What is ginger tea?
Ginger tea is a caffeine-free infusion made from the root of the ginger plant. It is considered an herbal tea and is known for its spicy, pungent aroma.
Origin and cultivation
Ginger originally comes from the greater Asian region, especially China and India, and reached Europe via maritime trade. Today, the root is mainly grown in tropical and subtropical Asia, as well as in Africa, South America and India, and in smaller quantities in Japan, Australia, France and Peru. Aroma and pungency vary depending on the growing region.
The plant
The ginger plant produces shoots with flower spikes from tuber-like roots. Unlike most herbal teas, ginger uses only the aromatic root, not leaves or flowers. Worldwide, there are around 150 ginger varieties of different quality and flavor profiles, such as mild “Thai ginger” or “Chinese ginger”.
Taste and preparation
Ginger offers a wide range of aromas, from spicy to hot, with fresh citrus notes through to a slightly sweet note. Just a few thin slices of ginger infused with hot water make a flavorful tea, often enjoyed with honey. If you finely grate the root before brewing, you’ll get a more intense taste. In summer, ginger is also great for refreshing drinks, such as ginger water with lemon and honey.
Storage
Store fresh ginger root in a cool, dry place, ideally unwrapped in the refrigerator. Keep dried ginger slices or powder airtight and protected from light.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh ginger or ginger powder – which is better for tea?
Fresh root gives a livelier, more complex aroma. Powder is convenient on the go, but loses intensity more quickly.
Does ginger need to be peeled?
Not necessarily—if it’s thoroughly washed organic ginger, you can infuse it with the peel on; it also contains aromatic compounds.
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