I bought ginger root...now what??

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  • TheSkyBlushed
    TheSkyBlushed Posts: 153 Member
    edited January 2017
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    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: 24,967 Member
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    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
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    Yup. I'd learn ro cook Chinese food, too.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
  • jagodfrey08
    jagodfrey08 Posts: 425 Member
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    I might have to try this tea. It sounds delicious! I love fresh ginger. I made pork chops in a ginger pear reduction once. I use fresh ginger a lot for my Asian meals. Love it!
  • CafeRacer808
    CafeRacer808 Posts: 2,396 Member
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    I might have to try this tea. It sounds delicious! I love fresh ginger. I made pork chops in a ginger pear reduction once. I use fresh ginger a lot for my Asian meals. Love it!

    OK, that sounds awesome!
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 24,967 Member
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    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

    I don't like it either, but when it is a toss up between crunching down a couple pieces of crystallised ginger or feeling horrendously nauseated on a long drive on the twisty, windy roads around Australia ... I'll take the ginger.

  • Nony_Mouse
    Nony_Mouse Posts: 5,646 Member
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    Now I want chocolate covered ginger...(if you've never had it, seriously amazingly good!! And practically a health food really).
  • Gymgrl421
    Gymgrl421 Posts: 26 Member
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    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.

    You have because all of those things are actually made from the ginger root ;)
  • candythorns
    candythorns Posts: 246 Member
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    What to do with it? Throw it away! Ginger tastes nasty :confounded:
    I came here to say just that!! I always order it in my smoothies because it's healthy BUT I always regret it
  • Chef_Barbell
    Chef_Barbell Posts: 6,644 Member
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    What to do with it? Throw it away! Ginger tastes nasty :confounded:

    Nah. It's tasty cooked in Asian and Caribbean dishes. As well as African dishes.
  • JeromeBarry1
    JeromeBarry1 Posts: 10,182 Member
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    When I was looking into using ginger, I read that storing the root in the freezer made it easier to grate with a fork. I also read that it loses pungency quickly in heat, so add it to your pot last and late. That's all I got.
  • U2R2
    U2R2 Posts: 260 Member
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    @TheSkyBlushed
    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.

    Hmmmm, I am taking chicken taquitos to a college basketball game affair this weekend. Can you say mexicasian?

    The chocolate covered ginger is on the must try list too.
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
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    I want chimes now!

    Ginger is delicious! I'd love to make home-made ginger ale.. I make a quick fried rice that contains 1tsp of minced ginger.