Ginger

About this crop

Ginger is a thick, knotted rhizome with a pale, papery skin and fibrous, pale yellow flesh. It is one of the most powerful aromatics on earth, delivering a sharp, spicy, and deeply warming heat that is entirely different from the fire of a chili pepper. It is a foundational culinary ingredient.

Traditional uses

If cilantro is the world's finishing herb, ginger is the world's foundation. In Chinese and Southeast Asian traditions, ginger is the first thing to hit the hot oil in a wok, its sharp aroma neutralizing the "fishiness" of seafood and building the savory base of stir-fries and soups. In Indian kitchens, ginger and garlic are pounded into a paste that begins almost every curry.

In the Caribbean and West Africa, ginger takes on a different, equally vital role: it is the ultimate restorative beverage. Jamaican ginger beer and West African ginger drinks are brewed intensely strong, meant to burn the throat in the best possible way.

Ginger is the root that connects the entire library. It is shared by the Chinese community in Cranston, the Jamaican community in North Providence, and the Indian community in Pawtucket. It proves that across all borders, humans have discovered the exact same root to build profound flavor.

How to prepare

To peel ginger, do not use a knife, which wastes too much of the flesh. Instead, use the edge of a metal spoon to easily scrape away the thin, papery skin, navigating around the knobby bumps.

For a classic Asian stir-fry base, slice the peeled ginger into thin coins, then cut those coins into tiny matchsticks (julienne). Toss them into hot oil with garlic for just a few seconds before adding your vegetables or meat. The hot oil will mellow the ginger's bite and release its sweet, aromatic oils.

To make a universal ginger tea, grate a large knob of peeled ginger directly into a mug. Pour boiling water over it, cover, and let it steep for ten minutes. Strain the liquid, add a squeeze of fresh lemon and a spoonful of honey, and drink it while it is hot and spicy.