Dry ginger (Zingiber officinal), is the underground rhizome of an herbaceous plant of the family Zingiberacea. Originally cultivated in the foothills of the Himalayas, the ginger plant is now commercially cultivated all over the world.
The knotty finger-like root is covered with a brownish skin that may be either thick or thin, depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young. The inner flesh of the ginger root, depending upon the variety, is usually yellow, white or red in color. India is major producer of fresh and dry ginger.
Uses of dry ginger
As a condiment: Ginger is a popular ingredient in both Western and Asian cuisine. In Western countries, powdered dry ginger has been traditionally used to flavor popular dishes such as ginger biscuits, gingerbread, ginger snaps, ginger ale, parkin and speculaas. In Asian cooking, especially in Indian, Chinese and Japanese cuisines, both fresh and dry ginger is used as a spice to flavor soups, salads and meat based dishes. Dry ginger is also used to add flavor to several beverages including tea, coffee and in the making of alcoholic drinks like ginger wine and Canton, a ginger flavored liqueur.
For general health: Dry ginger has been used since ancient times as an anti-inflammatory, anti-flatulent, and anti-microbial agent. Ginger tea was prescribed as a remedy for coughs, colds and sore throats. Recent research into the health benefits of ginger has shown that the presence of Zingerone, a chemical compound which gives ginger its pungent flavor, is effective against E coli induced diarrhoea, especially in children. In addition, ginger contains the anti-inflammatory compound gingerol, which helps in the prevention of colorectal and ovarian cancer.
Selection and storage of dry ginger
Freshly processed dry ginger will exude a strong flavor and will be pungent and spicy to taste. It will also be bright golden-brown in color.
Dry ginger powder and flakes should be stored in a tightly sealed glass container, away from humidity and sunlight, where it will remain fresh for up to six months from the date of packing. Alternately, dry ginger can be stored in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to a year.
Purchase superior quality dry ginger at Ameen Exports
Ameen Exports, located in Cochin, Kerala, offer a wide variety of dry ginger products including, ground dry ginger powder, dry ginger flakes and dry ginger oils and oleoresins. Procured directly from the cultivators themselves and processed in our modern processing facility, our products meet the superior quality standards set by International regulatory bodies. We also offer our clients the option of choosing from our customized branding and packing solutions.
Contact us to find out more.