Hawaiian pineapple ginger dessert

Ginger is said to have more effectiveness than some popular over the counter motion sickness pills and it does not cause drowsiness.  I cut several small pieces and wrap in a wet paper towel and place in a zip lock bag when I travel.  I always take extra to share.

Chopped and peeled ginger

Ginger can help relieve nausea.  It also helps stop stomach pains, diarrhea, and stomach gas. I was amazed to discover what a wonder root this is.

According to the Encyclopedia of Spices, ginger is great for the pain associated with arthritis, muscle spasm, and rheumatism.  I hike the Makapuu Lighthouse trail several times a week and my old knees hurt.  I am eating ginger on a regular basis to see if I get some pain relief.

Another benefit of ginger is that it can stimulate blood circulation.  I wonder if that means I burn more calories eating ginger.  This amazing food also cleanses the kidneys and bowels and removes toxins from the body.  Ginger is good for nourishing your skin. I did not know how much this little wonder food could do.

Next time you get a cold, eat ginger.  You can put small pieces of ginger in your hot tea or hot lemonade.  Ginger is touted as a treatment for asthma and bronchitis, as well as helping to loosen your cough.  I will try some chopped ginger and a spoonful of honey the next time I get a cold. If you eat ginger it can help to break a fever if you are ill.

I am not an expert on the uses of ginger but I can experiment on myself.  I took ginger for granted as an ordinary food before.  I will keep it as a staple in my kitchen. It is best stored in the refrigerator in the vegetable drawer where it will keep for several weeks.

Most of the ginger brought into the USA is from China. Ginger is also grown in Jamaica, Africa, and India.  Ginger (Zingiber officinal) is one the most ancient plant species known to man according to a report done by Florida State Horticulture Society. It is one of the most ancient foods on the planet.

Did you know it was used during the plague of the nineteenth century in English pubs in the beer?  That is how ginger ale got started.

It is comforting to know that gingerbread cookies are actually tasty and good for you.  I love those chewy ginger candies. They are the little squares of spicy candy sold at most health food stores.  In Nevada City, California, the SPD market sells sliced, candied ginger.  It is so delicious. The ginger is still soft and coated with coarse sugar granules.  I have not seen it sold like that anywhere else.  An 8 ounce tub of ginger sells for about $3 at SPD market.

Ingredients needed

Preparation time is 30 minutes for this recipe. 

Hawaiian Pineapple Ginger Dessert Ingredients Needed:

• 16 ounce bag frozen pineapple chunks, fresh pineapple can be substituted
• 1 cup chopped fresh ginger root, about 10-12 ounces
• ¼ cup sugar
• 4 Tablespoons honey
• 4 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon

cup of chopped ginger

Assemble all ingredients.  Peel, the ginger, using a smaller, sharp knife.  You can also use a potato peeler.  Cut the ginger bulbs in sections to make removal of the skin easier. Slice the ginger in medallions, then stack up and slice in matchstick shapes. Turn them at a 90 degree angle and slice into small squares.

Adding all the ingredients to the pan

Assemble ingredients in pan

In a small fry pan add 4 Tablespoons vegetable oil. You can use butter, but it tends to burn.  A mixture of half butter and half oil will prevent burning if you choose to alter this recipe. Heat the oil to low -medium and toss in the cut ginger.

Cook on low to medium heat

Add the sugar and the cinnamon and stir into the ginger, oil mixture. Continue to heat until the sugar gets bubbly, about 5 minutes.  Lower the heat and cook on low for about 5 more minutes or until the ginger is soft.

Ginger mixture in the bubbly stage on low heat

While the ginger is cooking put the pineapple in a bowl.  When the ginger mixture is ready, pour it over the pineapple. Now it is ready to eat.

Pour mixture over pineapple

You can use fresh pineapple for this recipe. I like the convenience of the frozen pineapple.

Serving suggestion pineapple ginger

This ginger mixture in this recipe can be poured over vanilla ice cream, pineapple ice cream, or macadamia ice cream.  My favorite way to serve this is over a slice of hot apple pie with vanilla ice cream.  I pour the ginger syrup mixture over the top.  It is ono delicious.

You can also slice the ginger and do this recipe with the different ginger shape as seen below.  The mixture did not get as brown as the one above.  The beauty of cooking is that you can alter and experiment.

Bowl with pineapple and ginger

Remember to save some of this recipe and share with someone you care about.  I like to spread the Aloha Spirit where ever I go.  I have found that food brings people together. A special thanks to Kandi for the use of her kitchen in preparing this recipe.