How to Peel Fresh Ginger with a Teaspoon and other Tips

Yes, peeling ginger with a teaspoon an old Chef's trick from an old Chef. Forget the awkward potato peeler, let me show a quick and easy way , you'll be amazed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh ginger
• Teaspoon
• Grater
• Pairing knife
• Sugar

1. Fresh ginger root has a thin light brown skin that is inedible and should be removed. It is usually purchased as a"hand" of ginger cos it looks like one, and it is awkward to peel as it has a lot of knobbly bits which are hard to get to.
   Most people use a potato peeler or you can freeze it , that makes it a little easier to peel with a small knife , but you loose some of the pungency. I use a small teaspoon.

2. 

   First try to find a spoon with a thin lip, usually the cheaper ones, try Wal-Mart. Ginger keeps better with the skin on, so just cut off as much as you need, and simply run the lip of your teaspoon over the skin , it will come right off and you can easily get into those naughty bits.

3. 

   After removing the skin you can slice it into rounds then cut it into any shape you desire. You can juice it in a blender or for just a little piece try a garlic press. Grate it on a ginger grater, they sell them at most oriental stores, it's a flat grater with a shallow dish at the end to catch the grated ginger, or just use a good old box grater.

4. 

   If you want the flavor and texture but not too much pungency simmer the peeled ginger in water for about 30 minutes, the refresh in cold water, nice for salads.
   To candy ginger, place in a pot add a little water and an equal amount of sugar to ginger, simmer until the water has evaporated, stirring occasionally, be careful it burns easily

5. Quick recipe- Apple Jicama and Ginger Slaw.
   Slice both an apple and a similar size piece of jicama into match stick size pieces, add some grated ginger to taste and add the juice from a lime. Season with a little kosher salt and a small amount of fresh chopped cilantro. Goes good with Mexican food.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrap your hand grater with plastic wrap and grate the ginger against it The ginger will stick to it. Remove the wrap and there's your ginger, works good for lemon zest too.

[foxybj]

on 8/12/2009 Once again great tips from Chef Bob

[Susanh]

on 8/10/2009 How clever! Thanks for a great kitchen tip on peeling ginger with a teaspoon.