Availability and Selection

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Published 2012

About

Fresh mature ginger is available year-round in Asian markets and almost all supermarkets. The best-quality ginger comes from Hawaii and is at its peak from December to April. Hawaiian ginger is less fibrous and more fragrant and juicy than the ginger grown in Asia (China and the Philippines, in particular), perhaps because it is harvested earlier than mature ginger is elsewhere. Look for young ginger in Asian markets beginning in late December and throughout the spring.

Large pieces of ginger come in handlike formations with several knobby branches. The bulbous branches can be 1 to 2 inches/2.5 to 5 centimeters in diameter and anywhere from 4 to 8 inches/10 to 20 centimeters long. They should be firm with no wrinkles or spongy spots. The skin of ginger is thin, shiny, and taupe, with pale to bright yellow flesh that appears juicy. When ginger is sold loose, it is perfectly acceptable to break off a small portion from the hand. Fresh young ginger should have smooth, moist skin, and feel firm, with a bright, spicy fragrance.

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Ginger

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