What is the best way to peel ginger or turmeric with minimal waste?

Question

Stop wasting ginger when you peel it. Learn the surprising spoon method to easily remove the skin with minimal waste. Get the simple trick for perfect prep.

Answer 1

Use the edge of a spoon to gently scrape away the skin of ginger or turmeric. This method removes only the thin outer layer, minimizing waste compared to using a knife or peeler.

Detailed Explanation:

Peeling ginger and turmeric can be tricky because of their irregular shapes and knobby surfaces. Using a knife or vegetable peeler often results in removing a significant amount of the flesh along with the skin. A spoon, however, conforms to the shape of the rhizome, allowing you to scrape off just the thin outer layer.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Wash the ginger or turmeric: Rinse the rhizome under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.

2. Hold the rhizome firmly: Grip the ginger or turmeric in your non-dominant hand, ensuring a secure hold.

3. Use the edge of a spoon: Hold a regular metal spoon in your dominant hand. Use the edge of the spoon, not the bowl, to scrape the skin.

4. Scrape gently: Apply gentle pressure and scrape along the surface of the ginger or turmeric. The skin should come off easily.

5. Follow the contours: Work around the knobs and crevices, using the spoon to navigate the irregular shape.

6. Repeat as needed: Continue scraping until all the desired skin is removed.

Pro Tip:

For easier peeling, especially with older ginger or turmeric, soak it in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before peeling. This will soften the skin and make it even easier to remove with a spoon.