Roasted Ginger from Mapang

Roasted Ginger from Mapang

　　Roasted Ginger from Mapang is produced in Xilin County, Baise, Guangxi. It is made by peeling fresh ginger and then drying it in an oven. Xilin ginger features thin skin, thick flesh, a fresh, spicy, and warm aroma, tender texture, and low moisture content—making it ideal for roasting. The roasted version retains the original flavor of fresh ginger, is easy to store and transport, and has high practical value.

　　 Roasting Method

　　 Step 1: After harvesting, the ginger is cleaned and trimmed, with each piece retaining three branches. The outer skin is scraped off in one direction using a bamboo slice.

　　 Step 2: Iron tools are used to prevent the skin from turning black during roasting. The ginger is then placed in a charcoal oven and slowly baked over low heat. This process usually takes about four days and nights, during which over 80% of the moisture evaporates, at which point it is ready.

　　 Health Benefits

　　 Roasted ginger is not only an excellent ingredient for removing strong odors and fishy smells, but it can also be used medicinally. It helps expel wind, resist cold, strengthen the stomach and spleen, and improve circulation and tissue regeneration. There is a folk saying: “Three slices of ginger in the morning are better than a ginseng soup,” and “October ginger is like a little ginseng.” Another proverb goes: “Three slices of ginger a day keep the doctor away.” The Ming Dynasty medical text *Marvelous Effective Prescriptions* contains a formula that states: “One jin of ginger, half a jin of dates, two liang of white salt, three liang of herbs (licorice), half a liang each of cloves and agarwood, and eight liang of fennel—all pounded together. Whether steamed or boiled, this remedy is as precious as treasure. Drink a cup every morning, and your youthful appearance will last a lifetime.” This illustrates the remarkable benefits of ginger. Once roasted, the ginger becomes thick-fleshed, tender, spicy, and slightly warm. Compared to fresh ginger, its efficacy is particularly notable in warming the bones and resisting disease, eliminating phlegm and dissolving nodules, and stimulating the appetite. Roasted ginger also contains rich volatile oils and gingerol, which help eliminate odors, resist cold, strengthen the stomach and spleen, improve circulation, and promote tissue healing. It serves as an excellent medicinal digestive aid and cold-dispelling sweat-inducer. Roasted ginger retains the original flavor of fresh ginger, stores easily, and can be enjoyed year-round, combining both culinary and medicinal qualities.

　　 Roasted Ginger from Mapang is famous both in China and abroad. It has been listed as a premium product by the China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Import and Export Corporation, and is exported to Europe, America, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries, earning widespread praise from consumers. Roasted ginger has become one of the main sources of economic income for Xilin County.