Ginger

APPEARANCE: These irregularly jointed rhizomes usually measure ½ to 1 inch in diameter and have a paper-thin, beige or golden skin. Pieces vary in size from small bits to whole “hands”, so named because new growth spreads outward from the oldest, original piece like so many irregular “fingers”.

QUALITY: Select rhizomes that are clear-skinned and robust, with no sign of shriveling or fungal rot. Examine joints where rhizomes have been freshly broken: the more and larger the protruding fibers, the older the root. Young ginger is more tender and sweet, but old ginger is considered more potent, and hence preferred for most cooking purposes.