Have you ever boiled ginger and then had no idea what to do with the leftovers? You’re not alone.
In this blog post, I will share some ideas for how to use up leftover boiled ginger.
From adding it to smoothies to using it in recipes, there are plenty of ways to put that leftover ginger to good use.
Let’s take a look.
Save it for later
To save the leftover for later use, you can simply put it in a container or plastic bag and store it in your refrigerator.
Simply place the boiled ginger on a plate first, then cover it with a plastic bag and seal the edges air-tight.
Make candied ginger
Candied ginger is a great way to use up leftover boiled ginger.
To make candied ginger, you need equal parts of sugar and water.
Sugar can be white or brown – it’s completely your preference.
Boil the sugar and water until it becomes syrupy, then add in the ginger slices and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
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Use it to make a spiced tea
Leftover boiled ginger can be used in many different recipes like cakes, pies, cookies, and homemade bread.
Ginger is also a great option for making spiced tea because it contains numerous nutrients that are beneficial to your health.
Add it to your morning coffee, smoothie, or oatmeal
If you’re looking for a way to add some flavor to your morning cup of coffee, smoothie, or oatmeal, boiled ginger can do the trick.
It has a spicy kick similar to black pepper and it’s much healthier than sugar or cream.
You can also mix it with other spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra-yummy flavor.
Make homemade pickles
To make homemade pickles, simply cut the boiled ginger into thick slices.
Next, wash your favorite type of pickling cucumbers and put them in a container or jar with the slices.
Add some spices like dill seeds, mustard seed, cinnamon stick, cloves, mace powder, or allspice berries to give the pickles a zesty flavor.
Finally, mix together white vinegar, water, and sugar to create the brine that will cover the cucumbers and boiled ginger slices.
The leftover pickles should be placed in the refrigerator where they can last for up to one month.
Freeze the remaining boiled ginger
To freeze leftovers, simply cut them into their desired size and place the slices on a plate.
Cover the plate with plastic wrap and put it in your freezer.
Once you’re ready to enjoy your frozen slices, simply run some warm water over the slices for 30 seconds or until they thaw out.
You can also store your leftover boiled ginger in a bag for easy storage and use throughout the winter months.
Bake some ginger cookies
Although other types of ginger (such as fresh ginger) can be used for baking, using preserved ginger is a great option if you happen to have it on hand.
Gingerbread cookies are especially good with the addition of preserved ginger.
To make them, simply combine flour and baking soda together in one bowl and set it aside.
In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
Next, add eggs and molasses and mix well.
Then, slowly incorporate the flour mixture into this as you continue to stir it.
Finally, add in some boiled ginger as well as any other optional ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruit bits.
Make gingerbread
If you’re looking for a unique way to use leftover boiled ginger, try making gingerbread.
To make gingerbread, simply grate the ginger into small pieces.
Add some freshly grated ginger if you would like an even stronger flavor.
Boil your ginger along with some sugar, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and black pepper in water until it becomes syrupy.
Then, stir in some molasses to give the gingerbread a sweet kick.
Make ice cream or sorbet
If you’re looking for another way to use your leftover boiled ginger, then try making ice cream or sorbet.
To make sorbet, simply combine boiled ginger with water and sugar in a saucepan.
Cook this mixture over medium heat until it boils.
Then, take the mixture off of the stove and let it cool in the refrigerator.
Mix the chilled mixture with cream and pureed fruit.
Finally, freeze it in a plastic container or a bowl for at least 4 hours before serving.
If you would like to make ice cream instead, simply follow these same steps except beat eggs into your cooled sugar and ginger mixture before chilling.
Next, add some vanilla extract and salt along with your boiling mixture to the eggs.
Mix well and refrigerate until completely chilled before adding it to your ice cream maker.
Compost or add it to your garden soil
If you don’t have any other use for your leftover boiled ginger, then simply throw it in the trash or recycle bin.
In some areas, however, composting is allowed at home.
If this is true of your area, then simply chop up the leftover boiled ginger and mix it into a mixture of potting soil or compost that you already have on hand.
Is it good to eat boiled ginger?
Yes, ginger is a strongly flavored spice that is often used in cooking.
It is also known for its antioxidants and potential health benefits, including improved digestion. (source)
What are the side effects of drinking boiled ginger?
The potential side effects of drinking boiled ginger water in excess include gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and heartburn. (source)
How long should I boil ginger?
Lower the heat when the water boils and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Do you peel ginger before boiling it?
No, there is no need to do so.
Make sure to rinse and scrub the dirt first.
Is it better to eat ginger raw or boiled?
Raw ginger has more gingerols, which are beneficial.
If you cook the ginger, the gingerols turn into zingerones.
To get the most out of the properties of ginger, it is best to eat it raw and fresh. (source)
Is boiled ginger water good for cough?
Yes, boiled ginger water is beneficial for both sore throats and coughs.
Ginger reduces the inflammation caused in a throat when it is sore, and honey helps soothe it and also tame rough coughs.
Is it possible to reuse my ginger after boiling?
Yes, you can.
But make sure to boil it longer to achieve a better taste.
How do you boil ginger water?
You will need ginger root and water.
Boil the ginger root and water for 10-20 minutes.
The longer it boils, the stronger the flavor will be.
Add lime, honey, or lemon to taste.
Once it has cooled, enjoy your delicious ginger tea. (source)
Does boiling ginger make it stronger?
Yes, cooking ginger multiple times with fresh water will make it stronger.
Extracting more flavor will happen each time it is cooked.
Doing one batch cooked 3x as long, or cooking the same ginger with 3x as much water, won’t have the same effect.
Is it better to boil or steep ginger?
There are two ways to make tea using ginger.
You can either boil the ginger or steep it in hot water.
When you boil the ginger, it extracts the flavor and “essence” of the ginger into the water, making a powerful and spirited tea.
When you merely steep the ginger in hot water, you will get little more than water with a tinge of ginger flavor. (source)
Conclusion
Although you can get by without using boiled ginger in your cooking, it’s a great ingredient to have on hand for adding extra flavor and nutrition to your food.
With such a wide variety of uses, there’s no reason not to boil some ginger every now and then just to have it on hand.
What will you do with your leftover boiled ginger?