418 SPICES 



CHAP. 



for two hours, at the end of which it is put into large 

 jars and allowed to stand for seven days, when it is 

 again boiled in sugar and water in thfi same proportions 

 as before, after which it is packed m jars or tins, or 

 occasionally packed in barrels." 



Another method is described as follows : " For 

 preserving ginger the rhizomes are taken up as soon as 

 they are formed, while they are young and tender. The 

 time for this varies according to the season in which 

 the ginger is planted, but usually about two months 

 after the young plants are put down, when the stalks 

 are not more than 5 or 6 in. tall. The rhizomes are 

 scalded, washed in cold water, and peeled clean. The 

 water in which they are washed is frequently changed. 

 A syrup is made of a pound of sugar to a pint of water, 

 into which the beaten white of two eggs is gradually 

 stirred. The syrup is boiled and skimmed, and when 

 cold poured over the rhizomes. After two or three days 

 the syrup is poured off, re-boiled, skimmed, and when 

 cold poured over again, and the whole is left for three or 

 four days." 



The next process is to re-boil and re-clarify the syrup, 

 and then pour it over the ginger hot. This is repeated 

 till the syrup has thoroughly penetrated the rhizomes, 

 evidenced by the taste and transparency of the rhizomes, 

 and until the syrup has become thick and rich. The 

 syrup is not applied hot in the first instance, as if this is 

 done the ginger will shrink and shrivel (Bern ay's Cul- 

 tural Industries for Queensland). 



Candied Ginger is made by drying preserved ginger 

 made as above, a little dry powdered sugar being added 

 to it in drying. 



Medicine. Ginger is comparatively little used in 

 European medicine, but it is valued everywhere as a 

 stomachic and internal stimulant, especially in flatulency 

 and colic. It is also used as an adjunct to purgatives to 

 correct griping. Fresh rhizomes pounded and the juice 

 drunk is a common native remedy for colic and 

 dyspepsia. It is also used to relieve toothache by 



