Ground Ginger Vs Fresh Ginger: Which One Is More Potent?

Ginger is one of those ingredients that can be a bit polarizing. While it's a classic component of everything from beloved sweets like gingerbread and pumpkin spice lattes, savory preparations like salad dressings and sushi, to even drinks like a Moscow mule or a lemony tea, not everyone enjoys the same level of ginger kick.

The level of potency you can expect may be hard to gauge however, and it can be tough to know if you should expect a hefty dose of heat or a mild, sweeter profile when cooking with this spice. And while a number of factors can impact how ginger is expressed in a dish, if you're preparing a recipe that calls for the rhizome, one useful piece of information is understanding which form of it — ground or fresh — is going to pack the most punch.

Perhaps it may surprise you to know that it's the powdered kind.In fact, you may need as little as ⅛ of a teaspoon of ground ginger to equal 1 tablespoon of the fresh stuff. The flavor is also subtly different, as the fresh root is a bit sweeter and less peppery than what you get with ground, which may impact your decision between the two options. 

Regardless of whether you decide to use fresh or ground ginger, one of the major factors that will determine potency and flavor is freshness. If you have a dusty old jar of ground ginger, it's likely not going to deliver much of anything taste-wise. If stored properly, in a cool dry place and away from direct sunlight, ground ginger can potentially be kept for up to two years.But like all spices, it's a good practice to use it up quickly and double check that it still has a lively aroma before using. If it doesn't smell like much, you're likely to have a dull, flat flavor. In terms of fresh ginger, it can last for months in the freezer if stored correctly. But generally, a piece of unpeeled ginger kept in the crisper drawer of your fridge has a shelf life of a few weeks before you may start to see mold.

When you take care to ensure that your ginger is fresh in either form, you're much more likely to have a satisfying cookie, a well-balanced spice blend, a comforting ginger chicken jook, or a perfect specimen of pumpkin pie. And while it may be helpful to have a complete guide to cooking with ginger at home, knowing this basic but critical distinction between these types will help you make a discerning ginger selection for every project.