Ginger Powder Uses

Ginger powder is made from dried and ground ginger root.

This versatile spice has been used for thousands of years in cooking and medicine.

Understanding the many ways to use ginger powder can help you incorporate it into your own diet.

What is Ginger Powder?

Ginger powder comes from ginger root (Zingiber officinale) which is peeled, dried, and then finely ground. The ground ginger can be used as a spice or incorporated into recipes.

Ginger powder has an intensely spicy, warm flavor with hints of lemon and pepper. It also contains beneficial compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, zingerone and has many medicinal uses.

Compared to fresh ginger, ginger powder has a more concentrated flavor since moisture has been removed during the drying process. It also has an indefinite shelf life unlike fresh ginger root which goes bad after a few weeks.

Key Takeaway: Ginger powder is made from dried, ground ginger root and has a spicy flavor and aroma. It also has health benefits and a long shelf life.

Culinary Uses of Ginger Powder

Ginger powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used to flavor both sweet and savory dishes:

• Baking - Ginger powder enhances the flavor of cookies, cakes, muffins, breads
• Beverages - Add to tea, lemonade, smoothies, milkshakes
• Soups and stews - Use instead of fresh ginger
• Stir fries and curries
• Marinades and rubs for meat, tofu or veggies
• Sauces, dressings and glazes

When using in baking, start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per recipe. Then adjust to taste. Since moisture has been removed, ginger powder has a very concentrated, intense flavor.

For savory dishes, marinades and dressings, start with just a pinch or dash of ginger powder. You can always add more. The flavor will develop more over time as well.

Ginger powder can be used 1:1 for recipes calling for fresh ginger. However, since fresh ginger contains moisture, you may need to reduce other liquids in the recipe.

When substituting, use about 1/4 teaspoon powder per 1 inch of fresh ginger root. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 inches of peeled, grated ginger root, use 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder instead.

Key Takeaway: Ginger powder has culinary uses in both sweet and savory recipes. Start with small amounts and adjust according to taste preferences.

Health Benefits of Ginger Powder

In addition to adding flavor to foods and beverages, ginger powder provides these potential health benefits:

• Reduces nausea - Clinical studies show ginger is effective at relieving nausea related to motion sickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy
• Anti-inflammatory - Ginger contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol which can reduce inflammation in the body
• Supports digestion - Eating ginger increases saliva, bile and gastric juice production to aid digestion
• Antioxidant effects - Ginger neutralizes free radicals and oxidative stress
• Lowers blood sugar - Consuming ginger powder may improve insulin response and lower fasting blood sugar
• Relieves pain - Ginger has natural pain-relieving abilities, including relief from arthritis or menstrual pains

To obtain the health benefits, most studies showing positive effects used around 1-4 grams of ginger powder per day. This is about 1/4 to 1 teaspoon daily.

Adding this to teas, stir fries, soups and other dishes allows you to easily obtain health-promoting compounds from ginger every day.

Key Takeaway: Research shows ginger powder has many benefits including reducing nausea, inflammation, oxidative stress and blood sugar levels. Aim for 1 teaspoon daily.

Making Ginger Powder Tea

One of the most popular ways to consume ginger powder is in ginger tea:

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Honey to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil water and pour into cup.
2. Add ginger powder and stir vigorously with spoon.
3. Allow to steep 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon juice and honey if desired.

Drink ginger tea hot to benefit from warming, soothing effects which can aid digestion.

For iced ginger tea, double the ginger powder and allow to cool before adding ice and lemon. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Customize your ginger tea by adding other healing spices like cinnamon powder or turmeric powder. Mint, lemon verbena also pair deliciously with ginger.

Key Takeaway: Making ginger powder tea is as easy as steeping ginger in hot water for a few minutes. Add lemon, honey or other herbs to taste.

Homemade Ginger Powder Recipe

Instead of buying pre-ground ginger powder, you can easily make your own at home. Homemade allows you to control the freshness and quality.

Ingredients

• Fresh, unpeeled ginger root
• Food dehydrator (or oven at lowest temp)
• Coffee grinder or food processor

Instructions

1. Wash ginger root thoroughly but do not peel. Slice very thinly or grate.
2. Place ginger pieces in single layer on dehydrator trays. Dehydrate 8-12 hours or until completely dried and brittle.
3. Allow ginger pieces to cool completely then transfer to coffee grinder or food processor. Grind to a fine powder.
4. Store homemade ginger powder in airtight container in cool, dry place up to 1 year.

Using a food dehydrator produces better quality ginger powder than oven drying since the temperature stays below 115°F. Oven drying risks deteriorating beneficial compounds in ginger due to high heat over time.

Storing the powder correctly in an airtight container away from heat or sunlight will help maximize shelf life and retain aroma and flavor.

Key Takeaway: Making DIY ginger powder at home gives you control over the freshness and lets you make it in small batches.

Should You Refrigerate Ginger Powder?

Since all moisture has been removed to create ground ginger powder, it does not require refrigeration to extend shelf life like fresh ginger.

In fact, refrigerating or freezing ginger powder is not recommended for these reasons:

• Introduces moisture which reduces shelf life
• Absorbs odors from other refrigerated foods
• Loses flavor potency over time in cold environment

The ideal storage for ginger powder is in an airtight glass container in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. Stored properly in the pantry, ginger powder will retain maximum flavor and aroma for up to 1 year.

Only powder small batches to use within a few months for ultimate freshness. Check for signs your ginger powder has expired before use:

• Faded color - Orangey tan color becomes very pale
• Lackluster aroma - Should smell strongly spicy when container is opened
• Bitter, unpleasant flavor

Any ginger powder exhibiting those traits should be discarded and replaced with a fresh supply.

Key Takeaway: Unlike fresh ginger requiring refrigeration, ginger powder stores best in an airtight container in the pantry for 1 year maximum.

What Dishes to Use Ginger Powder In?

Ginger powder is suitable for both sweet and savory dishes:

Savory dishes

• Soups - Chicken noodle, vegetable, egg drop soup
• Stews - Beef stew, lentil stew, chickpea curry stew
• Stir fries - With veggies, tofu, chicken or beef
• Rice - Stir into rice pilaf or risotto
• Noodles - Pad thai, lo mein, garlic noodle stir fry
• Marinated meats - Rub on chicken, pork or salmon before baking

Sweet dishes

• Baked goods - Gingerbread cookies, pumpkin bread, banana muffins
• Smoothies - With fruits and veggies
• Hot drinks - Ginger tea, ginger latte
• Desserts - Poached pears, apple crisp

When using ginger powder in savory dishes, err on the side of using too little initially. Start with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder per serving then adjust up if needed.

For stronger ginger flavor in sweets, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per recipe depending on batch size and personal preference.

The flavor will intensify over time so resist overdoing it with ginger powder at first. You can always add more next time you make the dish if it needs more ginger taste.

Key Takeaway: Ginger powder works well in sweet baked goods and also savory dishes like stir fries, soups and marinades. Adjust amounts to taste preferences.

FAQs

How much ginger powder equals fresh ginger root?

Use about 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder per inch of fresh ginger root called for in a recipe.

What can I use if I don't have ginger powder?

Substitute finely minced fresh ginger root. Use a pinch of ground allspice or ground cinnamon.

What are signs my ginger powder has gone bad?

• Faded color
• No spicy aroma when container is opened
• Bitter unpleasant taste

Should ginger powder be stored in the fridge?

No. Ginger powder keeps best in an airtight container in a cool dry place like the pantry.

Can ginger powder be added to smoothies?

Yes! Ginger powder pairs well with fruit smoothies and gives a nutritional boost.

Conclusion

Understanding how to select quality ginger powder and incorporate it into your cooking provides delicious flavor. Taking advantage of ginger powder health benefits gives you another way to add nutrition.

Start slowly with just a pinch or dash of ginger powder in recipes until you determine the correct amounts suited to your tastes. Adjust up or down for next time.