Buffalo Ginger

An heirloom variety that packs a punch, fruity and floral.

Our ground Buffalo Ginger is an heirloom ginger variety grown by a group of farmers in the mountains of northern Vietnam. Known for its fruity, floral aroma and powerful heat, this is a complex and flavorful ginger powder that will elevate baked goods, stews and curries, and beverages from hot drinks to cocktails.

In Vietnam, this ginger is used with chicken, soup, rice, and candy. It’s also been used for medicinal purposes — to calm upset stomachs, restore appetite, and support the immune system. Any way you slice it, this is a spicy, wonderfully intense ginger.

SOURCING;  We worked with our longtime partners at DACE, a social enterprise in the northern highlands of Vietnam, to connect with the farmers growing the spices for this blend. DACE works with farmers in the Hmong ethnic minority to transition to growing high-value, heirloom spices using regenerative practices. Farming in the remote highlands of northern Vietnam is not easy. The region's mountainous landscape and climate aren't suitable for producing large food crops such as rice or corn. Growing spice varieties allows farmers to use traditional organic practices on small fields, which are irrigated by collected rain water.

Buffalo Ginger was the first crop that farmers began to grow in collaboration with DACE. The regional conditions and soil quality resulted in an intense, flavorful ginger perfect for dehydrating and grinding. DACE supplies training and seedlings to farmers and sterilizes, dries and grind the freshly harvested spices and prepares them for export. They control the quality of their products and provide meaningful economic opportunities from seedling to export.

DACE, named for the small, resilient river fish of the same name, plays an important role in partnering with local farmers to facilitate these economic opportunities, drive gender equality and move toward more sustainable agricultural practices.

HIGHLIGHTS

Origin: Cao Bằng, Vietnam

Process:  Dried with hot air, then ground

Ingredients: Ginger, ground (Zingiber officinale)

Tasting notes:  Pineapple • Fresh Herbs • Bright Heat

Pairs well with:  Ground Cinnamon Verum, New Harvest Turmeric, Wild Mountain Cumin

COOKING TIPS

1/2 teaspoon powder = 1 inch piece

Add to apple pies, cookies, cakes and other baked goods

Use in place of fresh ginger in soups, stir-fries and braises

Mix ¼ teaspoon with water and honey for a potent ginger tea (or skip the water and stir a pinch of ginger into honey)