Can I put unpeeled ginger in a juicer?
Introduction
Ginger is a popular ingredient used in juices and smoothies for its spicy flavor and potential health benefits. Some people prefer to juice ginger with the skin on, while others peel it first. So, can you put unpeeled ginger in a juicer?
The short answer is yes, you can juice unpeeled ginger. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when putting unpeeled ginger into a juicer. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of juicing ginger with the skin on versus peeled, look at how to best prepare unpeeled ginger for juicing, and provide some recipe ideas for juices containing unpeeled ginger.
Pros and Cons of Juicing Unpeeled Ginger
There are some advantages and disadvantages to consider when juicing unpeeled ginger.
Potential Benefits of Juicing Unpeeled Ginger
Some of the touted benefits of juicing ginger with the skin on include:
- Higher nutrient content – Ginger skin contains fiber and additional nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
- More intense flavor – The skin helps retain ginger’s signature spicy, pungent flavor.
- Saves prep time – Skipping peeling can be quicker and easier.
Potential Drawbacks of Juicing Unpeeled Ginger
Some of the potential downsides of putting unpeeled ginger into a juicer include:
- Textural changes – The skin may alter the smoothness and mouthfeel of the juice.
- Stronger, more bitter flavor – The skin can make the juice taste quite intense and bitter.
- Juicer strain – Fibrous ginger skin can clog up juicer screens.
So in summary, the skin adds more fiber and enhances the flavor, but also introduces textural changes and a strong bitter note. It’s about personal preference, and also depends on the type of juicer you’re using.
How to Prepare Unpeeled Ginger for Juicing
Here are some tips for prepping unpeeled ginger for the juicer:
- Wash well – Use a vegetable brush under running water to scrub the ginger skin clean.
- Trim ends – Slice off any dried or moldy skin from the ends of the ginger.
- Cut into smaller pieces – Slice the ginger into coins or small chunks to feed through the juicer.
- Soak if older – For mature ginger with a very tough skin, soak in warm water for 20-30 minutes to soften.
- Use a powerful juicer – A twin gear masticating juicer or trifecta juicer can process ginger skin more easily than a centrifugal juicer.
Properly washing, trimming, and cutting the ginger will help it juice more smoothly. For very fibrous older ginger rhizomes, soaking softens up the skin. And using a slow juicer with metal gears or teeth generally handles ginger skin better than fast centrifugal machines.
Juice Recipes with Unpeeled Ginger
Here are a few juicing recipes that work well with unpeeled ginger:
Spicy Lemon Ginger Juice
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unpeeled ginger | 1 inch knob |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Apple | 1 |
| Cucumber | 1⁄2 |
| Parsley | Small handful |
| Water | 1-2 cups |
This zesty juice pairs the spicy ginger and tart lemon with sweet apple and hydrating cucumber. Parsley adds a fresh flavor. Dilute to taste with water for the desired strength.
Orange Ginger Cleanser
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unpeeled ginger | 2 inch knob |
| Oranges | 2 |
| Carrots | 2 |
| Turmeric | 1⁄2 tsp (optional) |
Let the bright citrus flavors of orange combine with warming ginger and carrots for an energizing immunity booster. Add anti-inflammatory turmeric for an extra kick.
Tropical Ginger Juice
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unpeeled ginger | 1 inch knob |
| Pineapple | 1 cup chunks |
| Mango | 1 cup chunks |
| Orange | 1⁄2 |
| Lime | 1⁄2 |
For an island-inspired blend, mix the ginger with sweet tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and citrus. The ginger adds a little heat to balance out the sweetness.
Choosing a Juicer for Unpeeled Ginger
The type of juicer you use can make a difference when juicing unpeeled ginger. Here are some things to look for in a juicer intended for ginger skin:
- Masticating/slow juicers – The augers are better at crushing ginger skin than fast spinning centrifugal discs.
- Metal parts – Stainless steel components can withstand ginger’s abrasiveness better than plastic.
- Narrow shoots – Look for a vertical juicer shoot under 3 inches wide to prevent ginger from getting jammed.
- Powerful motor – It takes significant torque to break down tough ginger fibers.
- Wide feed chute – A larger feed tube allows you to insert ginger chunks rather than thin rounds.
Some of the top-rated juicers for unpeeled ginger include the Tribest Slowstar, Omega NC800, and Super Angel Pro. But any sturdy masticating juicer should do the trick.
Can a Centrifugal Juicer Handle Unpeeled Ginger?
While centrifugal or fast juicers are not ideal for juicing ginger skin, it is possible with the right model and preparation. Here are some tips:
- Choose a centrifugal juicer with a 3+ inch wide chute to accommodate ginger chunks.
- Look for a stainless steel basket and cutting disc for durability.
- Soak the ginger first to soften skin.
- Cut ginger into thin coins no more than 1⁄4 inch thick.
- Alternate ginger with softer produce like oranges or apples.
- Run pulp through the juicer 2-3 times to increase yields.
- Clean the basket screen frequently to avoid clogging.
While ginger skin can strain some centrifugal juicers, especially those with smaller feed tubes, it is possible with the right prep and model. But for frequent ginger juicing, a masticating juicer is still a better bet.
Other Ways to Use Unpeeled Ginger
While juicing is one option for enjoying unpeeled ginger, here are some other ways to make use of ginger with its skin on:
- Add to smoothies for flavor and nutrition.
- Simmer in soups, stews, and curries.
- Infuse into tea or lemonade.
- Make raw ginger honey by blending with honey.
- Dehydrate into ginger chips for snacking.
- Blend into dressings, marinades, and sauces.
- Pickle in rice vinegar for a probiotic snack.
- Bake into cookies, muffins, or gingerbread.
The applications are endless! Ginger’s spice plays well in both sweet and savory recipes. Just adjust the quantity based on the intensity of flavor desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about juicing ginger with the skin on:
Is it safe to juice unpeeled ginger?
Yes, juicing unpeeled ginger is generally safe, provided the skin is thoroughly washed first. Organic, unpeeled ginger is the best choice. The skin contains beneficial nutrients and compounds.
Does juicing ginger skin change the nutrition?
Juicing unpeeled ginger can increase the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content compared to peeled ginger. Specific nutrients in the skin include magnesium, phosphorus, B vitamins, vitamin C, and phytochemicals.
Will ginger skin clog my juicer?
The fibrous skin can clog some juicers, mainly centrifugal types. To prevent this, soak ginger first, cut into small pieces, alternate with soft produce, and clean the juicer frequently. Masticating juicers handle skin better.
Is juicing ginger skin good for health?
Potential benefits of ginger skin include anti-inflammatory effects, improved digestion and immunity, and protection against chronic diseases. But more research is still needed on the bioactivity of specific compounds.
Does the skin make ginger juice too bitter?
The skin does make ginger juice more bitter and intense. Balance out the flavor with sweeter fruits like apple or orange. You can also dilute the juice with water or remove some of the skin for milder flavor.
Conclusion
While juicing ginger with its skin on is not for everyone, it can provide more intense flavor and nutrition compared to peeling. The key is using the right juicing technique and recipe combinations. For minimal fuss, a powerful masticating juicer and proper ginger prep is recommended. But even in centrifugal juicers, it’s possible with some adjustments.
Experiment with unpeeled ginger in your juices for a spicy immunity and health boost. Just be sure to balance out the strong flavor profile with sweeter fruits and customize the intensity to your personal taste preferences.