Rhizome: underground stem: a thick underground horizontal stem that produces roots and has shoots that develop into new plants; from Greek rhizoma “mass of tree roots,”

Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally that produce a number of plants and are known to spread rapidly. Ginger comes to mind as it is readily available in grocery stores as a food source. This time of year I find ginger warming. Lemon Ginger Tea is a tasty brew that can be served warm or cold. A little sharp, pungent flavor mixed with the oils in lemon goes well with the addition of maple syrup, honey to soothe irritated or dry throats as winter keeps us indoors. Other examples of rhizomes include: cannas, bearded iris, water lilies, and calla lilies. Also, hops, ginger, and asparagus, lily of the valley and cattails. One site suggest that the rhizomes of many rhizome rootstock can be placed on the ground. lightly covered with dirt and nature does the rest.

Ginger Tea Recipe

• water, 4 cups
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root
• optional: honey and lemon slice
• Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it is boiling, add the ginger. Cover it and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste.

Ginger can stay out of the refrigerator for about a week. Place in paper towels and they will keep much longer in the refrigerator.  Unpeeled ginger root will last longer. Peel the skin off as mentioned above when you are ready to use it in tea or in a recipe.

When buying ginger root, snap off a small knob which should be crisp. Do not buy any with mold.

Judith Dreyer, MS, BSN, Writer, Speaker, and Workshop Presenter, Master Gardener.

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