Let’s be honest: biting into a raw knob of ginger is an intense experience. It’s fibrous, spicy, and can make your eyes water. So how do you get the benefits without feeling like you’re chewing on a pine tree? Try these practical tips.
- Microplane it. Grate a tiny amount over salads, soups, or stir-fries. The fine shreds release the juice and blend invisibly into your food.
- Make ginger shots. Juice a thumb-sized piece with lemon and a dash of cayenne. Take it like a tequila shot—quick and with a chaser.
- Pickle it. Slice raw ginger super thin, soak in rice vinegar for an hour, and use it as a palate cleanser. This is how sushi chefs do it, and it’s delicious.
- Chew slowly. Keep a thin slice in your mouth after a meal. It freshens breath and aids digestion. Spit out the fibers when you’re done.
