What can you do with ginger root?

[ShawtyCat]

The only thing we use it for in Barbados is to boil it for tea or make Ginger Beer. What else can I use ginger root for? I feel really bad having it sit there in the fridge until it's tea time.

I read a chinese recipe where they asked for minced ginger. My ginger never softens to a digestable mush when I boil it for tea so how can you eat it? It just doesn't seem like it would work. Im gonna do some more searches on google maybe Ill come across some streaming video of cooking with ginger.

Jodi

[kokopuffs]

It's used in stir fry; for warmth; and, as a digestif.

[alexia]

Candy it and chop it up to use in biscotti and other sweets, nibble on it. Or just buy it candied.

It's good in marinades (soy, garlic, grated ginger, & dried mustard) for pork, chicken, etc.

[ShawtyCat]

Lucky me! Ive been defrosting some pork chops!

Thanks.

[alexia]

Also add a few drops or spoonful of oil, particularly with pork chops which tend to be dry.

[mudbug]

ShawtyCat,

There are thousands of recipes which utilize ginger which can be used in savory and sweet dishes. You can use it in just about anything you can think of, drinks, soups, cookies, cakes, pastas, breads, salads, salsas, dressings, marinades, candied, pickled, etc.

Browse here for ideas.

You can also put it in some slightly damp soil and it will stay fresh and maybe even grow for you.

You may find insight at the following sites as well:

Ginger - Origin, Uses and recipes


All About Ginger

Basics of Ginger

[ShawtyCat]

WOW! Cchiu, when you give advice. You GIVE advice! Thanks....the links are wonderful and very full of information. I just browsed through a ton on MSN.com. Thanks.

Can't wait to get started cookin'.

Jodi

[phatch]

It can store for about a year in a jar of sherry in your fridge.

I freeze mine and when I have to mince some, I just grate it off with my Microplane. The skin tends to flake off at the top and stay out of the grated ginger.

Phil

[Kimmie]

If you have a juicer, make carrot juice, adding a bit of ginger. You don't even need to peel it.

[Kimmie]

For longer storage, YOU CAN PLANT IT. Try this method: Fill a small ceramic pot partway with lightly moistened (not too wet) potting soil, place the ginger piece inside, and cover with more soil. Keep the pot in a sunny window and don’t water it too frequently. The ginger will grow fresh knobs and sprouts that can be used in cooking. Whenever a recipe calls for ginger, simply dig it up, break off a piece, and replant the remainder.

[ShawtyCat]

Phil

I wouldn't know where to get or how to pick a good sherry. Plus Ive got a house full o kiddies and not sure if soaking in alcohol is a good thing.

Kimmie

Ill definately try planting it next time...have to buy some potting soil first.

Thanks guys.

Jodi

PS

Seems nuts not to know how to use ginger considering I own a wok.

[chiffonade]

* minced in potsticker mix.

* minced in oriental sauces

* very fine dice (brunoise) of candied ginger in chutneys...I have a hard time making chutney without ginger

We used to get ginger in bulk when we had our little takeout place. It freezes beautifully, unpeeled, in a ziplock bag. I used to nuke it for about 30 seconds to make it sliceable. Run a peeler over the outside if you need to remove the peel. If you just want the juice, nuke it longer then squeeze it into whatever you're making.

This might seem obvious but it wasn't to me when I first heard it...don't ever try to substitute fresh ginger for ground ginger, say in gingerbread. Whole different animal.

[marmalady]

Hi, Jodie,

Also want to mention the many medicinal uses for ginger. In the martial arts, we chop up the root and boil with water, then let steep as an infusion. Then soak cloths in it to put on strains/sprains. Takes the swelling down, and also eases the pain.

Ginger root is also wonderful for 'tummy' aches; my grandmother used to give me a glass of ginger ale for upset stomaches.

Also works great when you have a cold, to make 'ginger tea' make an infusion as above, just not quite as strong as for a poultice, then add lemon and honey to taste. Really clears out the old sinuses.

[mudbug]

ShawtyCat,

If you have any sand laying around, that will work instead of soil as Kimmie and I suggested to plant your ginger root rhizomeÊand keep it fresh.

Ê

[kokopuffs]

Aaahhhhh, Marmalady. What a true afficionado of herbal powers. Ever thought of being a witch?!?!?!?