Is Ginger Root The Same As Ginger?

Ginger root is a rhizome that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years throughout the world. Possessing a distinctive spicy flavor, it also has a variety of culinary uses and is often added to meats, vegetables and baked goods during their preparation. Ginger comes in a variety of forms, all of them prepared from the ginger root.

Fresh Ginger Root

Fresh ginger root can be purchased in its mature form or green, according to registered dietitian Leslie Beck. The green variety, which is immature and not readily available in most American supermarkets, can be used without being peeled. The mature ginger root is what you are likely accustomed to seeing in your grocery store. The light-colored root that most people use is known as Jamaican ginger. If you see ginger with a darker color, it is likely that it is African or Indian ginger, which are not considered to have the high quality of the Jamaican ginger.

Candied Ginger

Candied ginger is prepared by heating peeled slices of ginger root in sugar water and allowing them to soak. After this preparation it is often rolled in sugar, giving it a crystallized appearance. Chef David Lebovitz, author of the cookbook "Ripe for Dessert," uses candied ginger to lend extra flavor to lemon ice cream and apple or pear crisps. He also notes that you can add it to cookie dough and cake batter. You can find candied ginger in health food stores and Asian markets, or you can prepare it yourself.

Pickled Ginger

Thin slices of ginger root placed into a pickling solution such as hot sauce or soy sauce and allowed to marinate for several weeks yield pickled ginger. This form of ginger root is most often served with sushi or sashimi at sushi bars and Japanese restaurants. It prepares the palate for the next taste of the meal. You can purchase pickled ginger in most Asian supermarkets.

Ginger Powder

Of all the forms of ginger root, most home cooks are likely best acquainted with ginger powder. It is produced from dried ginger roots that have been ground into a fine powder. Ginger powder is sold as a spice and used in a variety of baked goods, most notably gingerbread and ginger snap cookies. Ginger powder is also added to savory dishes such as curries, soups and meats. Ginger powder can easily be added to hot cereals such as oatmeal to kick up the flavor a notch, and it's a handy ingredient to keep in your pantry.