Ginger is an interesting spice. On the one hand it’s very easy to find both as an ingredient on its own and as part of other products. On the other hand, it’s one that tends to be quite polarizing: People either like it or they don’t.
Part of the reason people avoid using it might be due to how strong the taste is perceived to be. But once you learn about the various uses and how to tame the flavor, you might be surprised at how well it can complement your dishes and foods in general.
Plus, you can either mince fresh ginger or cut it in slices to use or you can simply purchase it in powder form for various uses. Ground or minced ginger is fresher and is very useful around the home as we’ll see below.
Ginger is a very versatile spice
Ground ginger is used for:
- Cooking, as a spice in various dishes.
- Baking, in cakes, gingerbread, etc.
- Tea, for flavor and potential health benefits, such as reducing nausea and inflammation.
- Supplements, as a natural remedy for digestive problems and other ailments.
Below we’ll give some specific examples of how to use ground ginger in these four groups to show you how versatile it is.
The best part is that in each case, you can help mask or at least reduce its flavor while also potentially receiving some health benefits.
Ground ginger can be used in many food dishes
Ground ginger can be used in:
- Asian cuisine, such as stir-fries, curries, marinades, and sauces.
- Baked goods, like ginger snaps, gingerbread, and spiced cakes.
- Sauces, such as teriyaki and hoisin.
- Curries, soups, and stews.
- Marinades for meat and seafood.
- Spiced tea and other drinks, such as smoothies and juices.
One way to improve how you use fresh ginger in cooking is to saute it first.
Ground ginger can be used in many desserts
Ground ginger can be used in:
- Gingerbread
- Ginger snaps
- Ginger cake
- Ginger scones
- Ginger puddings
- Ginger ice cream
- Ginger cheesecake
- Ginger-spiced fruit compote.
Ginger can be used in hot tea
While you can purchase ginger flavored tea in bags, you can also add fresh or ground ginger to other teas or simply make ginger tea yourself. Just slice a few thin pieces of ginger and add in it.
To use ground ginger in tea:
- Boil water.
- Add desired amount of ginger to a tea strainer or tea bag.
- Steep in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove strainer or tea bag.
- Add honey or lemon to taste.
Ginger can be used in supplements and candies
Ginger can also be used in supplements for health purposes and in candies as a sweet to snack on.
Supplements:
- Ginger capsules
- Ginger powder
- Ginger extracts
- Ginger chews
Candies:
- Ginger chews
- Ginger candies
- Ginger drops
- Ginger hard candies.
Benefits and differences between fresh ginger and powdered ginger
Not sure which to pick: fresh or powdered ginger? Here’s an overview of the benefits of each that will help you decide which is best for you.
Fresh and powdered ginger are prepared quite differently, impacting their cooking times and flavors. Fresh ginger requires peeling and grating, mincing or slicing and is best used as a finishing element in a dish. This includes adding freshly sliced ginger into drinks like hot tea.
On the other hand, powdered ginger adds an intense spiciness when added to dishes that require longer cooking times. Both fresh and powdered ginger are readily available in most grocery stores these days, making it easy to try out different recipes with either variation.
Both fresh and powdered ginger may also offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory qualities, antioxidant protection, and relief from nausea and digestive issues. Fresh ginger has been shown to possess higher levels of these beneficial compounds than powdered ginger, but more research is needed in this area. Regardless of which version you choose, it may be beneficial to include ginger in your diet for its overall health benefits.