Embrace the spice: Ginger's culinary and health benefits revealed

Ginger has a distinctive, somewhat sharp but refreshing taste that enhances dishes. It is also rich in valuable nutrients. We tend to reach for it, especially in winter, because of its warming properties. You can choose between fresh and dried ginger: which should you choose?

Ginger has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique taste and medicinal properties. It contains a range of valuable nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, E, K, and B vitamins, as well as minerals like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and iron. One of its main active ingredients is gingerol, which is responsible for its spicy flavour and is known for its strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Ginger helps alleviate various stomach issues, including nausea and heartburn. It improves digestion, positively impacting how you feel after meals. Additionally, regular consumption of this spice supports metabolism. Ginger also helps reduce appetite and can even curb cravings for unhealthy snacks.

Ginger offers many benefits, but which one should you choose? Both fresh and dried ginger can be found in stores, and both are worth having in the kitchen. Each type is suited to particular dishes, optimizing its properties. Notably, ginger's flavours vary slightly.

Fresh ginger is ideal for infusions, winter teas, Asian dishes, and generally in dishes that do not require long preparation times. According to the expert in her video, this type of ginger has significantly more vitamin C and enzymes that aid digestion.

And what about dried ginger? On the contrary, it is perfect for slow-cooked dishes. Soups, including pumpkin soup, are a good example. Katarzyna Bosacka adds a pinch of ginger even to chicken broth for a pleasant spiciness. Ginger is also an ideal spice for curries, sauces, and stews. The expert emphasizes that it contains no water, and the antioxidants protecting us from diseases are more concentrated.