Crystal Ginger

Crystal Ginger is a commonly grown magical ingredient that is closely related to real Ginger, a plant with origins in the islands of southeast Asia. It is known to be used in some healing potions, antidotes, and swiftness potions.

## Description

Crystal Ginger is a flowering, herbaceous perennial whose rhizome (a part of the stem growing below the ground) is harvested for use. It can be recognized above ground by its tall red stems from which grow long, thin leaves that stick out straight and seem to shimmer like fire in the sunlight. The leaves and stem can be used like green onions, though they have a mild gingery flavor and thermal heat to them. The rhizomes are the most clearly different part of the plant, which glow with an inner reddish-gold warmth and look like topaz or garnet gemstone. The bulbous rhizome is very hard, but can be shaved and carved just like a normal ginger root.

It can be told apart from mandrake by the colors and the fact it does not scream.

### Magical Properties

The heat lingers for about 24 hours after cutting, making it popular for survival in cold climates as an emergency warming pack to fend off frostbite.

While not all potions with these effects may use Crystal Ginger as an ingredient, these are traits commonly ascribed to the rhizome:

* Speed
* Fire, warmth (fresh)
* Healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant (best with ground)
* Pain reduction and anti-nausea (best with fresh)
* Affection
* Success
* Money and material wealth
* Memory (dried)
* Critical Thinking (dried)

## Habitat

It is native to tropical, wet, forest environments, but due to its popularity and its own ability to generate heat, it has been exported all over the world. It has been able to adapt well to most moist forest environments, with some cultivars able to grow naturally in wild forests with rich, dark soils, but well-drained and not soggy.

### How to Collect

Once the plant has blossomed and the leaves have dried and the stems have begun to droop (which is usually 8-12 months after sprouting), the rhizome is ready for harvest. The rhizome should be firm, plump, warm, heavy, and not bruise easily. It should have a sharp, peppery citrus smell.

### How to Prepare

The gemstone-like skin of crystal ginger does not need to be removed in most cases. While the rhizome does look like a solid, misshapen crystal, it can be cut and carved with a sharp potion knife, though caution is advised due to its firmness. It can be chopped, minced, or grated to help release the juices and aromas, or can be powdered, candied, juiced, made into an oil, or even pickled!

Different forms of ginger, particularly whether fresh or dried, will change its qualities, so prepare it depending upon how you intend to use it.

The longer fresh crystal ginger is cooked, the less noticeable it is in a potion, but this does not diminish its fire qualities. Dried ginger will retain its flavor at high temperatures.

## Gardening

It is easily grown in containers or magical gardens, where its innate heat can warm the soil. Caution should be taken in what plants are grown closely to it, however, as it may slowly bake those plants closest to it; otherwise, it is excellent at keeping frost off of soil and providing some extra warmth greenhouses, windowsills, or patios. Some cultivars prefer full sun, while others prefer full shade. They require nutrient-rich soils or hydroponics with plenty of nutrients.

It is best planted from rhizome cuttings in early spring.

## Known Potions using Crystal Ginger

* Antidote
* Severe Healing Potion
* Swiftness
* **Fire-Breath**: allows you to breathe a flame gout into the space in front of you, hitting anything up to 10’ away in a straight line for 2d8 fire damage.