Thomas Pierce, Weekend Edition

ginger root.

Root of the ginger. Some say it cures upset stomachs, nausea, colds, and motion sickness. (Flickr user heymrleej)

Alton Brown, host of the Food Network's Good Eats, told us this week that nothing tastes like ginger but ginger. "Ginger is one of the most powerful ingredients that there is," he said, "from a flavor standpoint and a chemical standpoint and a pharmacological standpoint. It is unique in a way that most foods aren't. It's one of my top 10 ingredients."

Our host, Liane, couldn't agree more. When we told her that she got to pick the key ingredient for our latest recipe contest, she paused for maybe two seconds before saying ginger and enumerating each of the forms it takes at her house -- crystallized, ground, fresh, jellied, syrup.

We'd like you to send us your ginger recipes -- to recipes@npr.org. You have until October 22nd. NPR's food essayist Bonny Wolf will pick her favorite three, and then resident ginger-aficionado Liane Hansen will lead the Weekend Edition staff in picking a favorite dish.

6:58 - October 11, 2009

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