2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The gin / gin / is a high-alcohol beverage that lovers of alcoholic beverages know because of its participation in many cocktails popular around the world. Real gin is made from the fruits of the juniper plant, as well as other fruits. Cereals are sometimes used. Gin has a characteristic juniper-like scent precisely because of the use of processed juniper berries. The alcohol content in the drink is about 40 percent.
History of gin
Gin has a long history. The Dutch doctor Francisco Silvius is the father of this aromatic drink, or at least it is attributed to its discovery. He is said to have discovered gin in the seventeenth century. He then confused him with the idea of producing a cure for kidney problems, stomach complaints and blood purification. For this purpose, the doctor gathered in one place juniper berries, anise, coriander and other herbs, which at that time were already proven.
He then soaked them in an alcohol solution. Sylvius tested the creation on his patients, and the fame of the liquid quickly spread. Although, according to sources, gin was invented in the seventeenth century, juniper berries have been used for healing since time immemorial. During the plague, people tried to escape the insidious scourge with the help of juniper. Unfortunately, this did not give the desired results.
The modern name of gin comes from the Dutch word genever, which translates as juniper. From the seventeenth century until now, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have changed and shortened several times, so that the name of the alcohol eventually remains only gin or gin. And although in the beginning gin was drunk mainly in the Netherlands, it quickly gained popularity among the British. Maybe that's why today they are the leading producer of this juniper drink. And although it was banned in the nineteenth century, in our time gin is among the indispensable alcoholic beverages.
Gin production
As it has already become clear, the leading ingredient in the production of real gin is the juniper fruit. It, together with various plants, soaks for some time in grapes. The substance is then subjected to distillation. The alcohol formed does not have a specific color. The specific note of the finished gin is due to the juniper berries and some added herbs such as anise, cumin or cinnamon. It is believed that when the producers of this drink insist on quality, they flavor it with at least 6-7 different herbs.
Types of gin
There is already a wide variety of this spirit on the market. A popular type is London dry gin. And by "dry" is meant that the drink does not have added sugar. In addition, in this case, the main product from which the alcohol is made is juniper fruit. Also, no colorants are used for London dry gin.
Another popular species is the so-called Plymouth gin, in which producers use a bouquet of different herbs. It is also usually produced with special water from Dartmoor, England. With this look you can not ignore the soft taste and strong intoxicating aroma. In Plymouth gin, there is the use of flavors, which, taken together, form a unique aroma. According to tradition, it can only be produced in the city of Plymouth. It is believed that manufacturers still use a recipe from three centuries ago.
Deserved attention should be paid to the Dutch type of gin. It is special in that it is prepared according to a specific Dutch recipe dating back to the distant seventeenth century. Of course, it can't be exactly the same as it was at the time, at least because of the modern technology that manufacturers still use. In the Dutch species, however, there are two methods of production, thanks to which young and old gin are present. However, these definitions are not related to any special aging, but rather to a difference in the flavoring of the two subspecies. In the preparation of Dutch gin, in addition to juniper berries, citrus peels are also added.
Serving gin
The aromatic drink is served in a tall glass with a volume of 200 to 250 ml, and its temperature should be between 6 and 8 degrees. A lemon slice and a glass of sparkling water are served with it. As the lemon can be attached to the edge of the cup or served separately in a small plate. Optionally, ice is added to the drink.
Gin in cooking
Gin can be combined with various drinks, and without a doubt its most popular addition is the tonic. Among the famous gin cocktails is our well-known martini. In fact, gin combines with almost all alcohols and all fruit flavors, so when you use it, it's enough to just let your imagination run wild. Salty dishes can also be flavored with gin. Experienced chefs include it in chicken and pork specialties.
Benefits of gin
The beneficial properties of gin have been discussed for centuries. Quality gin has the ability to purify the blood, and is also used as a diuretic. For this reason, it is recommended for fluid retention and bloating. A curious fact is that the famous cocktail with gin and tonic was invented in India as a remedy against malaria.
It relies on the active ingredient quinine, which is present in the tonic and gives it a bitter note. Moderate consumption of the drink helps to easily remove tough secretions. Nowadays, gin is also used as a remedy for colds, coughs, bronchitis. The gin compress helps relieve low back and joint pain. Gin improves and normalizes heart function and strengthens the heart.
Folk medicine with gin
Western folk medicine offers several healing applications of gin. You can make homemade syrup for a sore throat with the help of fragrant alcohol. For this you will need three tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of gin and one tablespoon of onion juice. Take one teaspoon of the mixture every few hours after a meal.
Healers also offer a decoction of gin and chamomile, which is consumed for faster expectoration and relief of tension in the lungs. For tea you will need two tablespoons of chamomile. It is boiled in 150 ml of water. Strain and mix with 100 ml of gin. Optionally sweetened with honey. From the resulting decoction take 1-2 tablespoons before meals.
A tonic compress is also known to be used to relieve back pain. Soak gauze with 50 ml of gin, a tablespoon of white radish juice and a tablespoon of onion juice. The compress prepared in this way is applied to the affected area and is removed after half an hour. Then the area is washed with warm water.
Harm from gin
Although it has useful properties, gin it should not be consumed systematically and in large quantities, because it is still alcohol. Daily use of the alcoholic substance can lead to addiction to it. Consumption of gin is not recommended for people who are allergic to juniper, because it can cause them discomfort.
