The weirdest use of ginger has to be the cruel horse-traders trick of sticking a slice of ginger up a poor horse’s a*se to put a bit of pep in its step and fool the customer.
Now against the rules in most countries, it used to be commonplace to make an older horse behave like a young ‘un.
Fortunately Pork Belly prefers to use it in a cake.
But here are 9 other odd facts about one of my favourite flavours, ginger:
It was once worth more than a live sheep
Ginger has long been considered a luxury, prized for its taste and medicinal merits.
Originating in South East Asia it made its way to Europe via the Greek and Roman Empires and by the 14th century its worth was the same as livestock.
It’s a known anti-inflammatory
Ginger has immune boosting properties that several studies have proven.
It inhibits fatty deposits from being dumped in arteries, decreases bacterial infections in the stomach, and can help you battle the effects of coughs and colds.
It really does fight nausea
Long known for its calming effects on the digestion, ancient herbalists used to prescribe ginger for a wide range of gastric ailments.
I swear the only time I have never suffered from seasickness was in the early stages of pregnancy, when over the counter remedies were not an option. I survived two pretty rough channel crossings on ginger pills and an endless supply of ginger nuts.
Not a quiver or qualm!
Fresh is best….
…but it doesn’t keep long. Just 2-3 weeks in a fridge.
If you need to keep it longer it can be frozen, or more creatively, steeped in vodka. The resulting ginger-infused spirit makes for a pretty wicked cocktail!
Wrinkled skin doesn’t mean it’s bad…..
… just a bit more fibrous and fiery, so use with caution.
If anyone comments on my ageing skin I shall use the same excuse – I’m just more fiery and fibrous!
You can peel it with a spoon
I’m not very deft with a knife and I’ve just learned a better way to peel ginger.
Simply tilt a spoon onto its side and scrape down the root. Try it, it really works and there’s much less waste.
Ginger has been traded for longer than most spices
The fall of the Roman Empire caused a blip but it’s been traded solidly for more than 5,000 years.
Ginger is a rhizome
And classified as a herb or spice because its high flavour/low nutrition ratio means it doesn’t qualify as either fruit or vegetable.
Try growing your own from shop bought fresh ginger. Just look for pieces with growth buds, but be warned it could grow up to 3ft tall.
Ginger is good for your feet
According to ancient herbal lore plants that look like a body part are good for ailments of that particular place.
Tomatoes are meant to look like hearts, walnuts like brains and some say ginger looks like toes. Frankly I’m not convinced!
How do you take your ginger?
I put a lot in my soups and veggie stews and Pork Belly’s always using it in sweet things like vegan rhubarb ice cream, choc and chilli brownies and his special carrot and ginger cake
Some images used under Creative Commons licence
Where to next?
• Poppylands, Horsey, Norfolk
• Chocolate
• Crumbs, that’s a good brew!