Ginger Should Be Your Favorite Castaway

www.harterhouse.com/world-flavorsPeople have been using Ginger for years, not only for their food, but also for medicinal purposes.  For centuries, the Chinese have used Ginger to help with dozens of different stomach ailments and as a topical ointment.  Some of Ginger's claimed health benefits include:

• alleviate indigestion
• calm a cough
• help with an upset stomach
• as a slight painkiller for arthritis
• reduce inflammation
• assist with motion sickness

At Harter House, we have fresh ginger in the produce section and their are a multitude of ways to use it in your everyday cooking.  You can even make tea, just by boiling water and then pouring the water over a little ginger in a coffee cup.  Try adding a little honey (from Harter House World Flavors, of course) to give it a little sweetness.  Here is a wonderful Sesame Salmon Burger Recipe we found that not only has ginger, but also other heart-healthy foods for extra benefit.

Sesame Salmon Burgers 

• 1 pound salmon, skin removed
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon plum vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 1 teaspoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
• ¼ cup chopped scallions (white and green parts)
• ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
• 2 large eggs
• grapeseed oil, for frying

1. Rinse the salmon, pat dry and cut into ¼-inch cubes
2. In a large bowl, combine salmon, oil, ume, garlic, ginger, scallions, sesame seeds and eggs
3. Form the mixture into 2-inch patties
4. Heat the grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
5. Cook the patties for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown
6. Transfer patties to a paper towel-line plate and serve hot.