Ground Ginger — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

Ground ginger should have a fine texture and a warm, spicy scent. It should be a pale, tan color, which indicates it's not mixed with other spices. Sample a small pinch to test its potency, looking for a sharp bite that is characteristic of ginger.

Pass by ground ginger that clumps together or smells musty, as these are signs it's old or has been exposed to moisture. Good ground ginger should add a clean, sharp flavor to recipes, with a hint of heat.

Ground ginger should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. A spice cabinet away from heat is ideal to maintain its flavor and potency. Properly stored, ground ginger can last up to a year.

Exposure to heat and humidity can degrade ground ginger's quality. Keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources is essential. Sealing the container tightly ensures it retains its aromatic properties, enhancing your dishes with its distinctive flavor.

Ground ginger can last for 2-3 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For the best flavor, use it within 1 year.

Leftover ground ginger can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, ground ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor to dishes like cookies, cakes, marinades, and stir-fries. It’s also a key ingredient in spice blends, such as pumpkin spice, and can be used to add depth to soups and sauces.

Beyond cooking, ground ginger has several other uses. It can be used in DIY beauty treatments, such as mixing it with honey and yogurt to create a warming face mask that helps to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. Ground ginger can also be used in homemade remedies for sore throats and colds; mixing it with hot water and honey creates a soothing tea. Additionally, ground ginger can be added to bath salts or homemade body scrubs for its warming and invigorating effects. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it useful in homemade balms or creams for sore muscles and joints.

Ground ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that supports digestive health by reducing nausea, bloating, and indigestion. It also promotes joint health by reducing inflammation and easing symptoms of arthritis. Ginger’s antioxidant properties help boost immune health by protecting cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, its warming properties can support respiratory health by soothing sore throats and relieving congestion, making it useful during cold and flu season.