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Cheer you heart and warm your body with the spicy aroma of Ginger. But what’s the story of Ginger? Not only does it have a fascinating history, but it has a wide variety of uses and traditions you’ve probably never heard of. Read below to learn more about this very special ingredient. An ancient healing root The story of Ginger dates back over 5000 years. The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius wrote extensively about its healing powers while the Romans considered it as a symbol of wealth and fertility. Ginger root was first discovered and cultivated in South Asia and through the centuries it spread to parts of East Africa and the Caribbean. While Eastern cultures focus on the use of the fresh root in savoury dishes, Western Cuisine has traditionally used ginger in sweet foods.
In addition, Ginger Tea can be an effective remedy for the Common Cold. Its warmth can raise the internal temperature and break a fever. In India, a ginger paste is applied to the temples as a treatment for headaches. Add a zing to your cooking In recent years Ginger has become more valued as a spice than as a medicine. It has been a trading commodity longer than any other spice coming into its own during the 13th & 14th centuries. Around this time dried ginger was developed to stop the fresh root from rotting during the long voyages between Asia and Europe. Like all imported goods at the time it was expensive and could only be afforded by the very wealthy. In the 1300s, a pound of Ginger held a value equal to that of an entire live sheep. Ginger is still a common ingredient in the cooking of South East Asia, India and China. In Western Europe we have traditionally used Ginger in sweet treats and baking such as our very own Grasmere Gingerbread®. However as European tastes for more exotic foods has developed, fresh ginger root is now a common ingredient in European kitchens.
The Gingerbread Man at the court of Queen
Elizabeth I The Gingerbread Man has a long history in mainland Europe. Legend has it that the Gingerbread Man first appeared in the court of Queen Elizabeth I, who presented courtiers with gingerbread likenesses of themselves at Christmas. Gingerbread Men were used as Christmas tree decorations and in elaborate holiday scenes where he often had a gingerbread house to live in, with gingerbread animals, trees, and decorations made from candies and icing. In Germany, gingerbread Christmas decorations were quite elaborate, stemming from a 16th century tradition of fanciful gingerbread creations, popularised Grimm's Fairy Tales and the story of Hansel and Gretel. In the 17th century, the city of Nuremberg in Germany became known as the gingerbread capital, thanks to the elaborate gingerbread scenes that the bakers of that city would create. The Gingerbread Man probably reached his zenith during this period and became a popular feature of Christmas celebrations.
Through centuries of myths and legends, Ginger has strong associations with magic and love potions. South Pacific islanders believed Ginger’s warming properties were effective in love potions and spells, while others believed ginger had magical qualities to arouse desire. Madame du Barry, the infamous mistress of King Louis XV of France allegedly served ginger to all her lovers, including the King. Ginger is even mentioned as an aphrodisiac in the ancient Sanskrit text the Kama Sutra. It is believed its scent is commonly recognised as a sexual stimulant by increasing circulation and making erogenous zones more sensitive. Grasmere Gingerbread since 1854 Sarah Nelson, the inventor of the world famous Grasmere Gingerbread® recognised and embraced the flavoursome and therapeutic qualities of Ginger in her unique and celebrated Grasmere Gingerbread® recipe. Grasmere Gingerbread® is freshly baked every day to Sarah’s original and top secret recipe. Why not try it today, click here to order. Why not try some today! CLICK HERE TO ORDER
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Ginger’s
warming qualities are believed to have a therapeutic effect on arthritic
joint pain by reducing inflammation. It also helps reduce cholesterol and
thin the blood. Many people use Ginger as a treatment for stomach
cramping and diarrhoea, sea and morning sickness. Ginger Tea, when drunk
regularly, can aid a healthy alimentary canal and digestive system. The
fresh root is packed full of anti-oxidants.
Ginger for love, passion and lust