Spice Up Your Life with Ginger

Whether your dietary goals are to eat heart-consciously by watching the amount of sodium you consume or just want to live a healthy lifestyle, spices are your best friend. Not only is ginger flavorful, but it is high in gingerol. This bioactive substance is responsible for gingers’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

This flowering plant originated from China and is in the same family as turmeric and cardamom. Ginger can be utilized in the forms of fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized, candied and ground (powdered). When ginger is pickled in sweet vinegar, a common process for making sushi, it turns pink in color.

Many people don’t know how to store ginger or prepare fresh ginger. In order to get the greatest longevity out of the product, wrap the ginger in paper towels and conceal it in a plastic bag. Then, store it in the crisper of your fridge. If you plan to use the ginger right away, it will be fine sitting on your counter for a couple days.

This popular Asian and Indian spice can be used in many stir fries, teas, baked goods, marinades and on fruits and vegetables. Ginger tastes a little peppery and slightly sweet in flavor with a strong aroma.

Ginger is a great way to spice up your life and incorporate more flavorful foods into your day-to-day eating pattern. I enjoy this inexpensive and simple spice, and hopefully you can too!