After successful cultivation trials, ginger has established itself on the land of many vegetable farmers in Bavaria.
The Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture (LWG) can therefore successfully complete its trials on ginger cultivation this year.
"The ginger has made its way into practice, we have fulfilled our task," said test engineer Birgit Rascher.
In 2017, the LWG started the project in its test facility in Bamberg, and commercial gardeners quickly became interested in the topic.
Because: Ginger is trendy - as an ingredient in cooking as well as a household remedy in the cold season.
The final year of testing has now begun in Bamberg.
The young plants from the cultivation had developed "very nicely and with good quality", described Rascher.
They could be planted at the end of April.
The ginger is harvested in September, at the latest in October.
The soil temperature should not drop below 13 degrees.
Ginger plants need protection
The tests have shown that ginger only thrives in protected cultivation.
At least one foil tunnel must protect the plant from the weather.
The hot tuber is usually grown mainly in China, India, Indonesia, South America, but also on the Fiji Islands and appreciates tropical or subtropical climates.
In 2019, 20,700 tons of ginger roots were delivered to Germany, according to figures from the Federal Statistical Office.
Five years earlier, around 11,000 tons had been imported.
Consumers can buy Bavarian ginger primarily in vegetable farmers’ farm shops or at weekly markets.
100 grams cost up to 2.50 euros, explained Rascher.
But you get "regional, fresh ginger" that has not covered long transport routes.