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Ginger is a tropical plant with elongated dark green leaves, growing up to 1.5 m in height. It is characterized by beautiful colorful flowers.The rhizome of this exotic plant is widely used in the kitchen as a spice.
Ginger is also a well-known and valued medicinal plant. Thanks to essential oils, it helps to fight colds and migraines. It is also irreplaceable in motion sickness, and also has a warming effect.In order to take full advantage of the valuable properties of this plant, it is worth reaching for its fresh storage root, which, with a little patience and a little work, can also be successfully grown at home.
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The best time to start growing ginger is early spring. The first step is to find a suitable rhizome that is reasonably fresh, dry, firm and without signs of rotting. Then, in a wide pot with holes and a drainage layer (e.g. small pebbles, expanded clay), place 15 cm of fertile substrate, which will be light and permeable with a neutral reaction.If the root is large, divide it into smaller fragments with the bud and place them close to the center of the pot so that they have a place to grow.
The whole thing is covered with a layer of substrate that will cover the rhizome, and the pot is covered with foil.When the first sprouts emerge after a dozen or so days, the foil should be removed. In summer, the ginger can be put on a balcony or terrace - it will surely add an oriental breath of a permanent floral composition.After 2-3 weeks, the first leaves should appear, and when the ginger grows older, it is worth using bamboo sticks to stabilize the entire plant .Remember to water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet.
A suitable site for ginger is a bright place not exposed to direct sunlight. During growth, every two weeks, we feed it with organic fertilizers, e.g. biohumus - this will have a positive effect on the size and weight of the crop.
At the end of summer the ginger leaves should turn yellow and then dry out, which is quite natural.This is the right time to harvest. If we want, some of the obtained rhizomes can be left in the pot, then move the container to a cool room with a temperature of 10 ° C and refrain from watering until spring.
The miraculous properties of ginger were discovered centuries ago by the inhabitants of the Middle East, who added its powdered or cut into small pieces rhizome to tea to prevent colds or relieve persistent headaches, muscles and joints. But these are not the only properties of this precious plant.Ginger increases concentration and improves memory, also cares for the oral cavity because it has a disinfecting and refreshing effect, and also leaves a pleasant smell.
Rhizome also soothes gastrointestinal discomfort, regulates the work of the gallbladder, prevents flatulence and has a diastolic effect. Ginger contains many vitamins, calcium, which has a positive effect on bones and the proper functioning of the nervous system, and magnesium, which helps to maintain mental and physical balance.In addition, ginger is part of some warming ointments.During the massage, it is worth adding a few drops of ginger oil to the olive - then sore muscles will quickly feel relief.
Of course, fresh ginger has the most flavor and aroma and doesn't need to be peeled. It can be shredded, ground, sliced or grated. Replace fresh ginger with ground ginger in a ratio of 6: 1 (six units of fresh ginger to one ground).Since ginger is quite a pungent plant, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach ulcers, should not reach for it often.