Description

The pronunciation of “Vishvabhesaj” can be a bit tricky. Here’s a phonetic breakdown to help you:

Vish-vah-bhe-saj

• Vish as in “wish”
• vah as in “car”
• bhe as in “bay”
• saj as in “sedge”

Here’s detailed information on ginger root, covering its description, nutritional profile, PLU code, Ayurvedic properties, and ten healthy dinner recipes featuring ginger.

1. Description

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) is a rhizome commonly used as a spice and medicinal herb. Its warm, savory, and slightly spicy flavor has hints of citrus and earthiness. Its skin ranges from pale brown to beige, while the inner flesh can be white, yellow, or even red. Fresh ginger can be used in various forms, including grated, sliced, or minced, while dried ginger is often ground into a powder.

2. Nutritional Data (per 100g of raw ginger)

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Protein: 1.8g
• Carbohydrates: 17.8g
• Fiber: 2.0g
• Fat: 0.8g
• Vitamin C: 5 mg
• Magnesium: 43 mg
• Potassium: 415 mg
• Manganese: 0.2 mg

Ginger is also rich in antioxidants, including gingerols and shogaols, which are believed to contribute to its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

3. PLU Code

The PLU (Price Look-Up) code for fresh ginger root is 4612.

4. Ayurvedic Data

In Ayurveda, ginger root is known as “Vishvabhesaj,” or “universal medicine,” due to its numerous health benefits. Ginger is categorized as:

• Taste (Rasa): Pungent, slightly sweet
• Energetics (Virya): Heating
• Post-digestive Effect (Vipaka): Sweet
• Effect on Doshas: Balances Kapha and Vata doshas, but may aggravate Pitta in excess.

Ayurvedic practitioners use ginger to aid digestion, relieve nausea, improve circulation, and detoxify the body. It is considered beneficial in treating respiratory issues, arthritis, and digestive disorders.

5. Ten Healthy Dinner Recipes Using Ginger

Here are ten healthy dinner recipes that incorporate ginger:

1. Ginger Garlic Stir-Fried Vegetables
   • A medley of fresh vegetables stir-fried with ginger and garlic, seasoned with a light soy sauce and sesame oil. Serve over brown rice or quinoa.
2. Ginger-Infused Salmon Fillet
   • Marinate salmon in grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Bake or grill until tender. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
3. Ginger-Lemon Chicken Soup
   • This warming soup has chicken breast, fresh ginger, lemon juice, and herbs. It is both immune-boosting and comforting.
4. Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger
   • This vegan-friendly dish features tofu, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli stir-fried in a ginger-garlic sauce. It is perfect over noodles or rice.
5. Spiced Lentil and Ginger Dal
   • Red lentils simmered with ginger, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Serve with basmati rice and a dollop of yogurt.
6. Ginger-Lime Shrimp Skewers
   • Shrimp marinated in ginger, lime juice, and olive oil, then grilled or broiled. Serve with a simple cucumber salad.
7. Coconut-Ginger Vegetable Curry
   • This creamy coconut milk-based curry features ginger, turmeric, and mixed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots. It is served over jasmine rice.
8. Ginger-glazed tempeh with Baby Bok Choy
   • Tempeh marinated in a ginger-soy glaze is served over steamed baby bok choy and brown rice. It’s perfect for a balanced plant-based meal.
9. Honey-Ginger Roasted Carrots
   • Carrots roasted with honey, fresh ginger, and a pinch of salt make this sweet and spicy side dish a good complement to any main protein.
10. Spicy Ginger Chickpea Stew

• This hearty stew features chickpeas, tomatoes, spinach, and fresh ginger, spiced with paprika and cumin. Serve it with whole-grain bread for a nourishing dinner.

These recipes harness the warmth and flavor of ginger, making it a key ingredient in healthy, flavorful dishes suitable for various dietary preferences.

Eating Raw Ginger – Video

Fastest Way to Peel Ginger ~ Video

Making Ginger Syrup – Video

How to store fresh ginger – Video

Another way to store and use small amounts of ginger as needed – Video