Ginger has been used for centuries to cure all kinds of ailments and is especially known for curbing nausea. Today, ginger ale is a common remedy for an upset stomach. Ginger was, and is, used in many different ways, including in tea, sauteed in entrees, sprinkled on top of a dish, or crystallized as a sweet treat.
In The Book of Salt, Binh mentions making ice cream for GertrudeStein and Miss Toklas, with vanilla and crystallized ginger. I’ve never had ginger in ice cream, but I can imagine it adds a nice kick to an otherwise smooth and creamy dessert.
Ginger was well known across Asia before it travelled to Europe with the Romans via the spice trade. It was most popular in China and India, praised for its ability to cure illnesses. Ginger’s popularity in Europe dropped with the fall of the Roman empire but was revived with Marco Polo, who wrote about its many uses, including crystallized ginger, that he observed when in Asia. The Jewish talmud also has references to ginger, saying it is “of benefit to the entire body.”
To crystallize ginger, you peel and cut the root and cook it in a simple syrup, usually sugar and water, and then sprinkle it with some more sugar. I’ve also enjoyed it covered in chocolate for a sweet and zesty bite.
Chandler, Brynne. “What Is Crystallized Ginger?” Healthy Eating | SF Gate, 19 Nov. 2018, healthyeating.sfgate.com/crystallized-ginger-6822.html.
“Crystallized Ginger.” Bulk Crystallized Ginger | Candied Ginger, Crystalized Ginger, www.spicesinc.com/p-30-crystallized-ginger.aspx.
“Spice Trade.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/spice-trade.