Ginger - Young, Australian 100g ($50/kilo)

Aromatic, pungent and spicy, ginger adds a special flavor and zest to Asian stir fries and many fruit and vegetable dishes. Fresh ginger root is available year-round.

Ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant. It has a firm, striated texture. The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in colour, depending upon the variety. It is covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin, depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young.

• Most frequently used to aid digestion, ginger is believed to increase saliva and other digestive fluids, alleviating indigestion and associated problems such as flatulence.
• It is known to relieve nausea and morning sickness. If you take ginger for morning sickness, use it for no longer than four days.
• Ginger is recommended to those who suffer from motion sickness. You can buy ginger tablets from your pharmacist or try drinking a cup of ginger tea before your journey.
• Ginger is believed to have anti-inflammatory qualities that may relieve swelling and pain.
• As a tea it is said to ease headaches and sore throats or assist if you have a cold or flu.
• Fresh ginger is used for asthma, coughs, colic, heart palpitations, swellings, dyspepsia, loss of appetite and rheumatism, while the dried root is used to "strengthen" the stomach, inhibit vomiting and treat diarrhoea.