Discover ginger for Valentine’s Day

Ginger, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, is a herbaceous plant native to tropical Asia, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates. The part of the plant used for culinary and medicinal purposes is the rhizome, a horizontal underground stem.

The ginger rhizome has a rough texture, is beige to pale brown in colour and has a distinctive fragrance. Ginger has a pungent, slightly sweet, slightly lemony flavour. It can be used to add warmth and depth to a variety of dishes.

Ginger is widely used in cooking around the world, particularly in Asian cuisines. It is often used fresh, powdered, pickled, candied, or even in syrup form, a truly versatile ingredient that adds a special dimension to dishes, whether sweet or salty, especially during the winter months and why not on Valentine’s Day?

Ginger, renowned for centuries for its health benefits and aphrodisiac properties, offers a wide range of benefits. It is widely used to relieve nausea, whether linked to motion sickness, pregnancy or other causes, and can be consumed fresh, in powder, capsule or tea form. What’s more, thanks to its bioactive compounds such as gingerols, it acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, relieving joint pain and contributing to better overall health.

Ginger also stimulates the production of saliva and digestive enzymes, promoting healthy digestion and soothing digestive disorders such as bloating and gas. It is also recognised for its beneficial effects on blood circulation, helping to oxygenate tissues and regulate blood sugar levels. These properties make it an ideal ingredient to include in your daily diet to maintain your general well-being.

However, despite its many benefits, it is important to note that ginger is not suitable for everyone and may interact with certain medications. It is recommended that you consult a medical professional before adding ginger to your diet in any significant way, especially if you are undergoing specific medical treatment. By taking this approach, you can enjoy the full benefits of ginger while ensuring your health and safety.

Our Kampot region abounds in ginger, a delicious rhizome with intense aromas. So it’s only natural that we should use it in a wide range of preparations.

• Young ginger: this essential powder is made from ginger harvested before it is fully ripe. It reveals surprisingly fresh, flowery aromas.

• Wild Ginger: for a stronger version, discover this variety of ginger picked in the wild.

• Khmer Roots Sauce: this sauce combines turmeric, galanga and fresh ginger, reminiscent of English picalili sauce, both vinegary and highly aromatic.

• Papaya Ginger Sauce: this sauce offers an exotic fruity and spicy touch, combining the deliciousness of papaya with the strength of ginger.

• Chai Mix: made with Turmeric, Black Kampot Pepper, Cinnamon, Cardamom and Ginger, it’s sugar-free and very easy to use!

Start your ginger tasting with a recipe for Wild Ginger mulled wine. The robustness of our Wild Ginger, picked in the jungles of Cambodia, blends harmoniously with the spicy aromas of mulled wine, particularly our Badiane. Each sip combines the comforting flavours of winter evenings with a hint of Asian fragrance.

You can also be tempted by the elegance of our Khmer Roots Sauce, to be paired with Smoked Salmon. The flavours of fresh ginger, turmeric and galanga combine to create a delicate sauce, reminiscent of English picalili sauce, which offsets the richness of the smoked salmon. A symphony of flavours perfect for a romantic evening.

Combine your salmon dish with a plant-based touch by pairing our Papaya Ginger Sauce with Season Suppers’ Zucchini Carpaccio recipe. The fusion of fresh ginger and the sweetness of papaya creates a vibrant sauce that will enhance the courgettes, adding a tropical dimension to this light and refreshing dish.

Round off your meal with a soft slice of our Young Ginger Cake. The surprising freshness of our Young Ginger infuses every bite, creating a perfect matching between the indulgence of the cake and the liveliness of the ginger.

Our chai mix is much more than a simple blend of spices, it’s the ultimate comfort drink! You can pour a spoonful into your hot milk to create your own ‘chai latte’, or as an iced version for the warmer months. It may not contain theine or caffeine, but it’s sure to give you a good dose of energy, perfect for starting the day or ending the evening!

From Young Ginger to Wild Ginger, Khmer Roots Sauce to Papaya Ginger Sauce, and even Chai Blend, add a touch of adventure and exoticism to your Valentine’s Day menu this year!