From medieval and prevailing medicinal usage to seasonal biscuit recipes, the ginger root is a soothing therapeutic spice as well as a zesty flavour for many a culinary delight. In Eastern cultures, ginger is most often used to add flavour to savoury dishes like stir fries and curries while Westerners have traditionally added it to sweet recipes such as gingerbread and ginger ale.

Available year round, ginger is one of those versatile wonder products that makes you look a little bit fancy when purchasing and adding to recipes as well as making you feel ever-so prepared when someone moans of feeling under the weather, only to have you whip up some 'from scratch' ginger and honey tea.

Using fresh ginger root is preferable to store bought pre-crushed and bottled ginger, even if it does require that little extra effort. Ginger root holds a stronger, more aromatic flavour, as well as being of greater benefit for medicinal use.

To use a fresh ginger root, gently peel the skin from the root and chop or grate before adding into your recipe. The ginger root can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. It should be wrapped in cling wrap or a paper bag (go for the bag, the environment will smile on you).

Some of the health benefits of ginger include:

• overcoming appetite loss
  
• aiding indigestion
  
• easing motion sickness
  
• anti-inflammatory relief (studies have shown ginger to be useful in pain reduction for people suffering menstrual & arthritic pain)
  
• easing nausea & vomiting (studies too have proven ginger to be a safe & effective natural remedy during pregnancy)
  
• assisting overcome many other ailments as it contains immune boosting components

Ginger is often used:

• to add flavour to stir fries or curries
  
• in tea. Why not try brewing tea using fresh root ginger and honey?
  
• seasonly to bake gingerbread. Make your own with this video tutorial or check out this recipe.
  
• to make Ginger Ale. Learn how to make your own ginger ale here.
  
• as a supplement in fruit smoothies. Pop some crushed ginger into the blender with your next fruit smoothie.
  
• store bought crystallized, candied and pickled.
  

How do you like to use ginger?