Fresh ginger can add spice, heat and flavor to a variety of dishes, including meats, vegetables, fruits and even sweets. Ginger root is typically sold in three- to eight-inch pieces, and you will find it in the produce section of your grocery store. The exterior skin of the root is slightly rough and light brown in color.
Types
Fresh ginger can be chopped, minced, grated or sliced into thin "matchsticks." Some recipes will specify how to prepare the ginger as a part of the measuring instructions. Use larger pieces, like matchsticks, when you want the bright flavor and chewy texture of ginger. A smaller chop or mince works well for many recipes, while grated ginger is ideal for anything with a smooth texture, according to FineCooking.com.
Size
Many recipes measure fresh ginger by calling for a length of ginger root. You may see "one inch ginger root, minced" in a recipe, for instance. If your ginger root is especially small or large, you may want to adjust the recommended amount of ginger accordingly. Thicker ginger roots may be more fibrous, according to SteamyKitchen.com. If you are working with a larger root, opt for a shorter length and a finer chop or grate.
Function
If you have grated fresh ginger or have already minced or chopped ginger, measure the chopped or grated ginger by the teaspoon or tablespoon. You can also purchase minced or grated ginger in jars or tubes at specialty food markets. Gourmet Garden, the maker of one such product, advises that one tablespoon of ginger is equal to one inch of fresh ginger root, chopped.
Substitution
If you do not have fresh or jarred ginger, dried ground ginger may be substituted, with somewhat different results. Replace the ginger in the recipe with 1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger plus 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, according to the Joy of Baking. As an alternative, you may use one tablespoon of candied ginger after rinsing off the sugar.
Potential
If you have plenty of ginger on hand, save time by using a microplane to grate a large quantity of ginger at once. Freezing your own ginger allows you the convenience of a jarred product with the flavor of the fresh spice. Shape the ginger into a log, and freeze it in plastic wrap. Grate directly into dishes frozen, or break off a quantity to use as desired, recommends the Steamy Kitchen.com.
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