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Ginger is one of the most versatile spices/herbs. It can be used in cooking and even in juicing. You may be wondering whether you should peel ginger before juicing.
This article answers this fundamental question and explains why we add ginger to juices. It also discusses the process of peeling ginger and the type of juicer you should consider using.
In this post:
Why Do We Add Ginger into Juice?
1. To Add Nutrients
Ginger contains very low calories which means it will not expose you to health risks like weight gain. The biggest advantage, however, is that it contains various nutrients such as Vitamins E, C, and B-complex.
It also contains minerals such as magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, and potassium. Ginger is therefore a great addition to your juice.
2. To Flavor the Juice
Ginger is considered a spice. It does nothing less than adding a unique flavor to your juice. The flavor will make even the most unpalatable juices taste better and you will enjoy consuming them.
3. To Reduce Chance of Bloating
Consumption of some juices especially ones made from calciferous vegetables such as broccoli may cause bloating due to their high insoluble fiber content.
Read More: Can You Juice Broccoli?
It is however important to note that adding ginger to these juices reduces the chance of bloating and constipation, significantly. This is because ginger has high soluble fiber content which enhances digestion and maintains gut health.
4. To Increase Juice Shelf Life
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is considered a natural preservative. Ginger contains a substantial amount of this vital vitamin.
It works by lowering the pH of juice making it harder for bacterial and other microbial activity to take place. It also acts as an antioxidant, essentially giving the juice longer shelf life.
Do I Peel Ginger before Juicing?
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There is no need to peel ginger before juicing. This is not only because the skin is rich in zinc and peeling would get rid of it, but because the skin does not change the flavor of the ginger. Peeling it is also cumbersome because of the irregular surface.
If you choose not to peel ginger, you must make sure that you wash its surface thoroughly to get rid of any debris. You can use a mix of vinegar and water for extra cleaning.
Dealing with Ginger
Does Peeling Ginger Change its Flavor?
No, peeling ginger does nothing to change its flavor. It is just a matter of preference and aesthetics because peeled ginger is better looking, so you should not feel obligated to peel it. Washing it is enough.
How to Peel Ginger
- Freeze the ginger for an hour or two. This hardens them and makes them easier to peel.
- Thaw the ginger for a few minutes. This softens the skin while other parts are still firm from freezing.
- Hold the ginger against a firm surface like a countertop.
- Use a spoon to remove the skin in firm vertical movements
- Clean the ginger and cut it into manageable pieces. This gets it ready for juicing
Which Type of Juicer Is Better for Ginger?
Ginger is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Using a centrifugal juicer will just cut it up and include all the insoluble fiber in the juice. In addition, it does not extract much juice from the ginger.
The best juicer for ginger remains the masticating juicer. Although it is relatively slow, it extracts most of the juice from ginger and does not include the insoluble fiber in the juice.
This is because the fiber is left behind during juicing. This ensures one does not suffer from indigestion and bloating due to excessive insoluble fiber intake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, peeling ginger before juicing is not a necessity. You should clean it thoroughly and add it to juice for benefits such as better digestion, flavor and to increase the juice’s shelf life. It is also loaded with nutrients; therefore, it will be a great addition to your juice.
References
- Why is ginger good for you – Medical News Today