Juicing Ginger in 3 Simple Steps

To juice ginger, start by cleaning your fresh ginger root under running water and scraping off the skin with a spoon's back if using conventional ginger. Next, cut the ginger into 1-2 inch pieces and process them through an electric juicer or blend with water and strain through cheesecloth. Finally, store your fresh ginger juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. There's much more to discover about maximizing your ginger juice's potential.

Preparing Your Fresh Ginger Root

Before juicing ginger, proper preparation of the root guarantees you'll get the most flavor and nutrients from your finished product.

Start by thoroughly scrubbing your ginger root under running water to remove dirt and debris. If you're using organic ginger, you won't need to peel it – just scrub the surface clean. For conventional ginger, use the back of a spoon to gently scrape off the skin.

Cut your ginger into 1-2 inch pieces that'll fit easily into your juicer or blender. Break apart any knobby sections to check for hidden dirt. Remove any dark spots, damaged areas, or tough pieces using a sharp knife.

If you're using a blender, make your cuts smaller to guarantee smooth processing. For quick extraction, you can also use a garlic press or Microplane. These preparation steps will guarantee your ginger juice is clean and pure.

Selecting Your Juicing Method

Choosing the right method to juice ginger can greatly impact your results and overall satisfaction. You'll find two main approaches: using an electric juicer or a blender.

Electric juicers offer the most efficient extraction, particularly slow juicers and twin gear models like the Omega VSJ843 or Green Star Pro. You won't need to peel the ginger, and you'll get maximum yield with minimal waste. Simply cut the root into 2-inch pieces and feed them through. Juicing can be less nutrient-dense compared to blending because it removes the fiber content.

If you're using a blender, you'll need to chop the ginger smaller and add water for processing. While this method requires extra straining through cheesecloth and yields less juice, it's a viable option if you don't own a juicer. The juice can be kept fresh for 2-3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

You can enhance the flavor by using coconut water instead of plain water.

Storing and Using Your Ginger Juice

Once you've prepared your fresh ginger juice, proper storage becomes essential for maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life.

Store your fresh juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it'll last 24-48 hours. For longer storage, freeze your ginger juice in ice cube trays, maintaining peak quality for up to six months. The 5.9 pH level in ginger juice makes it particularly susceptible to spoilage, requiring careful storage methods.

If you're planning for extended preservation, consider pressure canning at 10-15 psi for 1 hour and 25 minutes. This method keeps your juice shelf-stable for 2-3 months without refrigeration.

Watch for signs of spoilage by checking the color, smell, and texture regularly. If you notice darkening, foul odors, or mold, discard immediately.

While store-bought versions can last 12-18 months unopened, they'll only stay fresh for 7-10 days once opened.