Ginger root is a tropical plant that grows upright. Throughout the world where it is grown, ginger root is still mostly harvested by hand about 10 months after it is planted. It used to be the second most popular spice after black pepper.
Dating back more than 5000 years, Ginger root is indigenous to Asia (China, India), and Central America.
Ginger root is an essential ingredient in Asian and Indian cooking. Ginger root is used often in Caribbean and African cuisines too.
It is commonly used to flavour cakes, biscuits and desserts.
Ginger root is a good spice to flavor foods such as: avocado, beets, breads, cabbage, carrots, chicken, chocolate, duck, fish, fruits, goose, ham, pork, pumpkin, rice, squash, stuffing, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, venison, and turkey.
Gingerol compounds boost metabolism. Ginger root is thought to be an aphrodisiac; however, it may increase hot flashes. Ginger root antioxidants and so can help protect against disease. It can help calm spasms and reduce flatulence in the digestive system.
Ginger root is an excellent treatment for nausea associated with travel sickness, pregnancy and hangovers. Ginger root tea can be made by adding a few slices to hot water. Try chewing on a little piece of the root to help with digestive problems.
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Black Pepper is the most popular spice in the world
Cumin is the second most popular spice in the world
By weight, Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world.
Vanilla Bean and Cardamom are expensive spices too. Both are hand-harvested and require much manual labor.
Nutmeg is not a nut. It is the seed/pit of a fruit.
The outer lacy covering (aril) on Nutmeg is called mace blade. When in the ground powder form, it is just called "mace"
Cilantro and Coriander are from the same plant. Cilantro is the leaf, and coriander is the seed.
There are almost one million seeds in one pound of Poppy Seeds.
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