Summary:
In the cold winter months, ginger is favored for its effect on repelling cold and strengthening the spleen. In this article, we'll dive into the benefits, science, and cooking tips of ginger to help you make the most of it for your family.
1. The benefits and scientific basis of ginger
Since ancient times, ginger has been regarded as an ingredient with medicinal value, and is often used for colds, coughs, stomach aches and other ailments. Modern medical research has also confirmed the many benefits of ginger, mainly in the following aspects:
1. Keep warm: Ginger has the effect of warming and dissipating cold, which promotes blood circulation and increases body temperature, helping to resist cold.
2. Strengthen the spleen and appetize: Ginger stimulates saliva secretion, increases appetite and helps improve spleen and stomach function.
3. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory: Gingerol and other ingredients in ginger have an antibacterial effect and can relieve symptoms such as colds and coughs.
4. Antioxidant effect: Antioxidants in ginger help fight free radical damage and slow down aging.
Second, the purchase and storage of ginger
1. Purchase skills: When buying ginger, you should choose ginger with dry skin, bright yellow color and solid texture, and avoid ginger with moist, soft or moldy skin.
2. Storage method: Store ginger in a cool, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. If long-term storage is required, it can be placed in the freshness layer of the refrigerator, but it should not be frozen.
3. Cooking skills of ginger
1. Ginger syrup: Slice or shred ginger, add it to hot water and bring it to a boil, then add an appropriate amount of brown sugar, and drink it hot to keep warm.
2. Ginger tea: Slice or shred ginger, put it in a teacup, brew it with boiling water, and add an appropriate amount of honey or brown sugar to relieve cold symptoms.
3. Ginger porridge: When cooking porridge, add an appropriate amount of ginger to increase the taste and nutritional value of the porridge, and help to strengthen the spleen and appetize.
4. Stir-fry with ginger: When cooking meat, fish and other dishes, add ginger in an appropriate amount to remove the smell and enhance the flavor of the dish.
5. Pickled ginger: Ginger is shredded or sliced, marinated with salt, sugar, vinegar and other seasonings, and can be eaten as an appetizer.
6. Ginger hits milk: Pour hot milk into stirred ginger juice and wait for curdling before serving. It is a traditional Cantonese dessert that is both delicious and nutritious.
7. Ginger biscuits: Add ginger powder or fresh ginger juice to the biscuit batter, and the baked biscuits are crispy and delicious, perfect for afternoon tea.
8. Ginger candy: Ginger is boiled with honey or sugar, cooled and cut into chunks or balls, making it a healthy and delicious snack option.
9. Ginger ice cream: Add ginger and honey to make ice cream to balance the sweetness of ice cream and add a touch of freshness.
10. Ginger stew: When stewing meat dishes such as braised pork and lamb, adding a few slices of ginger can make the dish more delicious. At the same time, ginger also helps to dissolve the greasy feeling.
11. Ginger dumplings: When preparing the dumpling filling, you can add some minced ginger or ginger juice in moderation to increase the flavor and texture of the dumplings.
12. Ginger noodle soup: When making noodle soup, adding some ginger can enhance the texture of the noodles and the umami of the soup. Especially for patients with wind chill and cold, a bowl of hot ginger-flavored noodle soup can play a good therapeutic role.
13. Ginger cake: Adding some grated ginger or ground ginger to the cake batter can give the cake its unique aroma and flavor. Whether it's breakfast or tea time, tasting a piece of ginger cake is a wonderful treat.
14. Stewed chicken with ginger: Whole chicken or chicken pieces are simmered with sliced ginger and shredded ginger to make the chicken more tender and tasty. It also helps to remove the fishy smell from the chicken.
15. Ginger biscuit sticks: Mixed grated ginger with flour, butter and other ingredients to make a cookie bar, which is a convenient and healthy snack option. Not only can you enjoy delicious food anytime, anywhere, but you can also satisfy your cravings.
Fourth, the collocation and taboo of ginger
1. The principle of collocation: Ginger can be used with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, seafood, vegetables, etc. The right combination can make it a combination of nutrition and efficacy.
2. Contraindications: Ginger is warm, excessive consumption may cause dry mouth, sore throat and other symptoms of irritation. Therefore, those who are deficient in yin and fire should eat it in moderation, and pregnant women should also eat it with caution.
5. The legend and cultural significance of ginger
1. The legend of ginger: In ancient China, there were many legends about ginger. One of the most popular is the legend about Jiang Taigong, it is said that when he did not catch a fish, he used ginger as bait, and finally succeeded in catching the "big fish" of King Wen of Zhou. This legend not only reflects the important role of ginger in ancient fishing, but also implies perseverance and wisdom.
2. The cultural significance of ginger: Ginger has a rich symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. It represents warmth, love, and family cohesion. In many traditional families, boiling a pot of ginger syrup or ginger tea in winter symbolizes warmth and care between family members, and is also a blessing for the health of the elders.
6. How to make ginger better exert its effects
1. Reasonable matching: Ginger can be combined with different ingredients to bring out its best effects. For example, it can be paired with red dates and brown sugar to enhance the effect of repelling cold, and with honey and lemon can enhance the antioxidant effect.
2. Eat in moderation: Ginger is good, but it should not be consumed in excess. It is generally recommended to consume about 10-20 grams per day.
3. Cooking method: Different cooking methods can make ginger work differently. For example, when cooking soup, ginger can be crushed or sliced to release its nutrients;When marinating, the ginger can be mashed first and then mixed with other spices.
4. Retain the nutrients of ginger: During cooking, try to peel as little as possible to preserve most of the nutrients of ginger. Wash and cut into cubes or slices and add directly to dishes.
5. Choose ginger according to your physique: Ginger can be divided into warm and cold, so choose the right type of ginger according to your personal physique. For those who have a hot physique, you can choose cold ginger;For those with a cold constitution, warm ginger can be chosen.
Winter ginger is a delicious remedy to warm the body and mind. By gaining a deeper understanding of ginger's benefits, science, cooking tips, and styling restrictions, we're better able to use this ingredient to bring health and flavor to your family. In the cold winter, let us use ginger to keep warm, strengthen the spleen and appetize, and make the family table more abundant and warm. May everyone enjoy the warmth and care brought by ginger and spend a healthy and beautiful winter. At the same time, let us inherit and carry forward the cultural tradition and deep emotions behind ginger, and cherish this warmth and care together.