The cultivation of ginger has spread to almost all the tropical regions of the world. It usually takes advantage of the fresh rhizome of the plant, although it can also be purchased in powder or pickled.
The ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) is another of those functional foods, commonly called superfoods, known for their properties to improve the health conditions of many people. Its popularity and accessibility is increasing and it is increasingly easy to find it in our usual stores. Although it is mainly used as a condiment (see the uses of Ginger in the kitchen), the root of ginger has been proven effective in the prevention of numerous diseases and health disorders.
Spicy and lemony, this underground stem, the star of Asian cuisine, not only flavors rice stews, sweet and sour sauces, desserts and hot and cold beverages, but is considered an effective remedy for the relief of intestinal problems. , nausea, vomiting ... apart from being a good anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
The main producing country in the world is Jamaica. Other producing countries are: China, India, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Bangladesh, the Philippines.
Benefits of ginger
Decreases rheumatic and menstrual pain.
It is effective against flu and colds, by promoting expectoration.
Improves blood flow, so it prevents cardiovascular diseases.
Eliminates dizziness and vertigo.
It is a natural aphrodisiac, by stimulating libido.
It is a natural antidepressant.
Combats premature aging and reduces stress levels
Decreases migraines by blocking the effects of protasgladine.
Prevents colon and ovarian cancer.
It facilitates digestion.
How to easily plant Ginger at home.
As an indoor and potted crop grows anywhere, it needs heat, humidity and does not like the direct sun, it is multiplied by rhizomes, so we can use a part of the ginger that we have at home, simply put it in a pot, water love and wait to harvest.
It is advisable to plant in the spring and ensure that the mother tuber is as fresh as possible.
Preparation of the Rhizome
We put the root in water during the night and then cut it into not very small pieces. Make sure that each segment has at least a couple of small lumps, which are the buds from which our new plants will grow.
Plantation
Fill a pot about 30 centimeters deep with a mixture of soil and compost. A good sized container to put 2 to 3 pieces. We press the rhizomes in the shallow ground cover with a little soil. Put the pots in a shady place.
Care and Growth
At first we started with little watering then we increase when the plant is already out. Ginger likes moisture and heat. Keep the soil moist, but not over-soaked and in temperatures of at least 20 degrees. In the first year, they should reach a size between 40 to 80 centimeters in height.
Harvest
Once the plants already have a good size we can go harvesting the root little by little and the plant continue to grow in this way if we make two or three pots after a while we will always have fresh ginger at our disposal.
Irrigation, care and harvest.
It should be watered every day, that the earth is wet but without puddling, in a month we should have stems and leaves, the plant rarely flowers and does not bear fruit, we will harvest in 8 or 10 months when the plant begins to dry, stop water and when it is dry it is harvested, and a part of the root with rhizomes is planted again, for the next harvest.
I hope you can grow and use this tuber that provides important health benefits