How to Slice Ginger Root

Fresh ginger has many herbal and nutritional benefits. Ginger is a good source of copper, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and manganese. In addition, it has been shown to offer anti-inflammatory effects and to eliminate gastrointestinal distress. Fresh ginger can be found in the produce section of most supermarkets and health stores.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh ginger root
• Metal teaspoon
• Chef's knife or other knife for cutting
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Choose a piece of fresh ginger. Fresh ginger root, which looks like a brown, knobby vegetable, is available throughout the year in the produce section. Select a piece that is firm and smooth and does not have any soft spots or traces of mold. In addition, the ginger should smell fresh and somewhat spicy.

2. Peel the amount of ginger needed. To peel, or remove the outer brown skin and expose the yellow ginger inside, hold the ginger in one hand and use a metal teaspoon in the other hand to gently scrape the ginger root. The brown skin should peel off in thin layers, exposing the ginger underneath.

3. Place the peeled ginger root on a cutting board and carefully slice the ginger diagonally across the fibers with a chef's knife or other sharp knife. Slice the pieces as thin or as thick as needed.

4. Wrap up the unused part of the ginger root in plastic and place in the freezer or refrigerator. Fresh, unpeeled ginger can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If kept in the freezer, unpeeled ginger can keep for up to 6 months.

Tips & Warnings

• Fresh ginger can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. The tangy, fresh and mellow flavor of ginger can be added to both sweet and savory dishes. In addition to its traditional use in Asian stir-frys and dipping sauces, ginger can be paired with most fruits, vegetables and meats.

References

• Fine Cooking: Cooking with Fresh Ginger
• Whole Foods: Ginger