Ginger

How to Select Ginger

  • Select hands of ginger that are firm with smooth skin and have a spicy aroma.
  • The skin should be thin enough to scrape away with your fingernail. Avoid ginger that has thick, fibrous skin as this can indicate that the ginger is aging and drying out.
  • Avoid ginger that is wrinkly, has soft spots, or shows signs of mold.
  • Ginger is most often sold by the pound. It is okay to break off what you need from a larger hand. Fresh ginger will snap apart easily.

When is Ginger in Season?

Ginger is typically in season from mid-autumn to early winter, usually from October to January. During this time, you can find ginger at its freshest and most flavorful, making it a great addition to your seasonal recipes. Remember to choose ginger that feels firm and has smooth skin. Happy cooking!

Varieties of Ginger 

Ginger comes in various types, each with a unique appearance and flavor profile. You should always choose firm, smooth-skinned ginger for the best flavor and quality to select the best ginger. While there are wide varieties of ginger, we’ll highlight some of the most popular ones:

  • Baby Ginger: This ginger is harvested early, so it is milder, softer, and juicier than other varieties. It has pale yellowish-green skin, and its flavor is less spicy and more citrusy.
  • Yellow Ginger: This ginger has a thin, yellow skin that is easy to peel, and its flavor is sweet and slightly spicy. It is a popular choice for pickling, and its juice is found in many tropical drinks.
  • White Ginger: This ginger has a thicker skin and a more intense flavor than yellow ginger. It is commonly used in Asian cooking and is excellent for ginger tea.
  • Blue Ring Ginger: This ginger has a blue ring around the inside of the stem, and its flavor is mildly spicy with a hint of citrus. It is used for its ornamental value and is often found in flower arrangements.
  • Black Ginger: This ginger has dark, almost black skin, and its flavor is earthy and slightly bitter. Used in traditional medicine, black gingers has healing properties.

Ginger Nutrition Facts & Benefits

Here are the nutritional facts for 100 grams of raw ginger:

  • Approx 80 calories
  • 0.8 grams of fat
  • 2 grams of protein
  • 18 grams of carbohydrates
  • 1.7 grams of natural sugar
  • 2 grams of fiber

Ginger has many potential health benefits. Here are proven ways that ginger can benefit your health:

How to Store Ginger

How To Store Ginger: Store fresh ginger unpeeled. Place it in an airtight container or plastic bag with the air removed. Store in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Throw away if/when you see signs of mold.

How To Freeze Ginger: Place unpeeled hands or knobs of ginger in an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to three months. There is no need to thaw frozen ginger before grating, slicing, or mincing it.

How to Prepare Ginger 

Ginger is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that is used in many ways. Here are our favorite ways to prepare ginger:

  • Grated: Grating ginger is an easy way to add it to dishes like stir-fries, marinades, and dressings. Use a grater to create fine, even shreds.
  • Sliced: Slicing ginger is a great way to infuse its flavor into soups, stews, and broths. Using a knife, cut it into thin rounds or matchsticks.
  • Juiced: Ginger juice adds a spicy kick to drinks and sauces. Use a juicer or a fine-mesh strainer to extract the juice from grated ginger.
  • Candied: Candied ginger is a sweet and spicy treat that can be eaten on its own or used as a topping for desserts. Boil sliced ginger in sugar water until tender, then coat with sugar and let dry.

How to Serve Ginger