Ginger Powder

Organic and fair trade ginger powder.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale), part of the same plant family as turmeric and cardamom, does wonders for the stomach and intestine. With a sharp cleansing zing ginger adds a special zest to main dishes. At Kurundu we sell ayurvedic ginger, which is more fibrous and stronger in flavour than other varieties.

The Plant
Used in landscaping around subtropical homes because of the plant’s aesthetic appeal, the reed-like ginger plant grows  3 - 4 feet tall and produces clusters of white and pink buds that bloom into yellow flowers.  The ginger root, or rhizome, is collected when the plant begins to wither. Covered with a brownish skin, the flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color depending on the strain.

Health Benefits
Great for your stomach and intestinal health, ginger alleviates motion sickness, morning sickness and general nausea or intestinal discomfort. The fleshy root effectively eliminates intestinal gas while relaxing and soothing the intestinal tract. Ginger is more powerful in treating motion sickness than some over the counter prescriptions such as Dramamine.

You can easily make a stomach soothing ginger tea by steeping one or two 1/2-inch slices of fresh ginger in a cup of hot water.

Ginger tea is also great during cold and flu season. With its warming effects, ginger promotes healthy sweating. Sweating not only assists in detoxification but also releases the protein dermcidin, a chemical compound that provides protection against invading microorganisms.

A great anti-inflammatory, ginger contains potent free radical fighting compounds called gingerols. Many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility by consuming as little as a ¼ inch slice of fresh ginger regularly. Gingerols may also inhibit the growth of colorectal and ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and autophagocytosis (self-digestion).

Ginger also contains the stress reducing compound cineole and may even help with weight loss by stimulating tissue energy use.

In the Kitchen
Ginger adds a special flavor and zest to Asian stir fries and many fruit and vegetable dishes. At Kurundu, we sell ginger powder.

To soften dried ginger pieces, soak them in water and keep refrigerated. After a day of soaking, you can chop, grind or blend in a blender. The blended ginger makes a great addition to green juices.

Dried ginger powder should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark, dry place. Alternatively, store it in the refrigerator where it will enjoy an extended shelf life, (approximately 1 year.)

Try combining ginger, soy sauce, olive oil and garlic to use as a salad dressing. Add ginger and orange juice to puréed sweet potatoes. Or simply spice up your sautéed vegetables by adding freshly minced ginger.