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How To Peel Ginger

Learn how to peel ginger. It can be pretty tough to get around all the nobs of the ginger root.

There is an easy way to peel ginger between all the nooks and crannies to keep as much of ginger as possible. You need to peel before you mince, cut, and chop.

When I learned this trick I was so surprised at how easy it was. It really is a game-changer and so easy. I really started using more ginger in my recipes, ginger has incredible health benefits.

how to peel ginger Video

How to peel ginger 3 Steps

This method is so easy when you’re using a spoon. Just follow these simple steps to get the most yield out of your ginger.

After you have peeled it check out my post on how to cut ginger.

1. Wash the ginger

washing ginger under faucet with cold water

Yes, you should always wash the ginger first. All vegetables should be washed. You really don’t know where they came from and the environment that they were transported in.

Also if they are not organic you can still have pesticides, fungicides, and who knows what else is left on the ginger. Organic can also carry these things so it is best to wash them first.

If you think that your removing the skin anyway then it does not matter you need to consider as you remove the skin you will be passing what’s on it to the ginger underneath.

2. Grab an older spoon for peeling

old spoon to peel ginger

This is the best part of the blog post. Yes, the tool you are going to use is a spoon.

The spoons that have a square edge work a little better than say a brand new rounded edge spoon.

3. Peel the ginger

ginger half peeled with spoon

Work your way around the ginger. The beauty of the spoon is that you can get into the cracks of the nobs. You are looking at creating a scraping motion to remove the skin.

This will also provide the biggest yield without much waste seeing that you get so close to the flesh of the ginger.

If you are having a hard time getting in between the different cracks and turns of the ginger root, then go ahead and break a nob off to make the process easier.

Learning how to peel ginger does not need to be hard if you follow the steps!

How to Peel ginger easily

The best way to peel ginger easily is with a spoon. Hold the ginger in one hand and brace it on a cutting board. With your other hand, you are going to scrape the ginger with a spoon with the round edge of the spoon.

Continue around the ginger until you have removed all of the peel.

Check out my post on ginger paste substitutes.

Peel ginger with a paring knife

There is another way to peel ginger. This can be quicker but you do lose some of the ginger when you peel it with a paring knife.

Take a good slice off from the side so that you have a flat surface to work on. Lay the ginger on the flat side so you can square up all the sides.

The benefit of peeling ginger this way is it helps with cutting and slicing the ginger later.

After you have peeled your ginger make sure you know how to properly store ginger.

How to clean ginger

To clean ginger, start by running it under a tap and rubbing it well to remove any dirt. Once the dirt is removed, pat the ginger dry with a kitchen towel or leave it on the counter to air dry.

If the ginger is particularly dirty, use a vegetable brush to scrub away the dirt. Once the ginger is clean, give it a final rinse and pat it dry with a paper towel.

What is ginger?

Ginger is a root vegetable from the family Zingiberaceae with a pungent flavor derived from various volatile oils. When dried and ground into a powder, it is known as a spice.

It has a peppery flavor with a sweet hint of lemon, a pungent and sharp aroma, and an unmistakable shape with bulbous joints and small, knobbly bumps.

The skin is light brown, with a slight silvery quality and the flesh can range from ivory to a pale green-yellow. It is best grown in tropical or subtropical climates, with high rainfall, rich volcanic soils and good drainage.

How do I pick out ginger at the store?

When shopping for ginger, look for firm, moist roots that feel heavy for their size. Check that the outer brown skin is as smooth as possible–wrinkles indicate it has been sitting on the shelf for a while.

Young ginger is picked from the field when it is very fresh and new and has a small root, often with long stems attached.

Is ginger better peeled or unpeeled?

Is ginger better peeled or unpeeled? It depends on how you’re planning to use it. If you’re making tea or smoothies, there’s no need to peel the skin. However, for cooking, it’s best to peel the ginger first.

While young ginger with a thin peel around the root can be left unpeeled, older ginger with tougher, papery skin should be peeled. If you’re looking for younger ginger, try Asian grocery stores and markets.

Frequently Asked Questions for peeling ginger

Sure, I don’t think it’s a problem but I do not think you will like the taste, and more than likely you will choose to peel the ginger before you eat it.

Ginger is a root. It has all kinds of health benefits and it brings some great flavor to cooking dishes. If you would like to learn more about ginger, check out ginger Wikipedia.

It all depends on how old and fresh it was when you bought the ginger. If the ginger is getting soft and it’s losing its integrity you should start to think about getting rid of it.

Fresh ginger in the fridge not peeled could last you a few weeks.

peeling ginger

How to Peel Ginger (3 Simple Steps) Spoon Trick

Bob
Learn how to peel ginger. It can pretty tough to get around all the nobs of the ginger. There is an easy way to peel ginger between all the nooks and crannies to keep as much of ginger possible. Do this before you mince, cut and chop.
4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 1 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ginger root
  • 1 pinch salt optional

Instructions
 

  • Wash the ginger.
  • Grab a spoon with an edge for peeling. Look for a spoon that is old that has a bit of a rough edge to it for best results.
  • Scrape the ginger with the edge of the spoon to peel.

Notes

Tips:
  • Scrape away from yourself to prevent getting your knuckles with the spoon. 
  • Watch my video for a visual on the steps.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 1kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgSugar: 1g
Keyword how to peel ginger
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Conclusion for peeling ginger

In conclusion, mastering how to peel ginger can elevate your culinary skills and ensure that you get the most out of this versatile and flavorful ingredient.

By using the right tools, such as a spoon or a vegetable peeler, and employing the proper techniques, you can efficiently remove the ginger’s skin while preserving its aromatic flesh.

As you continue to experiment with different recipes and dishes, you’ll find that knowing how to peel ginger is an invaluable skill that adds a delightful zing to your culinary creations.

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