In the East, ginger is considered a real panacea for numerous ailments and the most useful ingredient dishes. We are accustomed to using the exotic root as a spice, buying it in the supermarket, without thinking at all about how ginger grows and whether it can be grown in our latitudes. It turns out that the plant is not so demanding to care for. All it needs is regular watering and a warm climate, which is easy to create at home. Therefore, ginger root is increasingly being grown in a pot on the windowsill.
Ginger – perennial tuberous plant, growing in tropical countries. Real ginger has horizontally branched massive roots and tall stems up to one and a half meters high. long leaves, resembling sedge. Cultivated plants have small roots (5-7 cm in length), cylindrical, slightly flattened.
The root that we are used to buying in the supermarket is white or brown in color with a smooth outer surface - this is a root vegetable that has been washed and cleared of the dense surface layer. IN original form The unprocessed root is black in color and has a more intense spicy odor. When the rhizome is cut, the flesh of a brown or light yellow color, and the older the root crop, the yellower its inside. The taste of ginger is fiery, pungent with a lemony tint. The taste of the root is due to the presence of gingerol, an active compound that imparts pungency to plants. In addition, the root contains essential oil (3%), the main component of which is zingiberene - a substance that gives the root vegetable a strong spicy aroma, somewhat organic compounds groups of terpenes, many amino acids, trace elements, vitamins C and group B.
In cooking, the root is added to improve the taste in almost any dish: baked goods, drinks, desserts, snacks and main courses. It is pickled, dried, and even frozen. Fresh ginger root can be stored in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator for quite a long time; it can also be filled with oil for preservation.
Video “Detailed instructions”
Video instructions for growing a plant at home.
Where does it grow in Russia
For industrial purposes, the plant is cultivated in all countries of Southeast Asia, as well as India, Australia, China, Ceylon, West Africa, and Central America. These countries grow ginger in fields, plantations, and are the world's producers and exporters exotic spice. Root crops are grown on a smaller scale in countries with mild tropical climates.
To the question: where does ginger grow in Russia? - many vegetable growers claim that nowhere, since the weather conditions are quite harsh for growing plants, and the earth simply cannot warm up that much. In tropical countries, ginger has all the conditions for year-round growing, but in our latitudes this is impossible to achieve.
However, in the subtropics of Russia - a narrow strip Black Sea coast, some agricultural enthusiasts still manage to get a ginger harvest in natural conditions. But such plants are characterized by short stature, extremely rare flowering and small root size. The crop is most successfully grown in Russia in greenhouses and at home.
How to grow ginger at home
Ginger reproduces by dividing the rhizome. The root sold in the supermarket is quite suitable for planting. It needs to be soaked in water for several hours, germinated, then divided into fragments so that each has at least one living bud, or shoot.
When growing ginger root At home, you need to take a responsible approach to choosing the location and soil. Regardless of where ginger grows: on a windowsill or in a greenhouse, the plant needs to create conditions close to its natural environment. The growing place should be warm, humid, and free from drafts. Suitable at home window sill that does not face sunny side. Next, you need to choose a pot with a wide bottom, lay the drainage in a layer of 3-5 cm, then pour soil mixture, consisting of equal parts turf soil, sand and leaf humus. The soil should be homogeneous, loose, without lumps.
Carried out at the end of winter - beginning of spring. Part of the root with the shoot is buried in the ground with its eyes up to a depth of 2-4 cm. The pot is placed in a dry, cool place; if everything is done correctly, then after 2 weeks the first shoots will sprout.
How to organize proper care
Caring for ginger at home is quite simple. The most important thing is to try to create a humid and warm climate for it. In summer, the potted plant can be taken out onto the balcony. Despite the fact that ginger is a heat-loving plant, direct rays of the sun are harmful to it. Therefore place young plant better in partial shade.
For normal growth at home, root crops require high humidity. Young shoots need to be watered often, but little by little. It is necessary to ensure that the soil does not dry out. Excessive soil moisture is also harmful to the root - this can cause it to rot. The soil needs to be loosened a little after each watering. To create a moist environment around the plant, you need to spray the foliage several times daily.
Like any growing crop, ginger requires periodic feeding with mineral or organic fertilizers: potassium for growth, phosphorus for flowering. In autumn, the plant should be moved indoors and placed in a warm, bright place. Watering should be reduced in the fall and the soil should be allowed to dry out.
Features of the new ginger
At home, ginger grows quite quickly (6-8 months). The most active growth of the tuber mass occurs in March – August. With the onset of autumn, growth slows down, the greenery begins to turn yellow and fall off. During this period, you need to reduce watering, and gradually stop completely by October. When the leaves dry, you can start digging up the roots. The dug up ginger should be washed well and dried in the sun.
The inner flesh of a fresh root has a brown, sometimes yellowish color. When trying ginger from a new harvest, you need to be careful - often home-grown tubers taste much “meaner” than those sold in supermarkets. Store-bought roots are pre-dried and processed to improve the taste. To avoid getting burned, you need to try homemade ginger little by little, and if the harvest turns out to be too “high quality”, you need to wash it down well with water.
Video “How ginger blooms and grows”
Demonstrative video about the flowering of a plant.
Knowing about healing properties oh this plant, not everyone can imagine what ginger looks like in nature. By the tree white root, that’s why people call it that. The origin of the plant is Asia, but it is also grown in China, Australia, India, Indonesia, and Barbados.
The origin of the plant is Asia. It is grown in China, Australia, India, Indonesia, Barbados
At first the tree was used only as a spice in Food Industry. Then they opened it medicinal properties. Although the plant was expensive, it was used in various fields of medicine. IN early XVI V. They also learned what it looks like on the American continent.
The root of the tree resembles various figures fastened together. The plant has a pungent taste, so it is classified as a “hot spice.” It is known that dried raw materials are sharper than usual. The product has a pleasant and tart aroma, which is due to the presence of essential oils in its composition. It contains gingerol, a phenol-like substance that gives pungency.
The tree was first used as a spice in the food industry. Then we learned about its medicinal properties Healing root widely used in both folk medicine, and in the classical one. It is part of many medicines, with the help of which arthritis, liver diseases, and colds are treated. The root extract is contained in biological supplements (BAS), which are taken to increase vitality. It is widely used in such branches of medicine as surgery, pediatrics and aromatherapy.
But greater application he achieved in folk medicine. The plant is used by many peoples. They make baths with it and produce ointments that are used to eliminate painful sensations. The root is often combined with others useful plants to make pastes that are used to treat skin diseases.
For colds, it is recommended to take an infusion or decoction. For severe headaches, a compress with the extract will help. Similar remedies are used in the presence of varicose veins (to improve the condition of blood vessels). Like many medicinal plants, ginger has choleretic and laxative effects. It is also effective for moral exhaustion, depression, and infertility. Scientists have proven that the tree in question can play the role of an aphrodisiac.
Gallery: ginger (25 photos)
How to grow ginger at home (video)
Description of the plant
The tree grows in tropical areas and belongs to the ginger family. The root system is creeping and consists of fleshy rhizomes. The outer color of the roots is light brown, the inside is yellowish in color, and has horn-like horizontal branching. The main rhizome has many regrown fibrous roots that sprout ground shoots. After a year, the shoots die off.
Vegetative stems are erect, round, glabrous. Their height reaches 1 m. The stems that bear flowers reach a height of up to 30 cm. The leaves are arranged alternately, have the shape of a lancelet, and their apex is pointed.
The healing root is widely used in both folk and classical medicine. The length of the leaves is from 10 to 15 cm, width - 1 cm. The flowers are zygomorphic, have the shape of a tube that bends to form 3 lobes. This inflorescence is like a spike. The corolla can have a color from yellow to violet-brown. The calyxes are fused and contain 5 sepals. It is not found in the wild, since the crop does not bear fruit. Its reproduction occurs using parts of rhizomes. It is grown extensively in countries with tropical climates.
People grow ginger for home use. Unprepossessing in appearance room conditions it represents a small foliage plant. In well equipped climatic conditions it grows up to 1.5 meters.
It has small flowers that resemble orchids or iris, only with a slight lilac tint. There are also large flowers - their legs come straight out of the ground. The color is scarlet or lemon, sometimes with a transition of shades. In a plant highest quality they are more decorative, have pleasant aroma.
In the European climate, it is difficult for the crop to bloom. For this to happen, it is necessary to adhere to special air humidity, temperature, and watering regime. But even under such conditions, it will not bloom immediately: only in the second year.
In order to use your own ginger root for treatment and food purposes in the future, you must first plant it correctly. Rhizomes should be replanted in the spring. The soil for growing is pre-fertilized. If the outcome is favorable, the harvest can be harvested within 10 months. If the roots are dug up, they must be washed well and dried in the sun (for 24 hours).
Ginger roots contain 1.5-3% essential oil, which contains sequiterpenes alpha and beta zingiberenes. They give the product a characteristic smell. The composition includes fatty oils, resins, starch, many amino acids, micro- and macroelements. The burning taste is provided by the presence of a resinous substance in the plant - gingerol. The rhizome can be used in various types(dry, fresh and pickled). Fresh is more flavorful, but if dried it will become spicy.
Plant consumption
To consume ginger in dry form, the root must be peeled and finely grated. The dried root has good anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. There is a difference between dry and raw roots in chemical composition. When consuming the latter, it is possible to eliminate digestive problems. It can be used to prevent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
The plant can be consumed in the form of tinctures, decoctions, teas, and candied fruits. There are known methods for making beer from it. As a spice, it is widely used in the preparation of meat, fish dishes, poultry, and confectionery. But in this case, the plant exhibits less medicinal properties. Pastes are used to apply the compress. You can also use grated root for this purpose.
To consume ginger in dry form, it must be peeled and grated. There are no side effects from the therapy. But there are cases when consuming a plant can lead to allergic reaction. It manifests itself as a rash on the skin. Heartburn and bloating are rare; nausea and belching are more common. When consumed fresh product Constipation may occur.
Useful properties of ginger (video)
Positive properties
Most often, ginger is used to improve digestion, reduce cramps and colic in the abdomen, and prevent putrefactive processes. Preventative use of it after meals will help the stomach digest food and eliminate the occurrence of heartburn, belching and bad breath. You need to take one piece of ginger after each meal. It must be remembered that it has choleretic and laxative properties.
The plant is used in the treatment of diseases such as colds, bronchitis, and sore throat. This is due to the fact that it exhibits warming, expectorant, and immunostimulating properties. If you have mild symptoms of a cold, you can drink ginger tea. It has an anti-inflammatory effect on skin irritations or injuries - wounds, ulcers and boils.
Ginger renders positive influence on cardiovascular system. It helps to tone the heart muscles very well and lowers cholesterol levels in the blood. It exhibits an antithrombotic effect, that is, it prevents blood clots from sticking together. It is recommended to take ginger in old age because it has unique property- improvement of cerebral circulation. This helps stimulate memory. Ginger also has positive properties in relation to the mental state: it improves mood and eliminates moral exhaustion. Helps get rid of depression and get a boost of energy.
The plant has aphrodisiac properties - it improves potency and increases libido. In Senegal, women wear a girdle made from ginger to arouse sexual desire for themselves. When used prophylactically, it helps prevent the occurrence of tumors and alleviate toxicosis in pregnant women.
Weightloss remedy
With regular consumption of ginger, weight loss is noticed. More of it goes away if you exclude sweets and flour dishes from your diet. This is why ginger is a great alternative all diets for weight loss. Moreover, this effect is not due to negative influence, but quite the opposite. When consuming ginger, metabolism in the body is normalized and the activity of the thyroid gland is stimulated. The plant has a weak laxative and diuretic effect.
When a ginger drink is drunk before meals, it helps eliminate the feeling of hunger. It promotes the breakdown of proteins and fats. With frequent consumption of ginger, a pronounced antitoxic and hepatoprotective effect is observed.
By drinking the tea, you can get rid of pores and blemishes on your skin. It slows down the aging process by strengthening the immune system. There are certain recipes to make tea for weight loss. One of them is called "Dragon's Kiss". To prepare it, you need to take a piece of ginger, the size of which should exceed Matchbox. It is grated, then brewed in 1 liter of boiling water. Add 10 black peppercorns and 10 cloves to the solution. Lemon and honey are added for taste. You should drink tea half an hour after eating.
Application ginger tea recommended for sudden weight loss and preventive measures against obesity. In this case, you can simply add it to regular tea, but in a ground form. You should drink it half an hour before meals. But drinking tea has its contraindications - ulcers and gastritis. It is not recommended to drink it if you are prone to bleeding.
Dosage form
Despite the large number of ways to use ginger, the most effective is the use of tincture. To prepare it, you need to take 200 g of fresh root and peel it, then chop it and throw it into a 1 liter jar. It is necessary to fill with 40% alcohol or water. The tincture takes 2-3 weeks to prepare, periodically it is necessary to shake the contents. Then you need to strain the liquid. For taste, you can add 30 g of honey. It is necessary to use 5 g 2 times a day before meals.
To grow medicinal plant using seeds, you will need a long period. wild plant difficult to find, so get it good material impossible for sowing. The tree, which is grown en masse, does not produce viable seeds. The fruit is a tricuspid capsule in which about a dozen seeds ripen; they are round and contain a lot of brown essential oil.
Ginger is one of the most valuable and mysterious plants. It is considered a universal medicine, the hottest spice and effective means to preserve beauty and youth.
Biological description:
Ginger is a perennial herbaceous plants, which has all the seeds and vegetative organs contain big number essential oils with a specific and unique aroma.
Ginger differs from other plants in its thick rhizome, covered with double-rowed leaves, each of which bears internodes of adventitious roots. And from the branched rhizome itself, several above-ground stems grow.
Ginger to yours appearance resembles a river reed, only its stem is covered with small scales. It grows up to two meters, blooms with brown or orange-yellow flowers, which in turn form an inflorescence. In principle, other colors are also distinguished; it all depends on the cultivated plant variety.
The ginger fruit is a capsule with tiny black seeds, but the spice itself is obtained from its roots.
A plant such as ginger has been known for its medicinal properties more than 2000 years ago. The first mention of it was discovered in ancient Chinese tracts. In addition, ginger has been especially popular in India since ancient times. But the ancient Romans and Greeks bought this amazing plant Arab merchants did not have the slightest idea about where it grew. And the merchants themselves carefully hid the information, telling myths that ginger grows in the land of the troglodytes, who are located far beyond the Red Sea on the very edge of the sun.
In ancient times, ginger was used both as a spice and as a medicine. But the Greeks found such a plant very unusual application. In order not to dial excess weight as a result of too abundant feasts, ginger was wrapped in a cake.
Also, since ancient times, ginger has been known as an excellent remedy against attacks of nausea. So Chinese sailors chewed ginger root and thereby reduced their suffering from seasickness. But the ancient Romans used the plant for burns, cuts and as an anti-plague remedy.
In addition, ginger has a rejuvenating effect, while it not only slows down the aging process, but also has a positive effect on libido. So the Portuguese gave ginger to large quantities to his slaves to increase their fertility.
In the 19th century, European doctors made “harem lollipops” based on the healing properties of ginger. The Japanese still serve traditional dishes with ginger, and the Chinese help women against frigidity and infertility by feeding them shrimp marinated in vinegar, yellow wine, ginger and chives.
Unground ginger should always be smooth, never wrinkled, fresh, firm to the touch and low in fiber. Before using ginger for its intended purpose, it must be peeled. It is worth noting that dry ginger will never replace fresh ginger, since when dried it has a different taste and aroma. Dried tastes sharper than fresh, so it is best to soak it before eating. One tablespoon of grated fresh ginger is equal to 1 teaspoon of dry ginger.
Currently, the main producers of ginger are China and India. It is also grown in Japan, Nigeria, West Africa, Australia, Argentina, Barbados and Ceylon.
Ginger has not been found in its wild form for a long time, so it is grown as garden plant or at home.
Growing conditions:
Ginger is planted in early spring(late March - early April), and the grown roots can be dug out after 7-10 months. Signs that it is time to harvest are yellowed and fallen leaves.
Depending on the processing method, ginger can be black or white. To obtain beshal (white) ginger, the root must be doused with boiling water, then thoroughly washed and peeled from the surface layer of the root. Next, the prepared root is immersed in a solution of bleach or a 2% solution of sulfurous acid for 6 hours. After this, the root must be well dried in the sun.
But Barbados (black) ginger must be washed in water with a brush and dried. But it is worth considering that black ginger has a more pungent taste and strong odor. But at the break, both types have the same light gray color.
If ginger is used as a spice, then it is ground into powder, which in its consistency resembles ordinary flour, grayish-yellow in color.
Use in cooking, etc.:
This unusual plant how ginger is used in preparing a wide variety of delicious dishes. It is added to dough, puddings, cakes, compotes, jelly, marmalade, jelly and other sweet dishes. He also adds unusual taste stewed meat and any sauce.
In order for the ginger roots to retain their original appearance, it must be stored in a dark place, at a temperature of 2-4 degrees or in the refrigerator, wrapped in a paper bag.
If we talk about cooking, I especially want to highlight the unusual chow-chow jam (ginger with orange peel), which is especially popular in China, England, Indochina and Burma. Ginger gives a particularly subtle flavor to soups, meat, potato and fruit dishes, as well as rice dishes, game and various sauces.
In addition, ginger in combination with salt is used to flavor dishes made from meat, fish, cheeses, boiled chicken and vegetables.
We recommend using ginger when preparing baked duck, mushrooms and fried pork, adding it to a variety of sauces for meat, as well as to vegetable and fruit marmalades.
But in Russian cuisine, ginger is one of the most favorite spices. So still in ancient Rus' Kvass, liqueurs, sbitny, tinctures, honey were prepared with it, and they were also added to the dough when baking Easter cakes, gingerbread cookies and buns.
Candied ginger and ginger vinegar are especially popular in Chinese cuisine. To get candied ginger, you need to thoroughly peel the root, soak it in water and then dip it in chocolate or syrup. The Chinese eat this sweet dish after lunch to chase away the afternoon nap. But the Japanese very often serve pickled ginger with fish and rice.
Ginger is a real boon for preparing various drinks. The Chinese simply love tea with the addition of ginger, but the British have become famous throughout the world for their famous ginger beer. In addition, there is ginger vodka, wine, bitters and gastric liqueurs, for example, Benedects. Particularly popular is ginger ale, which is a tan-colored sparkling water. This lemonade tonic can be added to whiskey or gin to create a whiskey soda. Recently, ginger has been added to punches.
Application in medicine:
Ginger is simply full of beneficial properties and substances. It is simply impossible to list here all the diseases that ginger helps get rid of. It is able to cope with skin and allergic diseases, restores immunity and improves digestion, relieves headaches, improves mental balance in stressful situations and is an excellent remedy against nausea and seasickness.
As a result of the study, scientists have proven that ginger is indeed able to relieve nausea in pregnant women and does not cause any side effects.
Ginger tea is considered an excellent remedy that can easily cure colds, the thyroid gland, restore strength and is an effective remedy in the prevention of cancer.
If you put ginger in gloves or socks, before going outside in winter time, then this root can keep your hands and feet warm for a long time.
A lotion with ginger will help with bruises to prevent bruises. A massage with ginger oil will help with rheumatism and arthritis.
The aroma of ginger oil can restore internal forces body, and also develops feelings such as compassion and tolerance.
In addition, as a cosmetic oil it can be used as a tonic and antiseptic.
Beneficial features:
Ginger rhizome contains essential oil in an amount of 1.7 to 3%. Its main components are beta and alpha zingiberins (up to 80%), which give the plant its unique smell. Also essential oils contain borneol, bisabolene and farnesin, and the resinous substance “gingerol” gives ginger its pungent taste.
Useful properties of ginger - decorative, spicy and medicinal plant- were studied by humanity quite a long time ago, several thousand years ago.
Ginger walks the planet
China and India are the birthplace of ginger. Where does such a widely used crop grow, already widely used throughout the world, which has found application in Everyday life? Medicine and cooking are the most common areas of its application. Ginger is used to treat colds, seasickness, it is used to get rid of extra pounds.
Europe became acquainted with ginger, also called white root, in the Middle Ages. In those days, it was used as a medicine to prevent the plague and was very highly valued. How ginger grows has worried people since ancient times. There were even rumors that such a miraculous culture lived on the edge of the earth and was guarded by terrible monsters.
Ginger: description of a miraculous plant
Surely, seeing ginger root on store shelves, everyone wondered how ginger grows in nature. Externally, such a rhizomatous crop is a tall grass, reminiscent of sedge and reeds. It forms narrow false stems from several leaves, tightly rolled into a tube, and the rhizome itself (an underground hooked stem) is like a hand with phalanges of fingers, sometimes it resembles the figures of fairy-tale characters.
Besides interesting shape, causing a riot of imagination, ginger root contains many useful microelements, for which it is especially appreciated by consumers. Thus, essential oils give it a spicy aroma, gingerol gives it pungency; and vitamins A, B, C, phosphorus salts, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron are far from full list useful substances.
Useful properties of ginger
It is interesting to know that dried ginger root completely changes its chemical composition, while its ability to improve digestion decreases and its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties increase. And yet, how does ginger root grow, which today can be purchased at any pharmacy and found on any store shelf? The rhizome (roundish pieces located in the same plane) usually has a length of about 7 centimeters with a thickness of 2-4 centimeters.
The height of the plant grown at home is approximately a meter. The container for planting ginger, all parts of which have an exquisite lemon aroma, must be wide so that all the roots can fit in it. Regular soil used for planting vegetable crops, it is necessary to have good drainage for absorption and retention excess moisture. How does ginger grow in a pot? At home, it is grown as an annual crop.
Planting ginger - a healing plant
The planting root should have many living eyes (like potatoes), be smooth and without damage. A diseased root will not produce high-quality shoots. Before planting the ginger root, in order to awaken the dormant buds, it must be placed for some time in warm water, then cut into pieces. This process is easiest to carry out using special bridges on the root. The resulting cut should be sprinkled charcoal or dry it a little. According to some gardeners, ginger root can be treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
The root is planted in early spring in loose, moist soil, which is additionally recommended to be fertilized with potassium-containing fertilizers for active development of the crop. The landing site should not be exposed to direct sun rays. You need to dig in the roots shallowly; you just need to sprinkle the buds on top with a small layer of soil, which will give you the opportunity to observe how ginger grows at home. Before the formation of the first shoots, watering of ginger should be minimal, only to maintain the soil moist. Fertilizing should be done once every 2-3 weeks with general fertilizer.
How to grow ginger at home?
Ginger - tropical plant, loves abundant frequent watering, without overdoing it, of course, otherwise root rot may occur. At proper care may please its guardian with flowering, although this will not happen immediately, but after a few years, after the plant has fully adapted. A light yellow flower with lemon edges, very fragrant and reminiscent of an iris, is located on a long basal stem and is surrounded by bracts. It does not fade for a long time, has a subtle pleasant aroma and is used by Thais to decorate tables, arrange bouquets and garlands. And market traders use ginger leaves as packaging for products.
Ginger also grows in Russia, albeit at home, because for large-scale cultivation it needs a warm climate.
As such a crop grows, its stems and leaves become suitable for use in cooking, in particular in salads. It takes 8 months for ginger to fully develop. A crop planted in early spring will be ready for use at the beginning of winter.
Features of ginger care in autumn
At the beginning of autumn a pot of spicy plant It is recommended to move it to a bright place warm room. By this time, watering is reduced, and the potting soil is allowed to dry, which stimulates the crop to additionally form rhizomes. When the ginger leaves have completely withered, the root can be carefully dug up, cleared of soil, washed if necessary and dried thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. It is recommended to store ginger root in a dark, dry cabinet or vegetable compartment of the refrigerator; you can freeze it.