Who knew 18th-century apothecaries and 21st-century chefs had so much in common? Both recognize the healing powers of food, especially when it comes to certain spices. And we learned one spice in particular can cure a stomach ache and your sweet tooth, all at the same time!
Travis Brust, Executive Chef of the Williamsburg Inn couldn’t say enough positive things about ginger. It turns out the root can help with so much more than just nausea. In fact, he uses it personally as an anti-inflammatory when his knees start acting up after those long hours in the kitchen. Keep reading for a more complete list of the benefits of ginger and then check out his recipe that puts it to good use!
THE HEALING POWERS OF GINGER
Relieves Nausea: From motion sickness to morning sickness— even food poisoning, ginger provides relief and has positive effects on the digestive tract.
Reduces Pain & Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory properties make ginger a powerful all-natural painkiller.
Helps With Heartburn: Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for heartburn.
Provides Migraine Relief: The root can relieve pain due to its ability to stop inflammation in blood vessels.
Treats Cold & Flu: Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for cold and the flu symptoms.
MAPLE-GINGER APPLE BUTTER
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious Maple-Ginger Apple Butter. Be sure to scroll past the recipe to click on the cooking demonstration. Pay careful attention because Chef Travis has another really interesting fact about the spice that we haven’t revealed yet.
- 1 pound Apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 2 oz fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup apple juice
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch fresh grated nutmeg
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 Tbsp candied ginger, minced fine
- In a medium sauce pot place over medium high heat, add the apples, ginger and juice and cook till very, very soft
- Pass the mixture through a sieve or a fine food mill
- Add the syrup and spices and salt and cook till thickened
- Fold in the minced candied ginger
- Cool and enjoy by spreading it on breads, toast, other fruits and even serve it with pork!
Now it’s test time. Did you catch what Chef revealed about ginger that makes it okay to serve to anyone? Were you surprised?
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