Fresh ginger adds a punch of spice and aroma to everything it touches. Preparing this rhizome to cook with can be tricky, though. Here's how to peel ginger like a pro.

How to Buy Ginger

First off, buy whole ginger that is firm, smooth and blemish-free. An evenly shaped knob will be easier to peel. Wrinkled skin indicates that it is old and dehydrated.

How to Peel Ginger With a Spoon

To peel ginger, use the edge of a small spoon to gently scrape away the skin. Work your way around the bumps and knobs, slowly rotating the ginger as you go.

Prepare for Cooking

Once peeled, slice, julienne or finely grate the ginger to use in your recipes.

How to Store Ginger

Store unused ginger in a cool, dry place for about 1 week. Don't peel ginger until you're ready to use it. To keep it longer, wrap unpeeled ginger tightly with plastic wrap and store it in freezer. The frozen ginger can be grated without thawing.

Recipes With Ginger

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This crowd-pleasing dish combines chicken breasts marinated in soy sauce, sherry and more with stir-fried broccoli, garlic and ginger. Serve with rice for a surefire weeknight hit.

Cedar Plank Salmon with Maple-Ginger Glaze

A short list of ingredients provides big flavors in this easy weeknight supper that feeds a crowd. Best of all? It comes together in just 40 minutes.

Peach-Ginger Iced Tea

Freshly peeled and grated ginger balances the sweetness of canned peaches in this refreshing drink made with English breakfast tea.

Related Links:

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Our Favorite Stir-Fry Recipes