An Ancient Root with Global Roots

Ginger is one of the world’s oldest cultivated spices, native to Southeast Asia, where it’s been grown and traded for more than 5,000 years. It was prized in ancient China and India for its medicinal properties, later spreading through the spice trade to the Middle East and Europe.

Today, ginger is grown in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe — but you don’t have to look far to find it fresh and local. In Western New York, farms like Erbe Verde Farms and Dirt Rich Farms grow baby ginger in greenhouses during the warmer months. This young ginger is tender, juicy, and milder in flavor than the older, fibrous roots you often find in grocery stores. When you see it in your FreshFix box, it’s a seasonal treat — a sign that local growers are expanding the possibilities of what can thrive in our region.

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A Powerhouse of Nutrition and Natural Healing

Ginger isn’t just flavorful — it’s one of the most beneficial foods you can add to your diet. For thousands of years, it’s been used to treat everything from nausea to inflammation, and modern science continues to back up what ancient cultures already knew.

• Supports digestion: Ginger helps stimulate the digestive system, reducing bloating and easing stomach discomfort.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Compounds called gingerols help reduce inflammation and may relieve joint pain.

• Boosts immunity: Rich in antioxidants, ginger supports immune health and helps fight off colds and infections.

• Natural nausea relief: A proven remedy for motion sickness and morning sickness.

• Circulation and warmth: Ginger’s natural heat promotes healthy blood flow and can help you stay warm in the colder months.

A little goes a long way — just a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger can add both flavor and wellness benefits to your day.

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Cooking with Ginger

Ginger’s versatility makes it equally at home in savory dishes, baked goods, and drinks. Its signature combination of heat and sweetness can brighten just about anything.

• In stir-fries: Add minced ginger to hot oil before adding vegetables or protein for a burst of flavor.

• In soups: Try it in carrot, squash, or miso soup for gentle warmth.

• In baking: Use ground ginger in cookies, cakes, and breads for a comforting spice note.

• In drinks: Steep fresh slices in hot water for soothing tea, or add to smoothies and juices for an immune boost.

• In marinades: Combine with soy sauce, garlic, and honey for an easy, flavorful glaze for chicken, salmon, or tofu.

Fresh ginger can be peeled with the edge of a spoon and grated, sliced, or minced depending on your recipe. Baby ginger, with its smooth skin and pale pink hue, doesn’t even need peeling.

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Storage Tips

1. Refrigerate fresh ginger in a paper towel inside a plastic or reusable bag — it will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.

2. Freeze for longer storage: Peel and slice, then freeze in an airtight bag for up to 6 months. You can grate frozen ginger directly into recipes.

3. Keep baby ginger slightly moist: It’s more delicate than mature roots, so store it in the fridge wrapped in a damp towel inside a container.

4. Dry or pickle extra ginger: Slice thin and dehydrate, or make quick-pickled ginger for sushi and salads.

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A Root That Warms More Than the Body

From its ancient origins to its place in today’s kitchens, ginger remains one of the most cherished ingredients on the planet — for both its flavor and its function. In Western New York, seeing fresh, local ginger in your FreshFix box is a reminder of how global flavors can thrive close to home.

So whether you’re sipping a cup of homemade ginger tea, blending it into a smoothie, or seasoning a cozy fall soup, let this powerful root remind you that comfort and wellness can come from the simplest, most natural ingredients.

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