Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger is a pungent, aromatic root used as a spice or flavoring for a variety of foods. “Hands” of fresh ginger root are knobby and fibrous with tannish skin and white to beige flesh. Fresh ginger should be hard and weighty with fairly smooth skin. This legendary spice is rooted in history! Ginger root has been mentioned in Chinese medical books dating back 2000 years, and is still touted as a remedy for everything from colds, flu and nausea to arthritis pain, blood clots and high cholesterol. It’s effective for motion sickness and upset stomachs.

Grate, slice, chop or grind and add to stir-fry dishes, sauces and marinades. Peel ginger first if not discarding pieces. An essential ingredient in Asian and East Indian food, it can spice up the flavor of vegetables, seafood, poultry, meats, even beverages. Slice or chop and add a teaspoon to 1 cup boiling water; steep for 10 minutes, strain and use as a tea for upset stomach. Add a tsp. or two of fresh, grated ginger to bread or cookie dough before baking.

How to peel: Scrape skin off ginger by using the side of a teaspoon. Grating is easier then mincing so use a cheese grater to grate ginger. FYI: There is no need to peel ginger if using it in marinades or in dishes where slices can be removed.

Available year round.

Storage & Handling

  • In Store: keep in a cool, dry place – do not refrigerate or mist.
  • Consumers: store fresh ginger in plastic wrap or in a plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture and refrigerate for a week or more. For longer storage, freeze up to three months in an air tight plastic bag and grate as needed.

Merchandising

Merchandise “hands” of ginger root with stir-fry or Oriental vegetables and other specialty produce; place near herbs, spices, fresh garlic, chiles or other root vegetables.

 

This has 3 comments.

  1. Hey, thanks for revealing your thinking in Fresh Ginger | Christopher Ranch. This is really an awesome blog.

  2. Mary Ann Crocker says:

    I received Fresh Ginger #4612 from Christopher Ranch and wanted to know if this is the plant that has the Red flowers that resemble an up-side down Pine cone. Could you please inform me as how to plant it and if I have the correct
    ginger. Any help would be appreciated.
    Thank you,
    Mary Ann Crocker
    macrocker@pdq.net
    281-497-0269
    13802 Holly Lynn Lane
    Houston, Tx. 77077

    • christopherranch says:

      Hi Mary Ann: It’s most likely Hawaiian ginger, but check the many online sites for “ginger root flowers” to get more information on planting, etc.


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