Asian cuisine has slowly become mainstream in America. That is why the use of fresh ginger as an ingredient is also getting popular. Back then, most American kitchens only used ginger powder, but now you will be able to see fresh ginger readily available in most produce sections of supermarkets. Ginger juice adds a strong flavor and heat that is refreshing and adds character to several juices and dishes. It is also a popular marinade ingredient because of its enzymes that tenderize meat. That is why in this article, we are going to talk about how to make ginger juice.
How To Juice Ginger
Before juicing ginger, the first thing you need to do is peel off its skin. Yes, it is edible and not necessarily harmful, but ginger skins develop a bitter taste over time, and it could heavily affect your homemade ginger juice. There are several methods of extracting juice from ginger roots. But whichever way you choose, you will still be able to maximize the health benefits and versatility of this beautiful healing juice.
Juicing Ginger Using a Juicer
You can make fresh ginger juice in a juicer like all the other fruits and vegetables. When you’re going to use an electric juicer, you do not need to peel the ginger because the juicer will do all the job and extract the juice from the skin as well as from the pulp. But, do not forget to examine your ginger roots for any moldy or bad spots and wash them thoroughly with water before you start the juicing process.
Juicing Ginger Using a Blender or Food Processor
Although the idea of using a blender or food processor when it comes to juicing gingers sounds so easy, this method actually requires a bit more effort compared to using an electric juicer. Juicing ginger root using a blender or a food processor starts with washing and peeling the ginger, then cut them into rough chunks that can be easily mashed and blended. You may want to add water to your ginger until it reaches a thick and pasty consistency for the whole blending. After that, you can add some warm water into it then strain it using a cheesecloth. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract the juice, then throw away the pulp.
Juicing Ginger Using a Garlic Press
You may use this method if you only need a small amount of ginger juice for tea or salads. This method calls for the use of a garlic press. All you have to do is peel off and cut a small piece of ginger, put it inside the garlic press, and squeeze it until it has juices.
Juicing a Ginger using a Grater
If you do not have any juicer, food processor, or blender and want to have your own ginger juice, you can extract juice from ginger using a box grater. In this method, you will have to show a little muscle toughness because you’re going to grate the ginger repeatedly. After you grate it, you will have to put it in a cheesecloth set over a bowl so that it can catch juice and squeeze the ginger juice from the shredded ginger.
How Long Does Ginger Juice Last?
After juicing your ginger, you can store your homemade ginger juice in a pitcher or glass bottle then put it in the fridge for about one week. You can also pour the ginger juice into an ice cube tray and freeze them. Once you have your ginger juice ice cubes, you can now blend them with smoothies, water, cold tea, and even cocktails. You can also use ginger juice as a salad dressing.
Benefits of Consuming Ginger Juice
The ginger root is known to have various health benefits. The spicy, zingy, and pungent ginger juice that we just taught you how to extract is packed with many health benefits that will probably motivate you to drink it more often, even if it’s cold outside.
- Ginger juice can help improve digestion – Not like beers and sodas that will only leave you feeling bloated, ginger juice can help you in achieving proper digestion. It works by stimulating your body’s production of saliva, which can help moisten the food that we eat and properly break it down.
- Ginger juice can help relieve congestion and cold – Probably most moms out there already knew about this fantastic benefit of ginger. From Asia to the United States, ginger is known to have a sought-after power that can act as a cold remedy. When served to people with colds and congestion, ginger juice is typically served warm and consumed at least 2-3 times a day to effectively help cure sore throats and the common cold.
- Ginger Juice can help alleviate blood pressure – Most experts claim that a specific chemical compound that is found in ginger is a great natural way of reducing hypertension. Not only that, but it can also help lower the bad cholesterol in your body that can cause heart disease.
- Ginger juice is a great pain reliever – Ginger is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties that also act as a pain reliever. If you’re experiencing toothache and you cannot go right away to your dentist, put a small piece of ginger between your affected tooth and cheek, then let the ginger juice do its thing. You can also try mixing ginger juice with olive oil and then massage it into your skin.