What is Ginger, Adrak?

It is the underground stem/ tuber of the ginger plant which was originally cultivated in Asia. This rhizome is now grown in West Africa, the Caribbean etc. It is used in various forms like fresh, tender, dried, crystallized and in the powder form. In Asian cooking, ginger is almost always used minced, crushed or sliced.

Also Known As

Root Ginger, Gingembre, Adrak, Inji

How to select Ginger, Adrak?

Ginger usually has a pale yellow interior and the skin can vary from off white to brown. Ensure that it is firm to touch and not moist. It should be free from cuts, blemishes and bruises.

Culinary Uses of Ginger, Adrak

ginger used to make Indian paste

adrak is used to make the most common ginger garlic paste to make Indian sabzis. Every other recipe asks for Ginger-Garlic Paste, and it has become a part of most people’s standard shopping list. It is available in different pack sizes from different brands, but in this recipe we show you how to make this commonly used ingredient right at home.

ginger used in Indian chutneys

1. coconut chutney is made by grinding coconut, green chillies, ginger and chana dal with water to a fine paste. Then a tempering of mustard seeds, red chilli and curry leaves is added to the fine paste to make nariyal chutney. 

2. Green chutney is a flavorful condiment made with mint leaves, coriander leaves, lemon juice for tanginess and green chillies for some spice and ginger. All the ingredients are blend together and the chutney is made. 

ginger used in Indian drinks

1. ginger tea recipe is an Indian style ginger water for cold and cough which is a super healthy Indian drink to have in the morning. Ginger tea is made from ginger and water and really takes 2 minutes to make. 

Indian sabzis using ginger garlic paste or ginger

1. Treat yourself to this fine sabzi, made in traditional restaurant style kadai paneer, spiced up with an assortment of spices and ginger garlic pastes. Kadai paneer is the most commonly ordered dish in every restaurant. 

2. aloo methi is an everyday Punjabi sabzi ... easy, tasty and awesome. Yet, every time you taste it, potatoes with fenugreek leaves feels exotic, with the softness of potatoes and the pleasing bitterness of methi. 

· Ginger is used in food in varied forms which can be fresh, dried or in juice form.

· Freshly chopped ginger is used to flavour stocks, soups, stews and gravies.

· Tender ginger has a mild flavour and is often pickled in vinegar or a flavoured brine. Alternatively, combine sliced tender ginger with lemon juice, green chillies and salt to make a "ready to eat" pickle.

· Thinly sliced or crushed ginger is used in flavouring teas.

· It is widely used in the bakery. Candied ginger is used in flavouring cookies, cakes, crackers etc.

· Ginger and lemon are an excellent combination and is widely used in preparation of lime and ginger syrups etc.

· Ginger finds prominence as the main ingredient in Ginger ale, ginger beer etc.

· Finely chopped ginger is sautéed along with onions, garlic and other spices to temper dals, gravies etc.

· Ginger is used in the preparation of a candy called "Inji Murappa" which is a local sweetmeat sold in all shops.

· Ginger is minced along with garlic to make ginger garlic paste. Now days, this paste is readily available in packaged form in all stores. Ginger garlic paste is used as a base for all gravies and also added in dry subzis etc.

· Minced ginger is used as a marinade in many tandoori starters, chicken recipes etc.

· Chopped ginger is always combined with curry leaves and green chilies to make Upmas in South India.

· Ginger, in the dried form, is called dried ginger or Soonth. It is used for flavouring teas and also to make various aromatic masalas and powders which go into the making of subzis and gravies.

· Ginger, in the dried form, is used for making All spice powder which is used in marinades, gravies etc.

How to store Ginger, Adrak?

Always store ginger under refrigerated conditions. Place in zip lock bags or freeze bags before storing them. Crystallised ginger and dried ginger should always be placed in an air tight container and then stored in the fridge.

Health Benefits of Adrak, Ginger

· Ginger is an effective cure for congestion, sore throat, cold and cough.

· It is noted as having antioxidant effects.

· Ginger is a good source of potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese and vitamin B6.

· It aids digestion. Thus it helps relieve indigestion, diarrhea, stomach cramps etc.

· It is used to treat nausea.

· The anti inflammatory properties help relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, muscle pains etc.

· Gingers therapeutic properties help stimulate blood circulation, cleanse the bowels and kidneys, remove toxins from the body and nourish the skin.

· It is used in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory problems.