has been highly prized for both its medicinal and culinary properties for many thousands of years. Fresh, dried, ground, crystallised, pickled and preserved, it's a remarkably versatile spice.
The known history of ginger in cooking dates back over 5,000 years when records show both Indian and Chinese cultures using it as a healing tonic. But it was most likely used to flavour dishes and create herbal concoctions long before formal records began.
This pungent spice was an important trade article between India and the Roman Empire, where it was prized for its medicinal properties rather than any culinary uses. Just think, the recipe for pasta ragu could have been so much different had ginger taken off as a spice.
Ginger in its many forms can actually be found in recipes from most corners of the globe and we've got a few to gingerly bookmark.
Fragrant with toasted sesame oil, a little soy and plenty of warming ginger, this is a simple, comforting braise. Source: Armelle Habib
Sweet, fruity, smoky and spicy, jerk covers all of the flavour essentials. Source: Brett Stevens
This stir-fried spicy dish is loved by young and old. Source: Billy Law
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Ginger pork balls
Make your own spicy Thai green curry paste from scratch. Source: Adam Liaw
Fresh ginger, caraway seeds, nutmeg and cinnamon mean this is far from your average rice pud. Source: One World Kitchen
"And I had but one penny in the world, thou should'st have it to buy gingerbread." —William Shakespeare, "Love's Labor's Lost" Source: Murdoch Books / Regula Ysewijn
Decorating gingerbread men is a much-loved tradition for many American families at Christmas. Source: Tribune News Service
A quick-cooking fish curry is essential in every family's repertoire. Source: Sharyn Cairns
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Pan rolls
The ultimate palate cleanser. Source: Kenji Miura
Chickpea curry is the city of Amritsari's iconic dish, finished with a knob of local white butter, red onions and julienned ginger and served with their famous stuffed bread. Source: Hardie Grant Books / Martin Poole
Mut gung is basically ginger, lemon and sugar, so brace yourself. Source: Dieu Tan
With bold flavours like ginger in the mix, you need you need very little to bring the rice to life. Source: Randy Larcombe Photography
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Asam laksa
Ginger good
Hainanese chicken chop with ginger vinegar
