ginger / turmeric

Ginger and turmeric are closely-related tropical perennials. They are grown for the rhizomes which are used as spice and in folk medicine. I've been able to grow them here in the New Mexico desert for several years, but I can't really claim they are thriving.

Fresh ginger and turmeric roots can be shaved into various dishes and drinks. The fresh ginger root tastes a lot sharper than powdered ginger.

Candied ginger / turmeric
Ginger and turmeric can be soaked in a sugar solution and dried into candied ginger/turmeric. (Pic1) I have purchased candied ginger, have not made it myself.

Ginger and turmeric are both principal ingredients for curries, ginger giving it a sharp spiciness, and turmeric its yellow color. I use powdered ginger and turmeric to flavor meat and rice dishes. I sometimes use turmeric as a substitute for saffron in paella.

INGREDIENTS

This is what you need:

healthy ginger / turmeric roots
good well-draining potting soil
large container (15" or more)

Pic1: candied ginger root

Directions

Buy nice large roots, firm without blemishes.
Best sources are commercial growers and organic stores. Asian stores may also have them.
If not from a certified organic source, soak the roots in water for 24 hrs. to remove the growth inhibitor that prevents it from sprouting.
Leave turmeric at room temperature on a paper plate or similar container until it starts sprouting.
Turmeric tends to rot if planted before sprouting.
Plant ginger at the surface in good well-draining soil in a 15" container or bigger.
The root grows horizontally like bearded iris, so width is more important than depth.
Turmeric can also grow downward. It needs a deeper pot.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Ginger and turmeric are tropical forest plants, not aquatic plants. Especially turmeric tends to rot quickly when too wet.
Ginger leaves are narrow and alternate. (Pic3)
Turmeric has wider leaves, looks more like a canna. (Pic4)
Harvest ginger from 3-4 months on by removing a few rhizomes at a time.
Turmeric is a slower grower, that may need 6 months or more before harvesting can begin.
If they are really happy, both ginger and turmeric may eventually flower.
Enjoy.

Pic2: orange = turmeric, creamy-white = ginger
Pic3: ginger plants
Pic4: sprouting turmeric

See also: Deming, NM gardens, animals and more and avemariasongs.org

See also: Deming, NM gardens, animals and more
and avemariasongs.org