Ginger: Properties and Uses

Ginger is a plant known for its tuber-like rhizome, often used in Japanese and Indian cuisines. It is an aromatic root used fresh or ground in foods and drinks. With its sharp, slightly spicy flavor, ginger works in both sweet and savory recipes and can be consumed fresh, dried and ground, or as tea. This guide covers choosing, storing, and using ginger in the kitchen.

Ginger in the kitchen
Fresh or ground ginger can add a sharp aroma to drinks and dishes. Ginger mixed with honey can be used to make a drink that combines sweet and spicy flavors. Gingerol in ginger is associated with the spice’s pungent taste; using a small amount makes it easier to balance the flavor of a recipe. Ginger is an aromatic root that can be used in soups, curries, and drinks.

How to choose ginger
When buying fresh ginger, look for a firm root with smooth, glossy skin; wrinkled or softened roots have gone stale. Freshness is indicated by moist, pale yellow flesh just beneath the skin when it is lightly scraped. When buying ground ginger, look for a vivid yellow-brown color and a pungent aroma. Buying small amounts and using them promptly helps preserve the freshest aroma.

How to store ginger
An uncut fresh ginger root can be stored for about 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator, wrapped in a paper towel and placed in a bag. Peeled and sliced ginger stays fresh for about a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, grate ginger and freeze it in small portions; you can add it directly to dishes as needed. Ground ginger can be stored for months in a sealed jar away from light.

How to use ginger in the kitchen
Ginger can be finely grated or julienned for vegetable sautés, soups, and wok dishes; adding it near the end of cooking helps preserve its aroma. It is one of the essential spices in ginger cakes and cookies. Fresh ginger can be thinly sliced and steeped in boiling water to make tea; adding honey and lemon softens the flavor and makes it easier to drink. Ginger lemonade is also a refreshing option in summer.

What flavors pair well with ginger?
Ginger’s sharp aroma pairs well with lemon, honey, cinnamon, and black pepper; these combinations are often used in teas and dessert sauces. Combined with soy sauce and garlic, ginger adds a distinctive aroma to savory dishes inspired by Asian cuisines. Ginger juice blended with carrots, apples, and oranges is also a practical option for anyone looking to start the day with energy. In marinades for chicken and fish, ginger mixed with soy sauce, garlic, and a small amount of honey adds flavor and can help tenderize the meat.