Ginger powder

What is ginger?

Ginger, Zingiber officinale, is a small root that grows in tropical countries. Native to India, its rhizome is used as a condiment or therapeutic remedy. It also plays an important role in Asian cuisine.

Its shape is oblong. Its thin skin covers a juicy, pale yellow flesh, varying in color from white to orange. Ginger produces long shoots, from 30 cm to 1 m, and small yellow or white flowers. This perennial plant has evergreen foliage recognizable by the length of its leaves and the leafy bevels on its stem.

David's choice Vanille: I've chosen to present a ginger from Nigeria. It was in the heart of this country that I found this ginger with its lively, spicy, fruity fragrance. These warm, fertile black soils, irrigated by the streams of the Chappal Waddi mountains, have enabled it to develop all its aromas. Its powerful, spicy taste adds character to Asian and Indian recipes.

Harvesting ginger

Ginger is grown by planting small pieces of root in rich soil. It needs sun and rain to grow. Harvesting takes place 7 to 10 months after planting. Mature Zingiber Officinale can be recognized by the early dryness of its foliage. At this point, the rhizomes are harvested, washed and dried. These are kept whole for fresh consumption, or ground into ginger powder for longer storage and everyday use.

The origins of ginger

The first traces of ginger can be found in Asia, over 5,000 years ago. Back then, it was used in cooking and in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. Its many benefits have led to it becoming increasingly cultivated and sought-after.

From Asia, it found its way to Greece and Rome, then to Arab countries, where its cultivation intensified. In the Middle Ages, ginger was used in hypocras.

Ginger today

Today, ginger is eaten raw or cooked. It's also found in numerous remedies and vitamins. In Jamaica, it is used in the preparation of Ginger Beer. Some liqueurs are also made with ginger.

The aphrodisiac virtues of ginger

Ginger is a fortifier and vitalizer, earning it a reputation as an aphrodisiac. In Niger, where the ginger I've selected comes from, women make ginger potions and give them to their husbands to stimulate their vigour in bed. It is also mentioned in the Kâmasûtra as an aid to performance in lovemaking, but no serious studies have been carried out to date.

How can ginger powder be used in cooking?

The ginger powder I suggest is ready to use. Simply add one or two teaspoons to your dishes to give them that unmistakable taste. I recommend adding it at the end of cooking so as not to lose any of its fragrance.

This ginger powder is perfect for savoury dishes, meat, seafood and vegetables, as well as sweet dishes and drinks. It can also be used to replace pepper in your dishes, giving them an extra kick.

Did you know? ginger is an essential ingredient in Ital cuisine, a vegetarian cuisine based on the use of natural, unprocessed products. This cuisine is appreciated in Jamaica for its nutritional qualities, which help maintain a healthy body.

Our recipe ideas using ginger powder

Would you like to make the most of all the flavors of my ginger powder? From appetizers to desserts, here's a menu to which it will bring its unique taste and all its benefits.

First course: Homemade sushi

Served as a starter or main course, sushi is relatively simple to make once you've got the hang of it. They are generally served with ginger, soy sauce and wasabi. Ginger powder can be used to make gari, a mixture of rice vinegar and ginger used to rinse the mouth between sushi dishes of different flavors.

The dish: Duck with ginger

Here's a Chinese recipe that can be revisited in the West. Grill your duck breasts and sprinkle with ginger powder. You can also make a marinade using rice vinegar and ginger powder. Drizzle over your duck breasts and leave to marinate for 6 hours before cooking. Delicious with basmati rice.

Dessert: Chocolate-ginger mousse

How do you add a little pizzazz to a classic chocolate mousse? Ginger! Just add half a teaspoon of ginger powder to the mousse and enjoy.

How do I store ginger powder?

Gingerpowder should be stored in a dry, dark place. Choose an airtight container to keep air out. It will then retain its aromas for longer.

Bonus: Ginger can be used in a variety of sauces. In vinaigrettes or sprinkled in soy sauce, it adds a spicy, lemony touch to your seasonings. It can also be blended with coconut milk, chutneys and marinades. Simply add a teaspoon of ginger powder to your marinade base, oil or soy sauce, to flavour it.