Fresh ginger is a knobbly root with a silvery-tan thin skin and fibrous texture. It is usually skinned and either sliced, finely chopped or grated for addition to dishes. It has a pungent flavour and aroma. Its slight sharpness helps to settle the digestive system. Select roots with taut, unwrinkled skin. Grated ginger, also available ready-made in a tube, can be used as a preseasoning or spice. As needle-thin slivers, ginger can be used as a garnish for simmered dishes, salads and soups, or it can be pickled or used to counteract strong-smelling meat and fish. When I was brought up, the only use for ginger was as a dried powder served with slices of melon. How things have changed.
