Where does ginger grow and what does it look like: types and cultivation with photos

Where can ginger 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 find out what ginger looks like. This is a perennial herbaceous plant from the family of the same name. It has over a thousand species. The plant has a straight stem, sharp leaf blades, 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. Kerosene-smelling varieties are found.

Botanists collect information about the birthplace 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 the 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: history of use

Muslims introduced the plant to Europeans in the 9th-11th centuries. They brought ginger root to the conquered part of Spain. But the places where the miraculous root comes from have not been discovered.

Spice fell in love with Europeans. It began to be added to meat and fish dishes. Lunch in the house of a noble gentleman was not complete without ginger seasoning. Residents of cities appreciated the spicy taste of drinks.Women willingly purchased "harem" lollipops (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. Brought types of ginger diversified European dishes at that time.

Chinese doctors have appreciated the beneficial properties of ginger root. Using the thesis: all food and all medicine, potions and powders have been developed for many diseases. Protracted cough, fever, non-healing wounds were cured with drugs.

Features of application and recipes are popular in cosmetology. The disinfecting properties of the plant are used in masks, lotions, creams.

Did not ignore the useful plant and dietetics. The extract is part of slimming teas and vitamin drinks. Today there are problems: 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 its homeland?

Ginger growing in nature is not found in the wild. The needs of industry and the population are met by farmers. Root is cultivated on specially cultivated fields. Plantations where ginger grows are known, 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. The spice is traditionally grown in West African countries.

East Asian farmers develop plantation ecotourism. They invite visitors to spend the day in their fields. People get acquainted with where and how ginger grows, study the features of cultivation. There is an opportunity to purchase a root grown in an ecologically clean place, products based on it.

Sold in farm shops:

• seasonings;
• cream;
• lotions;
• drinks.

Some customers buy raw ginger. Souvenir products are popular.

How does ginger grow in Russia?

Gardeners are interested: where does ginger grow in Russia. It is impossible to grow a marketable vegetable in open ground. The plant requires a long warm period. The country does not have a suitable climate zone. But gardening enthusiasts are trying to place 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, positive. Summer residents plant it in flower pots and put it in makeshift greenhouses on the windowsills. In a limited space, the required mode is supported.The result is a stunted plant. It blooms very rarely. The taste of the root is spicier than store-bought.

Gardeners use pieces of purchased root as planting material. It is cut into pieces with one or two eyes. Sections are pollinated with crushed activated charcoal. Deepen by 3-4 cm, cover with a film with holes for air penetration. Water moderately. After the emergence of shoots, the film is removed. Need to maintain diffused lighting: ginger does not tolerate direct sunlight.

Some gardeners grow vegetables in a combined way. In the summer, the pot is put up in the country, in the winter they are kept on the windowsill in the greenhouse. For successful cultivation, he needs to find a good place in the open air. The result is a stronger plant. The taste of the product is more pungent and bitter.

You can grow a root in an unheated greenhouse in the country. But in early August (with a decrease in the number of warm days), dig up a vegetable, carefully plant it in a pot and transfer it to an apartment on a warm windowsill.

Interesting facts

This plant has long been loved by the inhabitants of Russia. The use of the spice has its own history:

• The description of the ginger root accurately reflected its appearance. The twisted thick rhizome amazed people. Until now, the vegetable is called "stag".
• Gingerbread soon became known as "gingerbread" because of its spicy taste. This component is still used in recipes.

• The root is most commonly eaten. But useful substances are contained in the stem and leaves. They are also recommended. But it is important to consider: the removal of each leaf weakens the plant. The root will be thin and tasteless.
• The spicy vegetable is popular all over the world. Countries where ginger is grown receive up to 30% of the total trade turnover from its sale.

• Under natural conditions, the plant grows above 1.5 m. Planted at home is rarely above half a meter.
• Some people like the specific lemon scent of the plant. It is emitted by ground parts. A flower placed on the windowsill refreshes the air.
• When choosing planting material, gardeners will have to work hard. Sellers break off parts of the plant with eyes: the sprouted root loses its elasticity and shrinks.

• In medieval Europe, the vegetable was considered an excellent aphrodisiac. He was part of the love drinks. Modern medicine uses the properties of spices to create drugs to increase potency in men. Natural remedies for erectile dysfunction include an extract from the root.
• Everyone can grow ginger. The technique repeats the cultivation of potatoes.But keep in mind: before use, it should be soaked in cold water for 2-3 hours. Change water every half hour. It is recommended to try in small pieces (otherwise you can get a burn of the oral cavity and esophagus).

• Before planting roots, you should familiarize yourself with the climate of the regions where ginger is grown. It is recommended to visit the sites of famous plantations. This will help create the necessary conditions.
• Doctors are convinced: fresh and dried root acts differently. Preparations from the fresh plant 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 throats. Adding to food will strengthen immunity in the autumn-winter period.

Uncontrolled prolonged consumption of vegetable causes poisoning and depression. The product is not recommended for people with allergic diseases.

To be treated with preparations from the root should be under the supervision of a doctor.

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