Ginger: a warm spice

Teas and spices have always been closely associated with one another and have deeply influenced our culture. To love them is to love life itself. In 2011, we jumped at the opportunity to take over the distribution of the high-quality Terra Madre spice range: they have the same values, the same consideration for mankind and the same high quality as we do! We visited the producers in Sri Lanka last year who helped us to learn more about some of the spices, and we are delighted to share this knowledge with you. Let’s start the journey with Zingiber Officinalis, or ginger, and find out about the Terra Madre recipe concocted by Aude, our web marketing manager… 

This plant from Asia has been around for centuries and is mentioned in ancient Chinese writings. Confucius in his Analects said he could not imagine a meal without ginger. It was one of the first spices to be introduced to the Mediterranean where the Arabs conducted a flourishing trade. Ginger was highly popular throughout the Middle Ages in Europe.
It was said to be an aphrodisiac and the spice reached exorbitant prices. Ginger fell out of favour in France for several centuries, but it is now making a comeback in our cooking thanks to the interest in Oriental cuisine.

The part we use is the rhizome, harvested at maturity (10 months). It is sold fresh or after being dried in the sun. When it is still covered with bark it is called grey or dressed ginger; peeled and dried, it is known as white or undressed ginger.
It is prized for its digestive qualities and known to combat all kinds of nausea including morning sickness, seasickness and motion sickness. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for its warming power and is particularly valued during the cold and wet seasons.

Ground ginger is a constituent part of many spice blends, the best known of which are curries and colombo powder. The salted caramel version in the recipe below is sure to be a big hit!

Blended with tea or rooibos, ginger gives a fresh lift to the infusion. Have you tried them? Find them here!

Chicken with ginger and caramel