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 the same proportions 
as before, after which it is packed in 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 (Bernay’s Cul- 
tural Industries for Queensland). 
Candied Ginger is made by drying preserved ginger 
made as above, a little dry povrdered 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 
