Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Ginger leaves are long, narrow blades that taper to a point, averaging 15-30 centimeters in length. The green leaves grow in an alternate pattern and develop from the sheaths surrounding the thick green stem. The leaves and stem are connected to a soft, fragrant, and crunchy root, and each root is about two centimeters in length and has thin skin that is pink and milky-white in color. Ginger leaves are tender, crisp, and have a less pungent ginger flavor that is mildly peppery and sweet.
Seasons/Availability
Ginger leaves are available in the summer.
Current Facts
Ginger leaves, botanically classified as Zingiber officinale, grow on an herbaceous perennial and are members of the Zingiberaceae family. Also known as Yanaka-Shoga, Bon-Shoga, and Ha-shoga, Ginger leaves are harvested when the ginger rhizomes are still young and are commonly used as a spice and for medicinal purposes. Ginger leaves have over two hundred scents, and what we taste in our mouths is not a taste but is actually a spicy scent.
Nutritional Value
Ginger leaves have not been studied for their nutritional properties. In natural medicines of East Asia, the leaves are steeped into medicinal teas to relieve nausea, indigestion, motion sickness, colds, and flu symptoms.
Applications
Ginger leaves are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as steaming, sautéing, and boiling. They can be tough to consume whole and are commonly sliced or chopped and added raw to salads. Ginger leaves can also be used as a garnish or finely chopped and added to tabbouleh and couscous. Their mildly herbal citrus flavor can be used to infuse dessert, soups, stews, and curries. Ginger leaves can also be cooked into soy sauce or sweet pickled ginger or simply dipped in moro miso paste and consumed like stick vegetables. In addition to cooked preparations, fresh and dry Ginger leaves can be boiled and made into a tea. Ginger leaves pair well with mackerel, pork, rice, tempura, miso soups, and salads. Ginger leaves will keep for a couple days when stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Ginger leaves are also known as Yanaka Shoga because they are the special local product of the Yanaka region in Tokyo, Japan. They became a popular product in the Edo period and were used as a summer gift among merchants, craftsmen, and Yanaka monks.
Geography/History
Ginger leaves are native to Asia, specifically to India and China and have been used since ancient times. Traders then introduced ginger to the Mediterranean and England in the 11th century. Today Ginger leaves are available in fresh markets in Asia, Europe, the United States, and South America.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Ginger Leaves. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Farm to Rasoi |
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Fish Curry with Ginger Leaves |
| Just One Cookbook |
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Saba Misoni (Simmered Mackerel in Miso Sauce) |
| Roots and Leisure |
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Smoked Pork With Intestines And Ginger Leaves |
Recently Shared
People have shared Ginger Leaves using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Santa Monica Farmers Market
John Her
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-313-6676 About 45 days ago, 10/20/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
John Her
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-313-6676 About 73 days ago, 9/22/21 |
