McCormick Science Institute Ginger
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Ginger Health Research

Description

Ginger Page Main

Ginger is the dried knobby shaped root of the perennial herb Zingiber officinale. The plant grows two to three feet tall. Once the leaves of the plant die, the thick roots, about 6 inches long, are dug up. Crystallized Ginger is fresh gingerroot cooked in syrup and dried.

Uses

Ginger is used in Indian curries, and Chinese, Japanese, and European spice blends.

Origins

China and India are the principal sources of Ginger. Crystallized Ginger is imported from Australia.

Folklore

During the 15th century, gingerbread became a gift of love and respect. In the 1800's, Ginger was commonly sprinkled on top of beer or ale, then stirred into the drink with a hot poker - thus the invention of gingerale.

Quick Facts

Ginger Whole Whole Cochin Ginger
Ginger Crystalized Crystalized Ginger
Ginger Ground Ground Ginger

Color

Ground - light bone to tan

Crystallized - amber

Flavor & Aroma

Pungent and aromatic

Sensory Profile

The flavor of Ginger is characterized by its unique combination of lemon/citrus, soapy and musty/earthy flavor notes. It is warming to taste.

Research Area

Inflammation

MSI Funded Follow up Study on Ginger and Muscle Pain (Jun, 2010)

A follow up study on ginger and muscle pain funded by the McCormick Science Institute.

Inflammation

MSI Funded Research: Effects of Antioxidant-rich Spice Added to Hamburger During Cooking (Jun, 2010)

A study that looked at the consumption of a spice enriched burger on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The study found that subjects who consumed the spice burger had lower plasma and urine MDA levels than when they consumed the non-enriched burger. The spice mixture added to hamburger meat before cooking also reduced malondialdehyde concentrations in the burger itself as compared to the burger cooked without spices.