At OliKo, we take pride in our use of fresh and natural ingredients to bring you the untamed flavors you love. In the first part of this blog series, we’re introducing you to one of our must-have, most loved ingredients: Peruvian ginger. Let’s explore what it is and why it gets bottled up in our deliciously spicy brew.

Origin of Peruvian ginger

Known in Peru as kion, Peruvian ginger was brought to the country in the late eighteenth century, arriving from its native China. In Peru, it is produced in the Central Jungle, mainly in the Junín region, where the best ecological conditions can be found for its cultivation.

Scientifically named Zingiber officinale Roscoe, ginger is a thick-stemmed tuber that can reach up to three feet in height. It is very similar to turmeric and is characterized by being very aromatic, with a bitter, spicy flavor and light yellow color inside. 95% of Peruvian ginger is organic, and it is well known by importers for its excellent quality. Compared to Chinese ginger, the ginger from Peru is spicier and has both a higher oil and fiber content.

Bottled up benefits

Although ginger has been considered a medicinal plant for centuries, as in the case of traditional Chinese medicine, several modern science studies have found that ginger can have several benefits for our health. In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the effectiveness of ginger for the relief of digestive problems, as it assists in the assimilation of fatty foods. Researchers also contemplates the use of this root to reduce nausea and dizziness.

Another property attributed to this superfood is its anti-inflammatory power. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen proved the effectiveness of ginger in relieving muscle pain and inflammation. In addition, the University of Georgia in Athens conducted a study, finding that a daily dose of ginger reduced exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%.

Trusted pharmacist and nutritionist Reme Navarro also highlights the use of ginger as an anti-inflammatory, pointing out that it is very effective in combating sore throat and other cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion and increased body temperature.

That's not all—scientific studies show that ginger has an antioxidant property, playing an important role in preventing phenomena related to oxidative damage. It also has therapeutic effects on a large number of pathologies, including ischemic heart disease (coronary heart disease) and the prevention of certain types of cancer. In relation to the latter, the University of Michigan’s Comprehensive Cancer Center conducted a study demonstrating that powdered ginger induced cell death in ovarian cancer cells, while the University of Minnesota discovered that ginger has the property of slowing the growth of colorectal cancer cells, thus preventing colon cancer to a large extent.

Finally, this superfood is credited with other important properties such as being an ally in reducing cholesterol, decreasing the risk of blood clotting and helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Sip on something better

In addition to all the nutritional and medicinal potential of ginger, we cannot fail to mention that this superfood has also proved to be a highly versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Its sweet and spicy properties make it perfect for OliKo’s four flavors.

Remember: the next time you twist open a fresh bottle of OliKo, you’re not only enjoying a delicious beverage, you’re giving your body more of what it craves. And that’s something we can all raise our bottles to. Cheers to health, happiness, and Peruvian ginger!