If there is one spice, I cannot be without it is Ginger. I use ginger daily. Read this post and find out why you should too. Welcome to 13 Days of Spices. A series where we cover 13 different spices over 13 days from December 8 – 20. For Day 8, we are getting spicy with ginger.

Is it getting hot in here? Yes, with a piece ginger – definitely. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a tropical spice that thrives in warm climates. Africa, Jamaica, and The West Indies are a few places that ginger grows abundantly.

The ginger plant is separated into three sections – the leaves, flowers, and root. The root is what is use and sold as ginger. Jamaica produces the best and highly prized variety of ginger.

Ginger has a hot and spicy flavor and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. You can find ginger dried, fresh, and ground into a powder. A piece in your porridge adds a delicious spicy tropical flavor. While add a few pieces in your pot of beans will stop those gas properties.

Health Benefits of Ginger

I am not a doctor. This information is not meant to replace or act in place of medical advice. Consult your doctor before making any changes.

Ginger is one of the oldest medicinal spices. Cultures have been using ginger as medicine for centuries on centuries.

Aids in digestion.

Eases morning sickness and motion sickness.

Promotes the flow of salvia – chew on a fresh piece of ginger root.

Alleviates the symptoms of colds and flus.

Soothes sick and gassy stomachs.

Promotes heat in the body with cleanses the system.

Ladies, ginger may soothe menstrual cramps.

FEATURED RECIPE – BEETS AND GINGER JUICE

Beets and Ginger is my favorite all-time juice, especially on a hot summer day. Talk about refreshing. Even if you are not a fan of beets you are going to love this juice. You can find the recipe on my blog here or download the free pdf recipe card below.

13 Days of Spices Calendar