Ginger Ginger

Shouga (ginger in German) is a plant that probably originated in Sri Lanka. The root is known for its spiciness, which can vary depending on the maturity and preparation. So don't worry, if Shouga is prepared correctly, it is hardly or not at all spicy. Most of the time you can barely taste the Shouga. Since there were hardly any spicy spices in Asia besides pepper before chili, the Shouga root had to serve as a spicy spice. Nowadays, chili is often used as a spicy spice, especially in South Korea, because the spiciness is caused by capsaicin and is tasteless. In contrast, Shouga convinces with its unique taste, but it doesn't fit in every dish.

Where can I buy Shouga?

Simple answer. In every supermarket, usually where you find the onions and garlic cloves! I don't know if German ginger differs from Japanese ginger, except that in Japan larger roots are preferred over small ones. If you want to buy ready-to-eat ginger, I recommend the typical tube that also contains Karashi (Japanese mustard) or Wasabi. This ginger is already finely chopped and is pasty, making it ready to eat. You can eat the fresh ginger paste with tofu, chives/spring onions and soy sauce. It tastes very delicious personally and is not expensive.

In what dishes can I use Shouga?

For example in Kare Raisu . Kare Raisu is a Japanese curry that is very popular in Japan. I happened to have a recipe for  Kare Raisu  you can check it out. You can also eat ginger fresh. But you should make sure you pay attention to the preparation, because anyone who has ever bitten into a raw Shouga root knows how spicy it really is. But don't worry, through certain cutting techniques or by puréeing, Shouga loses its spiciness.

Dishes with Shouga:

• Kare Raisu
• Tofu with pureed Shouga
• Liver with Shouga
• Many soups

The Healing Effect

The ginger root has long been known as a medicinal plant in Asia. The fact that it is not hocus pocus is now being proven by more and more studies on ginger. Ginger is said to be particularly helpful for motion sickness and muscle pain. Simply chew on a thin slice of raw ginger. If you don't dare or don't have any raw ginger on hand, you can also resort to corresponding tablets. When it gets cold again, a ginger tea also helps very well against cold, as ginger stimulates the heat receptors and creates a pleasant feeling.