Red Button Ginger (Costus speciosus) is a visually striking plant admired for its unique appearance in gardens. Primarily grown for ornamental qualities, a common question arises regarding its edibility. This article clarifies which parts of Red Button Ginger are edible and how they might be used, along with important safety considerations.
Edibility of Red Button Ginger
Red Button Ginger, scientifically known as Costus speciosus, does have edible parts. It is not a true ginger from the Zingiberaceae family, but belongs to the Costaceae family. The flowers and leaves are recognized as edible components. While some traditional uses involve the rhizomes, their culinary edibility differs from true ginger.
Culinary Uses and Edible Parts
The bright, orange-yellow flowers that emerge from the distinctive red cones offer a sweet and tangy flavor, sometimes described as reminiscent of green apples or grapes. Their crunchy texture makes them a refreshing addition to salads or a decorative garnish. The sweet taste primarily comes from nectar at the flower’s base.
Young leaves and shoots are also consumed in certain regions. In some Southeast Asian communities, tender shoots are stir-fried, for instance, with anchovies and fermented shrimp paste. While Costus speciosus rhizomes have traditional medicinal applications, they are generally not used for culinary flavoring like true ginger rhizomes due to a lack of aromatic oils. However, some sources mention their use in curries or syrups, and historically even as famine food.
Safety Precautions and Considerations
Consuming Red Button Ginger requires careful consideration. While the flowers are generally safe, fresh rhizomes, particularly in large quantities, may contain saponins and other alkaloids. These can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Furthermore, some products labeled as “costus” from other species have been found to contain aristolochic acid, a compound known to cause kidney damage and cancer. This warning, primarily associated with medicinal preparations of certain Costus roots, underscores the importance of correct plant identification. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid consuming Costus species due to insufficient reliable information. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any new plant into your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Identifying Red Button Ginger
Accurate identification of Red Button Ginger (Costus speciosus) is crucial for safe use, distinguishing it from potentially toxic plants. This plant is known for its thick, succulent stems with a distinct spiraling growth pattern, giving it the common name “spiral ginger.” Its leaves are typically glossy green, thick, and leathery, arranged spirally along the tall stems. They are elliptical with a pointed tip, measuring about 20-25 cm long.
The most recognizable feature is its inflorescence, often described as a “red button” or “pine-cone-like” structure. These cylindrical spikes, composed of bright, glossy red bracts, can reach 12-15 cm in length. From within these red bracts, vibrant orange-yellow tubular flowers emerge. Red Button Ginger typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters, sometimes reaching up to 3 meters, and forms clumps from its rhizomatous roots.