Ginger is one of the oldest spices known to mankind. Its roots are native to India and China, where it has been used for thousands of years to treat everything from stomach problems to headaches. Today, people use ginger to relieve nausea, reduce pain, and even prevent heart disease.
The active compound in ginger, gingerol, is responsible for many of its health benefits. Gingerols work by reducing inflammation throughout the body, including in the digestive tract. They also relax blood vessels, helping to lower high blood pressure and improve circulation.
In addition, gingerols inhibit platelet aggregation, which reduces the risk of clots. This makes ginger useful for preventing heart attacks and strokes. In fact, some studies suggest that ginger may be able to prevent heart disease altogether.
Finally, gingerols have anti-cancer properties. Research suggests that they may slow tumor growth and kill cancer cells. However, further research is needed to confirm this claim. This article covers everything you need to know about ginger.
Tips To Buy Fresh Ginger
Ginger is one of those ingredients that you just don’t think much about buying. You know you’ll use it eventually, but you never really stop to consider where you’re getting it from. But there are some things to keep in mind when choosing whether to purchase organic or conventional ginger.
Organic ginger tends to be larger and brighter in color than conventionally grown ginger. This makes it easier to see how much you’re actually getting. If you want to make sure you’re getting the best quality ginger, look for organically grown ginger.
If you’re purchasing ginger in bulk, choose a store that sells both organic and conventional ginger. Look for signs indicating “certified organic.”
When shopping for ginger, measure out what you plan to use. One inch of fresh ginger weighs approximately one ounce. When measuring ginger, remember that it is typically sold by weight rather than volume.
You can find ginger in different forms. Whole ginger is usually sold whole, sliced, ground, or grated. Dried ginger is typically sold in sticks, pieces, or slices.
Ginger is available year-round, but it is most common during the fall and winter months due to its high demand.
If you do decide to purchase some ginger root, here are a few tips to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.
1. Buy Whole Roots
When buying ginger root, you want to look for firm pieces of ginger that have a smooth, unwrinkled outer peel. If you see wrinkles, the piece is starting to deteriorate. When you pick up the piece, feel the end to make sure it feels solid.
2. Avoid Moldy Ginger
Look for ginger roots that aren’t covered in mold. If you see black patches or brownish areas on the outside, it’s likely mold.
How To Store Fresh Ginger
Ginger is one of those foods you want to keep around because it tastes great and makes everything better. But it doesn’t always make sense to buy fresh ginger every week. If you’re like most people, you’ll often find yourself with a bunch of leftover ginger root. So how do you store fresh ginger?
The answer depends on whether you plan to use the ginger within a few days or weeks. For example, if you plan to use ginger root within a few days, store the ginger in a cool, dark place such as on the kitchen counter, away from the sun.
Or peel the ginger root and put it into a glass jar filled with water. Then cover the jar with a lid and stick it in the refrigerator. This works well for keeping ginger root fresh for about three weeks.
If you don’t plan to eat the ginger within a couple of weeks, you might consider freezing it. Simply cut off the roots and slice the slices into small pieces. You can freeze them in a freezer bag or container. Just remember to label the contents clearly and date them.
How To Store Minced Or Peeled Ginger
Peeling ginger is easy enough. You just want to peel off the skin without damaging the flesh underneath. Peel away the outer layer of skin and rinse well under cold water. Then slice into thin strips. Or, chop finely. Either way, store it in a sealed container in the fridge.
If you’re making a lot of ginger tea, you might want to keep some extra ginger around. But don’t worry about peeling too much. Once you’ve got the amount you need, just wrap the peeled root in a piece of plastic wrap and put it in the freezer.
This will help preserve the flavor and prevent browning. When you’re ready to use it, simply take out what you need and grate or mince it.
You can also freeze grated ginger in ice cube trays. Put the cubes in a resealable bag and pop them in the freezer. They’ll keep frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the cubes in a bowl of warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes, then drain and squeeze dry. Use as desired.
Can You Freeze Ginger?
Freezing ginger is a great alternative to buying it in bulk. If you don’t want to buy a whole bunch of ginger every month, try freezing some of it yourself. There are many ways to do this, including wrapping it in plastic, putting it in ice cube trays, or even freezing it in small bags. This method works well because you can just take out what you need whenever you need it.
To freeze ginger, wrap it around in plastic (if freezing large hands, break it down into smaller pieces). Then place the wrapped ginger in the freezer. Once the ginger is frozen, transfer it into a zip-top bag and store it in the freezer. Use within three months.
Why Freezing Ginger?
Frozen ginger is great for making sauce, soup, and other dishes where a little extra kick is needed. This technique works well with almost any type of fruit or veggie, including bell peppers, pineapples, strawberries, etc. Freezing preserves its color, shape, and taste.
How To Store Ginger Paste
Ginger is one of those spices that everyone loves. But how do you make sure that you always have some on hand? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are five ways to store ginger paste.
1. Make Your Own Ginger Paste
You can easily make your own ginger paste by grating fresh ginger root and mixing it with honey. Simply combine equal parts of grated ginger and honey in a bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure that there aren’t any clumps of ginger left behind.
Cover the mixture tightly and place it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, you’ll find that the ginger has turned slightly pinkish and the honey has solidified. You can use this mixture immediately or freeze it for later use.
2. Buy Fresh Ginger Paste
If you don’t feel like making your own ginger paste, you can buy pre-made ginger paste at most grocery stores. Just look for brands that contain no preservatives. If you’re looking for something even fresher, try buying ginger paste online. Some companies sell ginger paste in small jars that you can refrigerate and use within a few weeks.
3. Freeze Ginger Paste
Freezing ginger paste is another great way to preserve it. Simply grate fresh ginger root and mix it with honey. Then pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze it.
Once the cubes are frozen, transfer them to Ziploc bags and label each bag with the date that it was frozen. You can use the ginger paste straight out of the freezer or thaw it completely before using it.
FAQs
What Type of Ginger Should I Use?
There are two main kinds of ginger: fresh and dried. Fresh ginger has a more intense flavor than dried ginger. It also tends to be less expensive. The downside is that fresh ginger loses its flavor quickly when exposed to heat.
So if you’re making soup or stew, you should only add fresh ginger at the very last minute. Dried ginger retains its flavor better and lasts longer.
How Long Does Ginger Last?
Fresh ginger keeps for about 3 months. Dried ginger can keep for up to six months if stored correctly. To extend the shelf life of ginger, place it in an airtight container and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
How Much Ginger Is Enough?
The amount of ginger you’ll need depends on the recipe you’re using it in. For example, 1 tablespoon of chopped ginger adds zing to a cup of tea. A whole 2-inch piece of ginger gives a kick to a stir fry.
Do I Need To Wash My Ginger?
Washing ginger removes dirt and debris that may cause discoloration. But washing doesn’t remove all impurities. So if you want to ensure that your ginger is free of bacteria, wash it thoroughly.
Conclusion
Ginger is one of those foods that most individuals love. We’ve mentioned some tips above on how to store fresh ginger longer without losing its flavor. Wash fresh ginger thoroughly before you store it. This includes peeling and cutting it into slices. If you are planning to use ginger within a few days, you can keep it in the fridge. However, if you plan to use it later, you can freeze it.