How to Grate Ginger for Ginger Cookies

Grate fresh ginger root to bake ginger cookies.

Ginger is an aromatic herb most commonly used in baking and for medicinal purposes. You can purchase both ground ginger and fresh ginger root at the grocery store; both versions can be used to make ginger cookies. While using fresh ginger root in recipes may provide a crisper taste, it may also take time to learn how to properly grate the root.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Spoon
• Plastic freezer bag
• Ginger grater
• Knife

1. Cut off any small knobs or bumps that protrude from the ginger root with a knife.

2. Peel the skin from the ginger root by gently scraping a spoon down its sides.

3. Cut the ginger root into thumbnail-sized pieces and place in a plastic freezer storage bag.

4. Place the bagged ginger in the freezer. It will take at least two hours for the ginger to freeze. Frozen ginger root is less stringy and therefore easier to grate.

5. Read the ginger cookie recipe to determine how much grated ginger is needed.

6. Remove the frozen ginger root from the freezer. Take out the necessary amount for your recipe.

7. Use a ginger grater to finely grate the ginger root. Hold the grater firmly with one hand. Press the ginger root against the grater with your other hand. Rub the ginger root across the grater in a downward motion. Use a knife to scrape off any grated ginger that may have gotten caught in between the prongs of the grater.

8. Add the freshly grated ginger to the cookie mixture as directed by the recipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Cheese graters can be can be used in a pinch.

• Grater holes are sharp and may cut your knuckles or fingertips, especially when grating small pieces of food.

References

• "Cooks Illustrated": Ginger Grater
• Our Best Bites: Working with fresh ginger
• Dishin & Dishes: How to Peel, Mince, Grate And Store Fresh Ginger

Resources

• "The New York Times": Dining & Wine
• United States Department of Agriculture: Safe Food Handling