I bought ginger root...now what??

nicolepburgess91
nicolepburgess91 Posts: 82 Member
edited November 15 in Health and Weight Loss
So I've read a lot about the health benefits of ginger and making ginger root tea to boost your metabolism. I drink a lot of tea so I figured I could add some ginger root. Problem is...I'm looking at it and I don't have the slightest idea how to use this thing.
Help!?
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Replies

  • serindipte
    serindipte Posts: 1,557 Member
    Stir water, brown sugar, and grated ginger root (peel it first) together in a saucepan; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook at a simmer for 20 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and add tea bags; steep tea to desired strength, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • sydney_bosque
    sydney_bosque Posts: 42 Member
    Here's how I make tea with it: Chop about an inch off the root and peel it. Grate or chop it (the grain of the root runs lengthwise, so it makes it easy to grate if you follow the grain.) Then, I boil water and pour it over the ginger. I read somewhere that you don't want to actually boil the ginger, because it can destroy some of the beneficial ingredients. I also squirt half a lemon in and add some honey. It's also very good added in with soups, or in a curry-based meal, like shrimp or chicken curry.
  • sydney_bosque
    sydney_bosque Posts: 42 Member
    Also, as far as boosting your metabolism, I'm not sure it's going to be a super-hero in that area. HOWEVER, it has been a proven anti-bacterial and anti-viral, and my pediatrician tells me that I should definitely include it in my kids' diets and my own (I'm still breastfeeding.) She's from China and has done lots of research on the health benefits of ginger. She said it's her first line of defense no matter what she's sick from.
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    edited January 2017
    dont believe the hype. if a food says it boosts metabolism,its not going to be enough to notice unless its in high quantities and that could be toxic in excess. if it has health properties thats one thing but there is no food that boosts metabolism to see a difference. a deficit helps you lose weight,if drinking tea helps keep you from overeating then drink it.if you like the taste drink it.
  • HeidiCooksSupper
    HeidiCooksSupper Posts: 3,839 Member
    A Chinese friend just taught me to steep slices of it in hot water as you would a tea bag. The longer it steeps, the stronger it gets. It's great for a cold or stuffy nose. You can also use crystallized ginger to get the same effect.
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    edited January 2017
    I want some ginger snap cookies now. Like the triple ginger ones from Trader Joe's, unless anyone wants to make me some...
  • sydney_bosque
    sydney_bosque Posts: 42 Member

    Mine is from Poland. He feels the same way about kielbasa. [/quote]

    Gross

  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    Azdak wrote: »
    Also, as far as boosting your metabolism, I'm not sure it's going to be a super-hero in that area. HOWEVER, it has been a proven anti-bacterial and anti-viral, and my pediatrician tells me that I should definitely include it in my kids' diets and my own (I'm still breastfeeding.) She's from China and has done lots of research on the health benefits of ginger. She said it's her first line of defense no matter what she's sick from.

    Mine is from Poland. He feels the same way about kielbasa.

    If kielbasa was anti-bacterial/anti-viral, I'd be the healthiest person on the planet! :D

    I love kielbasa but it doesnt love me lol.and wouldnt he mean the sauerkraut? never heard of kielbasa being anti bacterial/viral but heard sauerkraut is. they say fermented foods are good for your gut.
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    Azdak wrote: »
    Also, as far as boosting your metabolism, I'm not sure it's going to be a super-hero in that area. HOWEVER, it has been a proven anti-bacterial and anti-viral, and my pediatrician tells me that I should definitely include it in my kids' diets and my own (I'm still breastfeeding.) She's from China and has done lots of research on the health benefits of ginger. She said it's her first line of defense no matter what she's sick from.

    Mine is from Poland. He feels the same way about kielbasa.

    If kielbasa was anti-bacterial/anti-viral, I'd be the healthiest person on the planet! :D

    I love kielbasa but it doesnt love me lol.and wouldnt he mean the sauerkraut? never heard of kielbasa being anti bacterial/viral but heard sauerkraut is. they say fermented foods are good for your gut.

    Ginger is awesome with kimchi.
  • Fit_in_Folsom
    Fit_in_Folsom Posts: 220 Member
    We use ginger to curb motion sickness while on boats/kayaks. It really works well.
  • endlessfall16
    endlessfall16 Posts: 932 Member
    What to do with it? Throw it away! Ginger tastes nasty :confounded:

    Can you drink brandy or any hard liquor? Those wines burn worse than ginger.

    Certain Asian dishes go really well with ginger. It gives a warm taste and helps kill off excessive meat odor.
  • TheSkyBlushed
    TheSkyBlushed Posts: 153 Member
    edited January 2017
    So I've read a lot about the health benefits of ginger and making ginger root tea to boost your metabolism. I drink a lot of tea so I figured I could add some ginger root. Problem is...I'm looking at it and I don't have the slightest idea how to use this thing.
    Help!?

    Cut off a chunk about an inch long, peel it with a knife (I find this the easiest) Then grate it on the smallest part of your box grater to make a fine juicy mince (don't forget to scoop out inside the grater)

    At this point it can be added to dressings, smoothies, stir fry's, or marinade/dipping sauces.

    I personally love the combo of:
    garlic minced 1-2 cloves
    1" ginger mince
    3-4 tablespoons honey
    1-2 tablespoons of wheat free tamari (or soy sauce)
    1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (to taste)
    I usually just eyeball the amounts, so keep tasting until you get the right mix for you.

    We use this sauce as a dip for collard rolls, as a wing sauce, pot stickers, etc. I also make a slightly different version to go on my kale salad > (maple syrup, no sesame seeds, olive oil, etc)

    4auqk9hcsnqg.png
    The sauce is the one on the bottom right.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,598 Member
    I drink lemon-ginger tea when my stomach is a bit upset.

    I take ginger tablets when it is a bit more upset or if I'm going to be on water or on long drives.

    I eat crystalised ginger if I'm going to be on water or on long drives.

    And I'll add a bit of ginger paste to certain curry dishes I make.

    But I've never done anything with the ginger root.
  • PaulaWallaDingDong
    PaulaWallaDingDong Posts: 4,641 Member
    Yup. I'd learn ro cook Chinese food, too.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    I have not tried this yet, but it sounds interesting:

    http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/article/roasted-ginger-recipe

    You roast the ginger, skin and all, and purée it in a food processor. Then use it in a variety of ways.
  • TheSkyBlushed
    TheSkyBlushed Posts: 153 Member
    Azdak wrote: »
    I have not tried this yet, but it sounds interesting:

    http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/article/roasted-ginger-recipe

    You roast the ginger, skin and all, and purée it in a food processor. Then use it in a variety of ways.

    Thanks, I will try that. I haven't had roasted ginger before. Sounds interesting. I wonder if it mellows the flavor?
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    Azdak wrote: »
    Also, as far as boosting your metabolism, I'm not sure it's going to be a super-hero in that area. HOWEVER, it has been a proven anti-bacterial and anti-viral, and my pediatrician tells me that I should definitely include it in my kids' diets and my own (I'm still breastfeeding.) She's from China and has done lots of research on the health benefits of ginger. She said it's her first line of defense no matter what she's sick from.

    Mine is from Poland. He feels the same way about kielbasa.

    If kielbasa was anti-bacterial/anti-viral, I'd be the healthiest person on the planet! :D

    I love kielbasa but it doesnt love me lol.and wouldnt he mean the sauerkraut? never heard of kielbasa being anti bacterial/viral but heard sauerkraut is. they say fermented foods are good for your gut.

    Ginger is awesome with kimchi.

    never had kimchi before. very reluctant to try it lol
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    I drink lemon-ginger tea when my stomach is a bit upset.

    I take ginger tablets when it is a bit more upset or if I'm going to be on water or on long drives.

    I eat crystalised ginger if I'm going to be on water or on long drives.

    And I'll add a bit of ginger paste to certain curry dishes I make.

    But I've never done anything with the ginger root.

    I tried it crystallized and also dried and candied. was NOT a fan lol
  • CafeRacer808
    CafeRacer808 Posts: 2,396 Member
    Azdak wrote: »
    I have not tried this yet, but it sounds interesting:

    http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/article/roasted-ginger-recipe

    You roast the ginger, skin and all, and purée it in a food processor. Then use it in a variety of ways.

    I definitely need to try this. Thanks for the link!
  • JusticeAshley
    JusticeAshley Posts: 495 Member
    I love ginger tea, it's one of my favorite drinks during the winter!

    I usually peel it, chop it up and boil it for about 20 minutes, until the water gets brown. While it's boiling, I add cinnamon, and lemon or lime. Then I drink it with honey.

    As everyone said, it doesn't boost your metabolism, but it does boost your immune system. It also helps with digestion, as it assists the body to absorb foods.

    Check out this article on benefits of ginger root and ways to make it:

    http://www.chopra.com/articles/the-health-benefits-of-ginger-tea
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