Dry Ginger

GINGER is a major crop cultivated in India and marketed as fresh and dried spice. It is a small grassy plant grown in all seasons throughout the year. Indian Ginger is famous for its flavour, texture and taste. Although often called "ginger root" it is actually a rhizome. It is available in various forms, the most common Dried roots are sold whole with the root skin left on. It has a warm, sweet and pungent taste and a fiery and pungent flavor. Dried ginger should be 'bruised' by beating it to open the fibers. Dry ginger is mainly used in cakes and biscuits, especially ginger snaps and gingerbread. Ginger is also usedin some drinks like ginger beer, ginger wine and tea Ginger. It is most commonly known for its effectiveness as a digestive aid and in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. Ginger may have aphrodisiac powers, taken either internally or externally. It is mentioned in the Karma Sutra, and in some South Pacific islands it is employed 'to gain the affection of a woman'.