Ginger is one of the most popular spices in Indonesia. It is commonly used both as a cooking ingredient and as the base for traditional drinks. Besides its distinctive taste, ginger is also known to be great for maintaining health. But among the various types of ginger available, are their uses and processing methods the same?

Let’s find out here! In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of ginger, their nutritional content, and their health benefits. Not only that, Minchef will also share some inspiration for delicious ginger drink recipes that you can enjoy with your beloved parents.

Different Types of Ginger: The Most Commonly Found

Red Ginger

Red ginger is the type most often used for traditional medicinal purposes. It has a reddish color and is smaller compared to gajah ginger. However, don’t underestimate its small size, because red ginger has a much spicier taste and a stronger aroma. Red ginger also has a higher essential oil content, making it highly effective in boosting the immune system and helping to relieve digestive issues.

Gajah/Elephant Ginger

Gajah ginger, also known as elephant ginger, is much larger than red ginger and emprit ginger. It has thicker skin and more flesh. This type of ginger has a distinctive aroma, but the taste is not very spicy. Gajah ginger is often used to make instant ginger drinks or as the main ingredient in ginger-based products like candy or dried ginger.

Emprit

Emprit ginger is the type most commonly found in Indonesian markets. Its shape is similar to gajah ginger, but smaller and slimmer with pale skin. Compared to red ginger, emprit ginger has a milder taste with a slightly sharp aroma.

Read More : Here’s How You Can Tell Ginger, Turmeric, Galangal and Kaempferia Galanga Apart

Why Is Ginger Considered Healthy?

Ginger contains various active compounds and nutrients that provide health benefits. These compounds work together to give ginger its various health advantages, such as reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, aiding digestion, and helping control cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Here are some of the main compounds found in ginger:

1. Gingerol

Gingerol is the primary bioactive compound in ginger that gives it its spicy flavor. This substance has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress in the body.

2. Shogaol

Shogaol is formed when ginger is heated or dried. This compound is even spicier than gingerol and also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, often linked to pain-relieving effects.

3. Zingerone

Zingerone is another compound formed when ginger is heated. It has antioxidant properties and is known to help fight diarrhea and bacterial infections.

4. Essential Oils

Ginger contains essential oils rich in compounds like camphene, cineole, citral, borneol, and limonene. These oils give ginger its characteristic aroma and also possess antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

5. Vitamins and Minerals

Ginger contains various essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is important for boosting immunity, magnesium for maintaining nerve health and regulating blood pressure, potassium for heart health, iron to prevent anemia, and calcium for bone and dental health.

6. Polyphenols

Ginger is also rich in polyphenols, such as flavonoids. These act as natural antioxidants that help protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals.

Make It Even Healthier: Process Ginger with FiberCreme

In addition to being used in cooking, ginger is also delicious when enjoyed as a drink. One of the best ways to enjoy ginger’s benefits is by making it into a warm drink.

Here’s another way to maximize the benefits of ginger drinks: by adding FiberCreme. As a substitute for milk or coconut milk, FiberCreme gives ginger drinks a creamy and delicious taste.

Moreover, FiberCreme is high in fiber, low in sugar, and contains 0mg of cholesterol. This means your ginger drink can provide additional benefits for digestion and is perfect for elderly parents who are maintaining heart health or have high cholesterol.