The ginger It is a herbaceous plant of Zingberaceae originally from Eastern Asia, scientifically known as Zingiber Officinalis. It is very loved in the kitchen for its spicy and aromatic flavor, which vaguely recalls lemon, but its properties go far beyond the culinary aspect.
Why cultivate ginger at home?
This portentous root offers numerous health benefits: in addition to alleviating abdominal swelling and nausea, ginger also shows anti -inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as well as anticoagulant and ipocolesterolizing properties. Several studies have shown the promising preventive properties of ginger against chronic diseases, such as hypertension, while it has good anti -inflammatory power, promotes digestion, relieves nausea, contributes to preventing cold and influence.
Maybe you don’t know, but you can cultivate a ginger seedling at home simply by planting the root, allowing you to have La Spezia always at hand and, above all, this will ensure that your ginger has not been treated with chemicals. The cultivation of do -it -yourself ginger is becoming an increasingly widespread practice, concerning both gardening enthusiasts and those who want to always have at hand this root rich in beneficial properties. Let’s see what are all the steps to follow.
How to cultivate ginger?
Choose the root
To start growing ginger, buy fresh ginger rhizomes (roots) that measure 7 to 13 cm. Look for a ginger root fleshy and smooth peelsince this will indicate that it is healthy. Do not use one that seems to be bristling, since this shows that it is a rather old and malnighted root. Always prefer biological rhizomes whenever possible, to avoid residues of pesticides and chemicals.
Since the ginger root purchased in the shop is sometimes treated with chemicals that delay its growth, it is better immerse the root in water during the night. This soaking process will also help to reactivate the rhizome and prepare it for germination.
Prepare the ground and the container
Choose a vase of at least 30-40 cm in diameter and at least 25 cm deep, with drainage holes on the bottom. Ginger requires a soil rich in organic matter, well drained but which maintains humidity. Prepare a mix of:
Plant the root
Put the ginger root in a horizontal position On the soil and push up to a depth of 5-8 cm, leaving the gems (small protuberances) facing upwards, and cover with the ground. The spring season is the best time to grow ginger, when temperatures begin to stabilize above 15 ° C. Well well Up to wet all the zolla of soil, but avoid water stagnation.
Germination
Position In which you put the ginger vase it is essential: try to keep it in a place where the plant can receive the sunlight during the morning, but it is well shaded during the afternoon. Ginger prefers an indirect and brilliant light, but not the sun directed in the hottest hours.
To be able to grow seedlings, there is also a need for a lot of environmental humidity. Water regularly serving of A splash of water To nebulize the leaves when they sprout. Make sure the ginger root, as this could block its growth. The ground should remain humid but never soaked. Then try to drain all the excess water.
Ginger likes the heat, it would need a temperature of 20-25 ° C to grow correctly. In winter, if grown at home, keep the vase away from direct heat sources such as radiators or stoves.
Care of the ginger plant during growth
During growth, which can take from 2 to 4 weeks to see the first shoots, keep the humidity of the soil constant. The first leaves that will pop up will be thin and pointed, similar to those of a graminacea.
Ginger requires a soil full of organic matter, so you would do well to serve you compost To enrich the soil in which it is growing every 2-3 months. You can also use a liquid fertilizer for garden plants, diluted and administered every 15 days during the vegetative period.
It also uses some natural pesticides To prevent your plant from developing diseases that could ruin it. A decoction of horsetail or a solution with sodium bicarbonate can help prevent mushrooms and parasites.
The collection
Your ginger roots will be ready for collection within 8-10 monthsonce the leaves begin to yellow and the plant will enter dormant (usually in autumn-winter). Do not collect all the rhizome: gently digs a rhizome and cut a piece of the desired size, with the remainder you can repeat the procedure just explained and cultivate new plants!
For partial collection, it gently digs on one side of the pot and takes only the most mature external rhizomes, leaving the mother plant intact to continue producing.
Conservation and use
Once collected, fresh ginger can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks, wrapped in absorbent paper. You can also freeze it grated in small portions, or dry it to obtain ginger dust.
Alternative varieties and curiosities
In addition to the classic common ginger, there are ornamental varieties such as ginger flower (Alpinia purple) or the butterfly ginger (Hedychium), which in addition to being edible also offer splendid colored blooms to decorate the house and garden.
Additional health benefits
Ginger, thanks to its marked anti -inflammatory properties, relieves headaches, effectively reduces joint and muscle pain and relieves inflammation of stomach and esophagus. Antioxidants help the body fight chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, heart disease and respiratory diseases, as well as to encourage healthier aging.
Cultivating your ginger at home is not only a rewarding activity, but it also guarantees you a constant source of this precious root with multiple beneficial properties, completely natural and without chemical treatments.
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