Introduction: The “Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing” provides a detailed description of dried ginger: “Dried ginger, pungent and warm in flavor, is used for chest fullness, cough, counterflow of qi, warming the middle, stopping bleeding, inducing sweating, expelling wind-dampness, treating intestinal masses and diarrhea; it is especially good when fresh, and long-term use eliminates odor, lowers qi, and opens the mind.”Since ancient times, medical practitioners have praised the efficacy of dried ginger, which seems to possess miraculous healing abilities, especially among health enthusiasts who regard it as a treasure.However, when enjoying the health benefits of dried ginger, should we peel it? This is a frequently overlooked yet crucial question. The decision to peel ginger is not fixed but should be based on specific usage scenarios and purposes.
01Using the Right Ginger for Health! Do You Know Fresh Ginger, Dried Ginger, and Processed Ginger?Fresh ginger, dried ginger, and processed ginger are common ginger ingredients in our daily lives, each possessing unique characteristics and benefits that are significant for our health. Fresh GingerFresh ginger is the fresh rhizome of ginger, rich in gingerol and ginger oil, with effects such as dispelling cold, inducing sweating, detoxifying, warming the middle, and stopping vomiting.In daily life, we can brew tea with fresh ginger or add slices of fresh ginger while cooking, enhancing the flavor of food while helping to dispel cold and warm the body, alleviating symptoms of cold stomach and vomiting.Dried GingerDried ginger is the dried rhizome of ginger, made by sun-drying or dehydrating. Dried ginger has a more intense spiciness than fresh ginger and has effects such as warming the middle, dispersing cold, restoring yang, and drying dampness to resolve phlegm.Dried ginger is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine decoctions and is effective for treating symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency cold, abdominal cold pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Processed GingerProcessed ginger is made by frying dried ginger until the surface is slightly blackened and the inside turns brownish-yellow. Processed ginger has warming and blood-stopping effects, uniquely effective for treating symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency cold, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding.The frying process makes its medicinal properties milder, suitable for consumption by individuals with weaker constitutions.02Can You Eat Sprouted Ginger? Will It Cause Poisoning?Can you eat sprouted ginger? This is a widely circulated saying, but in reality, sprouted ginger does not necessarily mean it is inedible. Sprouting occurs due to high humidity or prolonged storage, causing the nutrients inside the ginger to be absorbed by the sprouts, resulting in new growth points. This process does not produce harmful substances, so sprouted ginger is not necessarily inedible. However, it is important to note that if sprouted ginger is left for a long time, it may spoil and produce bacteria or mold, making it inedible.Therefore, when consuming ginger, it is essential to observe its appearance and smell. If any off-odors or signs of spoilage are detected, it should be discarded immediately.Additionally, while sprouted ginger is not necessarily inedible, we must recognize that its nutritional value has significantly decreased, as its internal nutrients have been absorbed by the sprouts.Thus, when purchasing and storing ginger, we should choose fresh, dry, and pest-free ginger and store it in a well-ventilated and dry place to avoid sprouting or spoilage.03Should You Peel Ginger? The Answer You Need to KnowShould You Peel Fresh Ginger? 3 Situations Where Peeling Is Not RecommendedThe saying “not peeling ginger leads to lifelong illness” is too absolute, as whether to peel ginger depends on the specific eating context and purpose. In some cases, consuming ginger with the skin may be more beneficial, while in others, peeling may be more appropriate.For Those with EdemaThe skin of ginger has diuretic properties, so for those with edema, consuming ginger with the skin can help alleviate symptoms.For Those with Wind-Heat ColdWind-heat colds require clearing heat and detoxifying, and the warming nature of ginger may exacerbate the condition. However, using ginger with skin, the cooling nature of the skin can neutralize the warming nature of the ginger flesh, helping to control the condition.During CookingIn cooking, the skin of ginger can protect the nutrients in the ginger flesh from being lost while also enhancing the flavor and appearance of the dish.Should You Peel Fresh Ginger? 3 Situations Where Peeling Is RecommendedThere is a widely circulated saying about ginger: “Leave the skin for cooling, peel for heating.” This saying actually stems from traditional Chinese medicine’s deep understanding and practical experience with ginger and its skin.In TCM theory, ginger is considered a warming food with effects of stopping vomiting, detoxifying, and inducing sweating. The skin of ginger, however, presents a completely different property, being pungent and cooling. So, in which situations is it best to peel ginger?During Wind-Cold ColdsWhen a wind-cold cold strikes, a bowl of hot ginger and brown sugar water often brings relief. At this time, peeled ginger can better exert its warming and cold-dispersing effects, helping the body dispel wind and cold and alleviate symptoms.For Those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency ColdFor individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency cold, the cooling nature of ginger skin may exacerbate the symptoms, making it more suitable to consume peeled ginger.When Eating Cold Foods like Crab or CeleryWhen enjoying cold foods like crab, celery, or bitter melon, peeling ginger can help balance the cold nature of these foods, allowing us to enjoy the delicacies while maintaining comfort and health.04Can You Eat Spoiled Ginger? Will It Really Cause Cancer?Spoiled ginger is primarily caused by improper storage or prolonged storage, showing signs of rot, darkening, and unpleasant odors. So, can spoiled ginger still be eaten? From a food safety perspective, spoiled ginger is not recommended for consumption. Spoiled ginger may contain a large number of bacteria and molds, which can decompose the nutrients in ginger and produce harmful substances, such as aflatoxins.Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, and long-term consumption may increase cancer risk. Additionally, the nutritional components of spoiled ginger have largely diminished, significantly reducing its edible value.However, some may think that by cutting away the rotten parts of spoiled ginger, the remaining parts are still edible. While this practice may reduce harmful substance intake to some extent, it still carries certain risks.This is because harmful substances in spoiled ginger may have spread throughout the entire ginger piece, and cutting away the rotten parts does not completely eliminate the risk. Therefore, for health and safety reasons, we recommend discarding spoiled ginger and avoiding consumption.05Correctly Eating Ginger Has Many Benefits: Remember These 4 Points for HealthEat Ginger in ModerationWhile ginger is beneficial, it is not a case of the more, the better. Excessive consumption of ginger may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, even causing stomach pain and diarrhea.Therefore, the daily amount of ginger should be controlled between 10-20 grams to enjoy its benefits while avoiding unnecessary health risks. Eat Ginger According to Individual NeedsGinger is not suitable for everyone. For those with a cold constitution and prone to colds, moderate consumption of ginger can warm yang and dispel cold, enhancing immunity.However, for those with a hot constitution and prone to heat, excessive consumption of ginger may exacerbate symptoms. Thus, when choosing to consume ginger, one should decide based on their constitution.Be Mindful of Timing When Eating GingerTraditional Chinese medicine suggests that evening is when the body’s yang energy converges, and consuming ginger at this time may disrupt the normal convergence of yang energy, affecting sleep quality.Therefore, it is best to consume ginger during the day, especially after waking up in the morning, as moderate consumption can invigorate the spirit and promote metabolism. Be Mindful of Methods When Eating GingerThere are various ways to consume ginger, such as slicing it for tea, stewing it in soup, or stir-frying it. However, different methods of consumption may affect the efficacy of ginger.For example, slicing ginger for tea can better preserve its active components, exerting its effects of dispelling cold and inducing sweating; while stewing it in soup can enhance the nutritional value of the soup by blending with other ingredients. Therefore, when choosing how to consume ginger, one should decide based on their needs and preferences.06To Keep Ginger Fresh for a Long Time, Refer to These 4 Tips for Storing Ginger!Refrigeration Wash the ginger, dry it with a paper towel, then wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This method can extend the shelf life of ginger, keeping it fresh. However, it should be noted that the texture of refrigerated ginger may be slightly affected. Sand Storage Find a well-ventilated container, such as a ceramic jar or clay pot, and lay a layer of dry sand or soil at the bottom. Bury the ginger in the sand, ensuring the top of the ginger is exposed. Then, place the container in a cool, ventilated area. This method helps keep ginger moist and extends its shelf life.Slicing and Drying Wash and slice the ginger, then dry it in a well-ventilated area. Dried ginger slices can be stored in a sealed bag. This method may cause ginger to lose some moisture but allows for longer storage and easy access. Pickling Wash and slice the ginger, then mix it with an appropriate amount of salt and white vinegar, stirring well and letting it pickle for a while. Pickled ginger has a crisper texture and certain preservative effects. Store the pickled ginger in a sealed container in the refrigerator for longer preservation.Source: Dr. Jiang Discusses Health Knowledge
