now obtained from: Jamaica, Cochin, Southern India, and Sierra Leone, Africa.

When the plant is about a year old, the roots are dug up, washed and dried in the sun. The sun has a bleaching effect which gives Ginger its characteristic light buff color. Peeled Ginger, obtained only from Jamaica, is prepared by plunging the root into scalding water, then removing the skin with a knife. This accounts for the lighter color of Jamaica Ginger.

The Ginger Ale industry uses large quantities of Jamaica Ginger. This takes the bulk of the Jamaica crop and usually results in a price which is higher than other types of Ginger. Cracked or whole Ginger is usually used in Pickle Spice. African Ginger costs about the same as Cochin Ginger but is darker in color and more harsh in pungency. Cochin Ginger has a slight lemon strain in its flavor. Cochin Ginger is usually a better value than African Ginger at similar prices.

Ginger is also used in Curry Powder, chutney, and meat packing, and is widely used in Oriental cookery.

The spice is also known for its medicinal qualities. A pinch of Powdered Ginger helps digestion. A bath in a tub of hot water perfumed with a teaspoon of Ginger will soothe the wrinkled brow.

From: "A Handbook of Spices" by Durkee.

 

[Northern Light]

My Mum always gave us flat ginger ale when our stomachs were upset, or when we were getting over 'flu. I don't know if she knew about ginger's medicinal qualities, or whether that was what her mum used. I love ginger, in all ways, shapes and forms, but especially this one.

Chocolate Coated Ginger

Take slices of candies ginger and dip half way into good chocolate that has been melted. Lay on waxed paper or parchment until chocolate has dried. Store in a cool place. I like really dark chocolate. 70% cocoa and up, as it contrasts well with the sweetness of the ginger, but semi-sweet is good too. I might suggest avoiding milk chocolate as it is too sweet, but use what you like. This makes a nice hostess gift, if you can keep yourself from eating it.

 

[Rio Bravo]

Ginger has a similar action to Aspirin in reducing blood platelet aggregation ( stickiness). It was found to be more effective than garlic or onion which are the traditional natural anticoagulants.
If you suffer from motion sickness, then chew a little raw ginger - it really works !!!

 

[Northern Light]

Here is a good recipe for Thanksgiving or for Christmas.

GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Cake;

2-1/3 c. flour
1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1-1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. Butter
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
3/4 c. molasses
3/4 c. buttermilk

Heat oven to 350°. Butter 9@ springform pan and line with paper. Sift dry ingredients and set aside.
2. Beat butter 3-4 min.; add sugar. Beat 3-4 min until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, beating 1 min between each. Slowly add molasses; beat 10 sec. Slowly add buttermilk, beat to combine. Slowly beat in flour in 3 parts. Bake for 35-40 min. (Can be frozen for 1 month)
2. Make 3 cups of pastry cream ( I use Bird's Custard Powder), flavour with brandy, pear liqueur, or vanilla.
3.Drain 2-28 oz. cans of pears Put half in a 12@skillet with 2 c. sugar, 2 Tbsp. butter, 1/4 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp. ginger. Saute about 10 min until caramel coloured. Cool. Repeat with remaining pairs
Whip 2 c. whipping cream.
Layer gingerbread, fruit, custard and cream, sprinkling cake with maple or other liqueur, twice. Sprinkle whipped cream with chopped candied ginger.

 

[donna]

Homemade Ginger Candy Recipe from "The Times Cook Book, No. 2+ (1905)

"Take 1 cup of water to 1 1/2 cups of sugar, boil just until when tested it will roll into a small ball. Flavour to taste with essence of ginger or powdered ginger. Rub some of the syrupy against side of pan with a wooden spoon until it turns white, then quickly pour into buttered tins and put in cool place."

Note: 12 cup muffin pans work well.

 

[donna]

Here is thread on ginger.

 

[BelleBlackburn]

I always keep fresh ginger and peppermint tea around. Great for upset stomachs. Ginger is good for so many things.

 

[Billy Yank]

Oops, wrong Ginger.

 

[Northern Light]

Oops, wrong Ginger. View attachment 55761

Heh, my guess is she never quieted an upset stomach....... or anything else!

 

[donna]

A favorite spice used in holiday cooking.

 

[Deleted User CS]

Donna. Ginger is a very good spice to use in all forms of cooking. Mixing olive oil, garlic, onions and ginger with salt and pepper together in a saute pan releases a magnificent aroma. These ingredients make a wonderful base for any Italian or Chinese dish. Ginger is also good crystalized. Ginger has a lot of medicinal qualities: keeps your organs clean of impurities, especially good for the heart as well as keeping the arteries and veins from clogging. Thanks for sharing the background information. David.

 

[Mike Serpa]

Oops, wrong Ginger. View attachment 55761

When I read the title of this thread I thought 'Mary Ann.'

 

[donna]

Since have recipe on ginger bars, thought bump this thread on ginger. It has always been one of my favorite spices.

 

[donna]

Bumping thread on Ginger, the spice.

 

[Mrs. V]

I really like candied ginger. I've used it numerous times to settle an unhappy stomach. Works quite well for me for motion sickness.

And I love gingersnaps...oh, and I have a modern recipe for pulled pork that uses honey, grated ginger, and hoisin sauce...

 

[donna]

Always drank ginger ale when had upset stomach.

 

[Mrs. V]

Always drank ginger ale when had upset stomach.

Me too.

 

[Fairfield]

Not a traditional Maine recipe--but included in Maine's Bicentennial Cookbook is "Wedding Ginger Juice". It was submitted by a woman who had moved from West Africa to Bath, Maine; she wrote that genger juice was an essential drink at weddings.

Wash 1 large ginger root and cut it into small pieces (leave the skin on). Put the pieces in a blender and puree, adding enough water to make a thick juice. Then add more water, some sugar, a sliced lemon and fresh mint to taste. Serve cold.