How to Peel & Grate Ginger Root

Ginger is not a root but a rhizome used in cooking.

Ginger is a popular spice for many recipes. This thin-skinned rhizome has mild heat and a slightly pungent aroma when fresh, and it adds a layer of unique flavors to many dishes. Available in almost every grocery store, fresh ginger can be kept in your refrigerator for about two or three weeks but can also be frozen. For best results, when grating fresh ginger purchase a ginger grater from a local cooking supply house or online.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh ginger
• Spoon
• Ginger grater
• Bowl
• Knife

Instructions

Peeling Ginger

1. Wash the fresh ginger and allow it to dry.

2. Hold a spoon bowl side down in one hand and the fresh ginger in the other.

3. Gently scrape the fresh ginger with the spoon to remove its skin.

4. Maneuver the spoon and ginger to scrape all crevices and to remove all skin.

5. Rinse the peeled ginger to remove any debris left from peeling.

Grating Ginger

1. Cut the ginger into manageable pieces approximately 1-inch thick.

2. Position an empty bowl in front of you on a work surface .

3. Slide the fresh ginger across the grater using even, downward strokes.

4. Allow the finely grated ginger to fall into the bowl.

5. Throw away the fiber remains of the ginger after you are finished grating.

Tips & Warnings

• Powdered ginger and fresh ginger are not interchangeable in a recipe.

• If fresh ginger has mold, or if it is squishy and mushy, it should be thrown away.

References

• "Cooks Illustrated": Ginger Grater
• Messy Gourmet: Hello My Name Is "Ginger"
• All Recipes.com: Peeling Ginger