Until a few years ago, no one knew what it was. Then, thanks to cooking shows on TV and the increase of immigration, ginger became more popular in Italy as well and has finally become available in supermarkets and green- grocers.
Ginger sold in a supermarket
Almaverde Bio sells ginger from the certified chain. We found it in a Conad supermarket. On 26th August 2017, it was sold in 150 gram packets at €0.99, i.e. €6.60/kg. It came from China.
"We buy ginger in China or South America depending on the season. It is organic and certified both in Italy and in the country of origin, as per international regulations," explains Paolo Pari, Director of Almaverde Bio.
Pari adds that they started supplying it a few years ago as demand increased. Blogs, articles and nutritionists all stress its nutritional qualities, so consumers have started using it especially in infusions and juices. Some do use it in dishes as well. In the same Conad supermarket, we also found some other non-organic ginger from China loose at €2.89/kg.
Loose ginger
Michele Castrogiovanni, wholesaler at the Mercato ortofrutticolo di Cesena, says that he buys it "from Thailand or Brazil. I don't buy it from China because many feel China equates to low quality, even if that's not always the case."
Wholesale ginger
On 28th August 2017, the wholesale price of ginger was €2.30/kg. The produce arrives in 13 kg cardboard boxes. Sales are slower in summer and are due to pick up in October.
In Italy, ginger is mostly used as a spice in dried or powder form. In the Far East, in countries like Japan or China or in South East Asia, it is also used fresh and as an ingredient of many dishes.