
Ginger
Ginger is a pungent and aromatic rhizome widely used as a spice and flavoring agent in cuisines around the world. Fresh ginger root has a tan skin and pale yellow interior, offering a zesty, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor with a warm, spicy aroma. Known for its medicinal properties and culinary versatility, ginger adds a distinctive kick to both sweet and savory dishes. Ground ginger, derived from dried ginger, provides a more concentrated, warming spice, perfect for baking and spice blends. Learn how to use fresh ginger root, ground ginger powder, and pickled ginger to elevate your cooking.
Common Uses
- Add freshly grated ginger to stir-fries and Asian-inspired dishes to impart a warm, spicy flavor and enhance the overall taste profile, creating a balanced and aromatic dish.
- Brew a soothing ginger tea by steeping sliced fresh ginger in hot water with honey and lemon, a traditional remedy for colds, nausea, and digestive discomfort, offering a comforting and flavorful beverage.
- Incorporate ground ginger into baked goods like gingerbread cookies, cakes, and muffins to create a warm, spicy, and comforting flavor profile, adding depth and complexity to your favorite sweet treats.
- Use pickled ginger (gari) as a palate cleanser alongside sushi and sashimi, its sweet and tangy flavor helping to neutralize the taste between different types of seafood and refreshing the palate.
- Create flavorful marinades for meats and poultry by combining grated ginger with soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings, infusing the meat with a savory and aromatic flavor that tenderizes and enhances the overall dining experience.
- Blend fresh ginger into smoothies and juices for a healthy and flavorful boost, adding a spicy kick and potential health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to a nutritious and invigorating beverage.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
4.8kcal (0.24%)
Protein
0.1g (0.16%)
Carbs
1.1g (0.38%)
Sugars
0.1g (0.2%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
4.8kcal (0.24%)
Protein
0.1g (0.16%)
Carbs
1.1g (0.38%)
Sugars
0.1g (0.2%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- May help relieve nausea and morning sickness due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Can reduce muscle pain and soreness after exercise, aiding in recovery.
- Might lower blood sugar levels and improve heart disease risk factors, supporting cardiovascular health.
- Contains potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may boost the immune system.
- Could improve brain function and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Fresh ginger root should be stored properly to maintain its pungency and flavor. For short-term storage, keep ginger at room temperature in a cool, dark place. To extend its shelf life, wrap the ginger in a paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. You can also freeze ginger; peel it, chop or grate it, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen ginger can be easily grated or added directly to recipes.
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