Types and cultivation of ginger, where it grows and how it looks in nature
Where ginger can grow is an exciting question for gardeners. Many people want to plant their favorite spice on the site. Summer residents are interested in: are the conditions suitable for obtaining a decent harvest, is it worth planting a plant in a greenhouse.
Gardeners should first figure out what ginger looks like. It is a perennial herb from the family of the same name. It has over a thousand species. The plant has a straight stem, sharp leaf plates, a thickened branching rhizome. The flower resembles an orchid. Most often people use the root.
Where does wild ginger grow?
The plant sometimes has an unexpected shape and color: purple, blue. There are varieties that smell like kerosene.
Botanists collect information about the homeland of the spice from various sources. Now in the wild, the plant is extremely rare. East Asia and South Africa have a suitable climate for spice.
The answer to the question, what is ginger, is the word "spice". This is how the root of the plant is most often used.
Ginger: a history of use
The plant was introduced to Europeans by Muslims in the 9th-11th centuries. They brought ginger root to the conquered part of Spain. But the place where the wonderful root comes from has not been discovered.
The spice fell in love with the Europeans. It began to be added to meat and fish dishes. Dinner at the house of a noble gentleman was indispensable without ginger spice. Residents of cities appreciated the spicy taste of the drinks. Women willingly bought "harem" candies (pieces of candied root). But it was too expensive: only rich people could afford to add ginger to their food.
Mass deliveries were organized by the traveler and merchant Marco Polo in the 8th century. The spice has become popular with all segments of the population. The imported types of ginger diversified European dishes at that time.
Chinese doctors appreciated beneficial properties of ginger root... Using the thesis: all food and all medicine, potions and powders have been developed for many diseases. The drugs cured a lingering cough, fever, and non-healing wounds.
Application features and recipes are popular in cosmetology. The disinfecting properties of the plant are used in masks, lotions, and creams.
A useful plant and dietetics did not ignore. The extract is included in slimming teas and vitamin drinks. Today the problem is: where to get the roots of the spice does not exist. It is grown as a crop on plantations in regions suitable for climatic conditions.
How is ginger grown in his homeland?
Naturally growing ginger is not found in the wild. The needs of industry and the population are met by farmers.The root is cultivated in specially cultivated fields. There are known plantations where ginger grows, with a 200-year history.
Some researchers consider the countries of the East Asian and Pacific region to be the birthplace of ginger. The root is supplied to the world market by India, China, Vietnam. Traditionally, the spice is grown in the countries of West Africa.
Farmers in East Asia are developing ecotourism on plantations. They invite visitors to spend the day in their fields. People get acquainted with where and how ginger grows, study the peculiarities of cultivation. The opportunity is given to purchase the root grown in an ecologically clean place, products based on it.
The shops at the farm sell:
- seasonings;
- cream;
- lotions;
- beverages.
Some visitors buy raw ginger. Souvenirs are popular.
How does ginger grow in Russia?
Gardeners are interested in: where does ginger grow in Russia. It is impossible to grow a commercial vegetable in the open field. The plant requires a long warm period. The country does not have a suitable climate zone. But gardening enthusiasts are trying to plant the root in heated greenhouses. They create the necessary conditions: high temperature and humidity, partial shade.
And yet the answer to the question: is ginger grown in Russia, is positive. Summer residents plant it in flower pots and put it in makeshift greenhouses on the windowsills. In a confined space, the required mode is maintained. The result is a stunted plant. It blooms very rarely. The root tastes sharper than store bought.
Gardeners use pieces of purchased root as planting material. It is cut into pieces with one or two eyes. Sections are dusted with crushed activated carbon. Deepen by 3–4 cm, cover with foil with holes for air penetration. Water in moderation. After emergence, the film is removed. It is necessary to maintain diffused lighting: ginger does not tolerate direct sunlight.
Some gardeners grow vegetables in a combined way. In the summer, the pot is displayed in the country, in the winter it is kept on the windowsill in the greenhouse. For successful cultivation, he needs to find a good place in the open air. As a result, the plant is stronger. The product tastes sharper and more bitter.
You can grow the root in an unheated greenhouse in the country. But in early August (with a decrease in the number of warm days), dig up the vegetable, carefully plant it in a pot and transfer it to the apartment on a warm windowsill.
Interesting Facts
This plant has long been loved by the inhabitants of Russia. The use of spices has its own history:
- The description of the ginger root accurately reflected its appearance. The thick intertwined rhizome amazed people. Until now, the vegetable is called "stag".
- Gingerbread cookies were soon called "gingerbread" because of their spicy taste. This component is still used in recipes.
- The root is most commonly eaten. But beneficial substances are found in the stem and leaves. It is also recommended to use them. But it is important to consider: removing each leaf weakens the plant. The root will turn out to be thin and tasteless.
- The spicy vegetable is popular all over the world. The countries where ginger is grown receive from its sale up to 30% of the total trade turnover.
- Under natural conditions, the plant grows above 1.5 m. Planted at home is rarely more than half a meter.
- Some people like the specific lemon scent of the plant. Ground parts exude it. A flower placed on the windowsill refreshes the air.
- When choosing planting material, gardeners will have to work hard. Vendors break off parts of the plant with eyes: the sprouted root loses its elasticity and shrivels.
- In medieval Europe, the vegetable was considered an excellent aphrodisiac. He was part of the love drinks.Modern medicine uses the properties of the spice to create drugs to increase potency in men. Natural remedies for erectile dysfunction include root extract.
- Anyone can grow ginger. The technique repeats the cultivation of potatoes. But it should be borne in mind: before use, it should be soaked in cold water for 2-3 hours. Change the water every half hour. It is recommended to try it in small pieces (otherwise you can burn the mouth and esophagus).
- Before planting the roots, you should familiarize yourself with the climate of the regions where the ginger is grown. It is recommended to visit the sites of famous plantations. This will help create the necessary conditions.
- Doctors are convinced that fresh and dried root works differently. Fresh plant preparations treat colds. Dried - helps with memory impairment, gastrointestinal problems, rheumatism, arthritis.
- The properties of ginger root are used in everyday life. To purify the air from harmful bacteria, it is enough to place the root cut into pieces in different parts of the room. Tea made from it will relieve sore throat. Adding to food will strengthen the immune system in the autumn-winter period.
Uncontrolled long-term consumption of vegetables causes poisoning and depression. The product is not recommended for people with allergic diseases.
To be treated with drugs from the root should be under the supervision of a physician.
