Known in ancient India as the “universal medicine,” ginger boasts over 25 antioxidants, a variety of medicinal and culinary uses, and a rich history. Most commonly known for its powers as a digestive aid, it can also help treat nausea and morning sickness, aid with chemotherapy, improve circulation, and relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms. In India, ginger is applied as a paste to the forehead to relieve headaches and consumed to treat the common cold. Ginger is also referred to in the Kama Sutra as a powerful aphrodisiac. And in case all of that isn’t enough, ginger tastes great too! It has a strong, sweet, woodsy aroma and a pungent, spicy taste. Ginger comes in many forms–it can be fresh or dried, sliced, minced, crystallized, preserved, candied or pickled. We use fresh ginger at Bombay Spice in many of our dishes. Most of our curries contain ginger, as do our seekh kebab skewers, among many others.
The name ginger comes from the Sanskrit phrase srngaveram, meaning “body of a horn,” because of the antler-like appearance of fresh ginger root. Native to India and China, ginger is one of the oldest medicinal spices, mentioned in the writings of Confucius as well as in the Koran. In Western Europe, it has been used since the 9th century, and could once be found on every English table alongside salt and pepper. In medieval times, it was used to ward off the plague. In 19th century English pubs, barkeepers set out containers of ground ginger, for patrons to sprinkle into their beer–hence ginger ale. Highly regarded for its medicinal properties, ginger was an important article of trade from India to the Roman empire 2000 years ago, continuing even after the empire’s fall, with trade being controlled by Arab merchants. Ginger’s popularity peaked in the 13th and 14th centuries in England, where one pound of ginger was equivalent to the cost of a sheep.
Lucky for you, the price of ginger has decreased drastically since those times (or perhaps the price of sheep has increased). But either way, Bombay Spice offers a variety of delicious, healthy and affordable dishes that showcase ginger’s spicy-sweet flavor. Come in soon and give it a try–our new Bombay Platter offers a great way to find your favorite ginger-spiced fare–try small portions of any five entrées along with basmati rice, raita sauce and a papadum crisp for just $15!