Because dry, powdered ginger is like a polite handshake, but fresh ginger is a full-on, enthusiastic bear hug. It brings a bright, zingy warmth that wakes up everything it touches. Plus, it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory goodness and can settle your stomach when you’ve overdone it on the pizza. Why wouldn’t you want a little more of that magic in your life?
The peeling problem: do you really need to?
Here’s the secret pros use: you don’t always have to peel it. If the ginger is young and has thin, smooth skin, just scrub it clean and slice away. But if it’s old and wrinkly—like a retired boxer—do peel it with a spoon. Yes, a spoon. The edge of a teaspoon scrapes off the skin without wasting the fragrant flesh. It’s oddly satisfying, like carving a tiny, fragrant boat.
