Did you know that ginger stems are edible along with its rhizomes? Ginger stems, often referred to as “ginger shoots” or “ginger sprouts,” are indeed edible. These tender green shoots grow from the ginger rhizome. Ginger stems are consumed for their unique flavor and potential health benefits. They add a fresh, mildly spicy, and aromatic touch to various dishes.
The consumption of ginger stems or leaves is common in various cultures, particularly in Asian cuisine. In countries like China, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia, ginger stems are used in a variety of dishes: stir-fries, soups, curries, teas, and pickles. They can also be used as a garnish for a refreshing and spicy kick in dishes like sushi or sashimi. You name it!
Among the various culinary uses for ginger stems, one of my personal favorites is crafting a delicate and mild ginger tea. In this post, I’m excited to share a guide on how to prepare this soothing tea using these tender ginger shoots.
Benefits of Ginger
Ginger, an age-old herb with a rich historical tradition, has been cherished for its myriad of natural medicinal qualities. This versatile root is renowned for its numerous potential health advantages. Foremost among its benefits is its capacity to bolster the immune system. Additionally, ginger boasts anti-inflammatory attributes and is a source of antioxidants. It is also recognized for its digestive aid properties and its ability to provide relief from nausea. Beyond these, ginger can bring comfort during colds and soothe sore throats.
Preparing Ginger Stems
If you missed our post about planting, caring, harvesting, curing and storing ginger, please check it out.
- Remove any dirt or impurities off the stems.
- Take leaves off the stems. I prefer to peel off the outer layer of the stem.
- Wash the stems thoroughly.
- Trim the ends and any tough or fibrous parts.
- Slice or chop the tender green parts into desired sizes for your recipe.
How to Make Tea with Ginger Stems
Ginger tea can be crafted using either fresh or dried ginger stems. If you opt for fresh ginger stems, begin by cutting them into 1-inch pieces and placing them in a pot of water. The quantity of stems you use is entirely up to your personal preference. If you desire a more robust ginger flavor, add more stems; for a milder taste, use a smaller amount. You may also consider adding slices of ginger root for an extra kick.
Boil the water, allowing the ginger stems to infuse their flavor. Once the essence of the stems has melded into the water, it’s time to strain the tea into a cup and savor its delightful taste.
If you wish to prolong the shelf life of your ginger stems, consider dehydrating the sliced pieces and storing them in an airtight jar. This way, you’ll have a convenient supply of ginger stems readily available for making tea whenever the craving strikes, even when fresh stems are not at hand. Simply steep the dehydrated stems in hot water, allowing you to relish your soothing ginger tea whenever you desire.
To dehydrate the stems, I personally dried mine at 160°F for a duration of 3 hours. It’s crucial to ensure that the stems are entirely moisture-free before storage, as this is essential for successful preservation.
I hope you get the opportunity to savor the delight of fresh and gently warming ginger tea made with ginger stems. It can serve as a delightful reward for your ginger harvest.
*Disclaimer: Affiliate Links
Please note that this website may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we believe will add value to our readers.
These affiliate relationships have no influence on the editorial content or opinions expressed on this website. We are committed to providing honest and unbiased information to help you make
informed decisions.
Your support through these affiliate links is greatly appreciated, as it helps us maintain and improve the quality of our content. If you have any questions or concerns about our use of affiliate links, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for being a valued reader of our blog
