When selecting ginger at the store, look for firm, heavy hands -- that’s what the rhizomes are called -- and pass on any that look wrinkled or show signs of mold.

Look for smooth skin (wrinkles indicate that the root is dry and past prime) with a fresh spicy aroma.

• While buying ginger, always choose fresh ginger over the dried form as it is not only superior in flavor, but also contains higher levels of gingerol and ginger’s active protease.
• While purchasing fresh ginger root, make sure that it is firm, smooth and free of mold.
• If you are looking for dried ginger powder, explore the local spice stores in your area that offer a wide variety of dried herbs and spices of superior quality and freshness compared to those offered in regular markets.
• While buying dried ginger powder try to select organically grown ginger as it will give you more assurance that it is not irradiated.
• Ginger is available in a variety of forms, including crystallized, candied, and pickled ginger.

It has a host of minerals and a few vitamins. These include calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium and sodium. Vitamins C, E and B6 are found in the rhizome.

• Ginger is known to have carminative properties and hence, is used for calming troubled stomach and providing relief to bloating and gastric problems.
• Ginger is very helpful in cases of cough and itchiness of the throat by stimulating the secretion of mucus, thereby alleviating the problem.
• Since ginger promotes mucus secretion, it further prevents the development of ulcers and unwanted holes along the lining of the stomach.
• Ginger has several anti-viral, anti-toxic, and anti-fungal properties, and is very effective in preventing and treating common cold.
• It is very helpful in several cases of nausea, caused due to seasickness, morning sickness, motion sickness and as a side effect of chemotherapy.
• Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can be very effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and various other muscular disorders.
• Ginger contains special enzymes which enhance the catalysis of proteins in the food, thus helping in digestion and prevention of cramps and diarrhea.
• Researches indicate that ginger helps in lowering cholesterol levels and prevents the formation of blood clots.
• Ginger contains gingerols, which are responsible for its distinctive flavor and they also help in preventing the growth of human colorectal cancer cells.
• Fresh ginger is used for asthma, coughs, colic, heart palpitations, swellings, dyspepsia, loss of appetite and rheumatism, while the dried root is used to "strengthen" the stomach, inhibit vomiting and treat diarrhoea.

Increased Immune Function

Protection Against Heart Disease

Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease

Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Osteoporosis Protection

Stroke Prevention

Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes

Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches

Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Antioxidant Protection

Prevention of Epileptic Seizures

Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)

Ginger will keep for a few weeks in the refrigerator (wrap it in a dry cloth or paper towel and then place it in an open plastic bag or container).

Unpeeled and tightly wrapped ginger will keep in the refrigerator for 3 weeks

• If fresh unpeeled ginger is stored in the refrigerator, it can be used till three weeks. If stored unpeeled in the freezer, it has a shelf life of about six months.
• Always store dried ginger powder in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place.

As a curry flavour

Ginger soup

Ginger juice with honey-for cold, cough & sneezing