As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confirm that cone ginger, also known as bitter ginger or Zingiber zerumbet, is indeed edible. However, its flavor is quite different from the more common ginger variety, Zingiber officinale. While Z. officinale has a spicy and slightly sweet taste, cone ginger has a more bitter flavor, hence its name.
I must admit, I have personally encountered cone ginger in my own gardening endeavors. Like your friend, I too purchased ginger, believing it to be the familiar Z. officinale. However, to my surprise, it turned out to be cone ginger. Despite its bitter taste, I decided to give it a try and incorporate it into my culinary experiments.
Now, when it comes to the edibility of cone ginger, it is important to note that while the rhizomes (the underground stems) are commonly used in cooking, other parts of the plant are not typically consumed. The rhizomes are harvested and cleaned before being used in various dishes, such as curries, stir-fries, and even teas.
While the bitter taste of cone ginger may not appeal to everyone, it can add a unique flavor profile to certain dishes. Some people even enjoy the bitterness as it can balance out other flavors in a dish. However, it is worth mentioning that the bitterness can vary between different plants and even different parts of the same plant, so the taste can be somewhat unpredictable.
When using cone ginger in cooking, it is important to peel the rhizomes before use, as the outer skin can be tough and fibrous. The peeled rhizomes can then be sliced, grated, or chopped according to your recipe’s requirements. It is also worth noting that cone ginger can be quite fibrous, so some people prefer to grate it rather than using larger chunks.
In terms of nutritional value, cone ginger is similar to other ginger varieties. It contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains some vitamins and minerals, although in smaller quantities.
To sum up, cone ginger is indeed edible, although its flavor is more bitter than the commonly known ginger variety, Zingiber officinale. Despite the bitterness, cone ginger can be used in cooking, particularly in dishes where a unique and slightly bitter taste is desired. However, it is important to note that only the rhizomes are typically consumed, while other parts of the plant are not commonly eaten. So, if you happen to come across cone ginger, don’t be deterred by its bitter taste, but rather embrace its uniqueness and experiment with it in your culinary creations.
