Is my ginger plant edible?
Question:I just bought what the nursery called a "spice ginger plant." Does this mean the root is edible? The leaves are long (12 inches +), dark green and glossy but not very thick (compared to, say, orchids). There are no blooms at the moment but it does give off a nice spicy fragrance.
Answers:
Zingeber officianalis is the type used in cooking - the roots (rhizomes) are eaten. Let the plant grow in a large pot or in the garden for a season to get sizable clumps. The rhizomes can also be divided to make more plants. Just cut into 1 -2 inch sections and be sure to include one 'eye' on each piece.
Yes, the root is edible. It's used as a condiment in Asian cooking. It has a pretty strong taste, so you probably wouldn't eat it by itself. Some people make tea from boiling it, it's supposed to be good for a sore throat and colds.
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