Ginger, Young

This is a variety of fresh ginger that is pulled from the ground several months earlier than the common variety of fresh ginger, and accordingly has a thinner skin and a more delicate-tasting flesh. Whereas the more common, “old” ginger has a tan-brown skin and a deep gold flesh, so-called “young” or “tender” ginger has a semi-translucent pale yellow skin (with pale green and pink shoots typically showing at the top), and a pale gold flesh. The young variety has few if any fibers. It is especially prized in combination with fish and beef on account of its compellingly clean fragrance and light taste.