The Easiest (and Safest) Method for Peeling Ginger, According to My Dad

Ginger is a key ingredient in many savory and sweet dishes, and the warm, peppery flavor we love actually comes from its rhizome (fun fact: it's a perennial). However, peeling fresh ginger can be tricky due to its bumpy, irregular shape, making it difficult to handle.

The edible part of ginger comes from its root, which grows in all kinds of shapes and sizes, making it a challenge to peel properly with a potato peeler or knife. That’s why ginger often comes pre-grated or frozen, ready to use in recipes like ginger cookies or spiced meats. But peeling ginger is much easier (and safer) than you think, thanks to a simple tool my dad taught me to use: a spoon.

The Best Way to Peel Ginger

Ginger's thin skin can be delicate, so while you might think a potato peeler, knife, or grater would work best, the uneven bumps and grooves can make those methods unsafe and impractical. That’s where the spoon comes in. To peel ginger, simply hold the spoon with the bowl-side facing down, press the tip against the ginger, and drag it along the surface. You'll be amazed at how smooth and easy it is, and it's far safer than risking a cut with a knife or peeler.

Why Peeling Ginger with a Spoon Is So Simple

The majority of ginger's bold flavor comes from its juicy flesh, nestled inside the root’s thin skin. Since the skin is so delicate, it peels off effortlessly with minimal pressure or sharp tools, making the smooth edge of a spoon the perfect tool for the job.

Our Favorite Ways to Enjoy Ginger

Ginger is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes, whether grated, whole, or dried. From using crystallized ginger to make delicious Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes to crafting a rich sauce for salmon, the flavor possibilities with ginger are endless.