Ginger is the heart of Indian cooking. This is the fierce, fragrant root that depths our curry and sings our tea. Even more importantly, it is a half part of the legendary ginger-garlic paste combo-the foundation of everything from the pulses to the stir-fries. Because we use it often, we buy it in bulk and remove it in the fridge or kitchen drawer. But when did you check for the last time whether your ginger was really fresh? Stale ginger can make your dish sluggish faster as you think. So, before you forget the hidden piece in the fridge, here to check if it is still good to use!
Also read: Benefits of Ginger Water: 5 reasons for drinking this healing drink in winter
Photo: Istock
Here is 5 easy ways to check if your ginger is fresh:
1. Give it a soft squeeze
Pick a piece of ginger and press it lightly. It should feel firm, not soft or squeed. Fresh ginger has a minor crispness when a carrot is like breaking in half. If it bends instead of breaking, it is probably its best. Soft or fleshy patches are a certain no-go, as they can mean rot. Fresh ginger is easy to slices and waste, which makes your cooking preparation very smooth.
2. Check the skin
A fresh piece of ginger will have a smooth, slightly shiny skin. If it looks shrunken, wrinkled, or rough, it is probably drying. A simple test? Scrap the skin with your nails – if it peels easily, your ginger is fresh. If it is difficult and needs a knife or peel, it is getting old. While dry ginger is not necessarily bad, it will not have the same porous taste.
3. Take a whisper
Fresh ginger has a strong, citrus-papperry aroma. If you smell it and do not get much fragrance, it is probably stale. A masti or dull smell is another red flag. The best way to investigate? Slice will release a bold, warm scent immediately in in-flow ginger that tells you that it is good to go.
Photo: Istock
4. Check the color
While the outer skin is always brown, inside should be a vibrant yellow with a juicy, fibrous texture. If it looks dull, brown, or dark spots, it is probably best. Slight dryness on the edges is fine, but any mold, odd texture, or major dissolution means that it is time to bin. Fresh ginger naturally keeps moisture and looks vibrant and firm.
5. Look for moisture
Break a small piece of ginger – if it naps cleanly, it reveals a moist, slightly shiny interior, it is fresh. This natural moisture is one that gives ginger its porous taste and makes it easier to work with it. If your ginger is dry and uprooted, it will not add zing zing to your cooking.
Also read: Kitchen hack: How to easily peel ginger? Twitter users discuss
Try these simple checks before you toss ginger in your next food. Fresh ginger can create all differences!
