Fresh, Organic Young Ginger...
A few years ago we had the hair-brained idea to try and create Hawaii here in Amherst, Massachusetts. Or, at least, grow some ginger root. And so it was, we pioneered the growing of ginger as a Northeast crop! Have the spice, locally! Some of our friends are now growing ginger on their farms too, and we hope you are able to try some local Northeast ginger-- You're in for quite the treat!
Since we harvest the ginger at an early stage due to our climate (not quite Hawaii), it is more perishable then what you may be used to using. Here are some tips and recipes to help you discover this lovely root. Enjoy!
Since we harvest the ginger at an early stage due to our climate (not quite Hawaii), it is more perishable then what you may be used to using. Here are some tips and recipes to help you discover this lovely root. Enjoy!
Storage, Perishability and Use
Young ginger root can be stored in the refrigerator for 10 days in a waxed paper bag or sealed container. Any part of the root that will not be used within 10 days should be frozen in a zipper bag, and can be used from the freezer for many months.
PREPARING FOR FREEZING: Clean the ginger by running it under water and gently rubbing off any soil, then refrigerate or freeze it.
USING FROZEN GINGER: When using the frozen ginger, take it out and grate it frozen, do not allow to thaw and put any unused portions back into the freezer. Grating the ginger just before it is needed in your cooking, enables you to brush the frozen gratings off your cutting board and none is wasted!
TO JUICE YOUR FROZEN GINGER: Juicing fresh ginger root works well and easily, and it is also possible to get the juice from your frozen ginger as well. To get a very strong ginger juice, (very concentrated), allow a frozen piece to thaw and become spongy. Press.
PREPARING FOR FREEZING: Clean the ginger by running it under water and gently rubbing off any soil, then refrigerate or freeze it.
USING FROZEN GINGER: When using the frozen ginger, take it out and grate it frozen, do not allow to thaw and put any unused portions back into the freezer. Grating the ginger just before it is needed in your cooking, enables you to brush the frozen gratings off your cutting board and none is wasted!
TO JUICE YOUR FROZEN GINGER: Juicing fresh ginger root works well and easily, and it is also possible to get the juice from your frozen ginger as well. To get a very strong ginger juice, (very concentrated), allow a frozen piece to thaw and become spongy. Press.
Using the leaves and shootsThe ginger leaves and shoots contain a wonderful, aromatic ginger essence. Boil them for tea or soups, use the leaves to poach fish in, stuff a chicken, or use in any recipe in place of lemongrass. It is too fibrous to eat, so be sure to remove before blending or serving.
 Sarah in the ginger house |
Using the young rootThe ideas are endless, young ginger root can go just about anywhere in your meals! Every market we hear more ways our customers are using the ginger.
Here are some ideas to get you started... * grated on our salad greens * salad dressing * candied * pickled * grated with grated carrots * home-brewed ginger ale * ginger glaze for meat * home-brewed ginger champagne * morning breakfast drink * tea * in baked goods like gingerbread * stir-fry |
