Ginger: a treatment for the flu

The arrival of the first cold days always brings classic flu along with it, and all the related symptoms including chills, a runny nose, coughing, muscle aches, a sore throat and nausea. Yes, the illnesses associated with flu are many and annoying, but we can help our body by making some changes that support its immune defence system. The first step is to follow a specific diet that includes the consumption of foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as ginger, an effective remedy for preventing flu.

Ginger root

Ginger is a root that belongs to the family of plants known as Zingiberaceae, angiosperm plants divided into more than 50 genera and 1300 species, with an irregular shape and a branched underground stem. Originally from the tropical and subtropical areas of the Far East, today ginger root is also extremely widespread in the West, where it is mainly consumed as a spice or, in Japanese cuisine, to “cleanse” the mouth of the taste of recently-eaten fish. Whatever the case, ginger is widely used in the preparation of both sweet and savoury dishes.

How to eat ginger

Ginger, as we have said, is a real cure-all when it comes to health, as in addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits it also has calming, soothing properties. For all these reasons, it’s a food that lends itself to being eaten both cooked and fresh. If you’re wondering how to eat ginger, the possibilities are endless: you can eat it fresh, as part of a smoothie or juice, pickled, candied, in a dip, or sauce for pasta or risotto. And although less commonly used, it also goes perfectly with sweet recipes, like muffins, biscuits, and…ice-cream!

RivaReno ginger gelato

RivaReno’s ginger gelato is a true explosion of taste. The intensity of ginger from Fiji is enhanced and “softened” by incorporating small cubes of candied pieces. It’s a gelato in which the more bitter notes connect perfectly to the sweeter ones, bringing a symphony of taste to life that surprises and wins over the palate of those who experience it.