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Is ginger skin okay to juice?

Introduction

Ginger is a popular ingredient used around the world for its unique flavor and health benefits. The rhizome (underground stem) of the ginger plant is commonly used fresh, dried, or powdered in cooking. But what about the skin – is it safe and beneficial to juice ginger with the skin on? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

Nutritional Profile of Ginger Skin

The skin of fresh ginger contains many of the same nutrients and plant compounds found in the flesh. This includes (per 100g):

Nutrient Amount
Calories 60
Protein 2g
Carbs 14g
Fiber 2g
Fat 1g
Vitamin C 7% DV
Folate 3% DV
Magnesium 12% DV
Potassium 415mg
Manganese 59% DV

Ginger skin contains antioxidants like gingerols, shogaols, zingerone and flavonoids. It also contains compounds called phenolic acids that have anti-inflammatory properties.

Overall, the skin has a very similar nutrient and phytochemical makeup as the flesh. Leaving the skin on when juicing may provide a slightly more concentrated dose of these beneficial plant compounds.

Potential Benefits of Juicing Ginger Skin

Here are some of the evidence-based health benefits associated with the compounds found in ginger skin:

Anti-inflammatory effects: The phenolic acids and flavonoids in ginger skin exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This may help reduce pain, swelling and oxidative stress throughout the body.

Immune supporting effects: Research shows that ginger skin contains antimicrobial compounds that may help boost immune function by combating harmful viruses, bacteria and other microbes.

Anti-nausea effects: Ginger has long been used as a traditional remedy for nausea. The gingerols and shogaols found in the skin are believed to be the active compounds providing these benefits.

Cancer protective effects: Studies suggest that ginger skin contains compounds like 6-shogaol that may have anti-cancer properties, such as reducing the growth and spread of certain cancer cells. More research is needed.

Cholesterol lowering effects: Animal studies indicate that ginger skin may help reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol levels, total cholesterol and triglycerides. The effects in humans need further study.

Overall, juicing ginger skin may provide a greater concentration and broader spectrum of bioactive plant compounds, resulting in enhanced potential health benefits.

Possible Downsides of Juicing Ginger Skin

Here are a few potential downsides to be aware of:

Texture: The skin has a tougher, more fibrous texture than the flesh. This can leave a stringy, filamentous texture in your juice. Using a high-power blender can help break down the fiber.

Flavor: Ginger skin has a more intense, pungent flavor compared to the flesh alone. For some, it may provide too strong of a “burn.” Start with less skin and adjust to taste preferences.

Pesticide residue: Ginger is on the “Dirty Dozen” list for high pesticide loads when conventionally grown. The skin may harbor more residue. Opt for organic.

Mouth/throat irritation: Ginger skin contains plant compounds that may cause mild irritation, burning or discomfort when ingested in high amounts. This varies individually.

Drug interactions: Due to potential additive effects, talk to your doctor before juicing ginger skin if taking blood thinners or medication for diabetes, high blood pressure or acid reflux. Start with small amounts.

So while juicing ginger skin ups the health benefits, some fine-tuning and precautions may be needed for the best results. Moderation is key.

Selecting Ginger Root to Juice

Here are some tips for selecting fresh ginger root with skin that’s optimal for juicing:

Choose organic: This minimizes pesticide exposure from the skin. Prioritize organic if the budget is limited.

Pick firm, taut skin: Smooth, tight skin without wrinkles, spots or mold indicates freshness. Avoid ginger with loose, dry or brittle skin.

Opt for young ginger: The skin of younger ginger is thinner and milder in flavor with less fiber. Older ginger skin is tougher.

Size: Opt for average sized roots that are 5-8 inches long. Oversized ginger may be old and tough. Baby ginger has very thin skin.

Color: Yellowish, brownish or pale skin indicates old ginger. Select roots with light tan or creamy off-white skin.

Smell: Fresh, aromatic skin signals a good quality root. Pass on pungent, musty or moldy smelling ginger.

Picking fresh, organic young ginger ensure you get maximum flavor and health benefits when juicing the skin.

Preparing Ginger Skin for Juicing

Proper preparation of ginger root can help optimize the nutrition and flavor of your juice:

Scrub well: Clean the ginger skin thoroughly with a brush under running water to remove dirt and residue.

Peel sparingly: Use a spoon or peeler to remove just some of the tough outermost skin if needed, leaving thinner inner skin on.

Slice thinly: Cut ginger into very thin slices or small cubes to break down fiber and release juice.

Use a powerful blender: A high speed blender works best to fully break down ginger skin and extract liquid.

Blend with other ingredients: Mix ginger with fruits, veggies and/or herbs to balance the flavor. Citrus like lemon masks ginger’s bite.

Proper cleaning, minimal peeling and thin slicing helps make ginger skin easy to juice and enjoy. Blending it with other produce balances the benefits.

How Much Ginger Skin to Use When Juicing

Ginger skin has a very strong flavor, so it’s best to start with small amounts:

1-2 thin slices: Try this amount per serving if using ginger skin for the first time or have a low tolerance for spice.

1-2 tablespoons grated: For more ginger kick, finely grate 1-2 tablespoons of peeled ginger with skin left on.

1-inch ginger chunk: For experienced ginger juice drinkers, use a 1 inch section of ginger with skin blended per serving.

50/50 ratio: Balance flavor by juicing equal parts ginger skin and sweet fruit/veggies like apples, carrots or orange.

Other spices: Add complementary spices like cinnamon, cardamom or turmeric to round out the flavor.

Dilute if needed: If the ginger burn is too strong, dilute with water or milk after juicing.

Don’t overdo it on your first try. Add thin slices of ginger skin to judge flavor and slowly increase amounts as tolerated.

Potential Side Effects of Ginger Skin

When ingesting ginger skin, especially in higher amounts, look out for:

– Heartburn or stomach upset
– Irritation or burning sensation in the mouth or throat
– Loose stools or gastrointestinal distress
– Lightheadedness or dizziness
– Flushing, sweating or increased body temperature
– Throat swelling or breathing issues (allergic reaction)

Discontinue use if any concerning or serious side effects develop. Be extra cautious if you have GERD, acid reflux, gallstones or bleeding disorders. Introduce ginger skin slowly in small amounts and avoid overconsumption.

Best Fruits and Veggies to Juice with Ginger Skin

To balance the intense flavor of ginger skin, it works best when blended with sweeter, milder and higher water content produce such as:

– Apples – Reduces ginger bite and adds sweetness
– Cucumber – Mild flavor and high water content
– Carrots – Sweet, can dilute ginger’s intensity
– Grapefruit – Tart citrus helps mask ginger flavor
– Orange – Bright citrus notes complement ginger
– Pear – Adds sweetness and cuts ginger burn
– Pineapple – Sweetness counters gingery zing
– Lemon – Zesty citrus balances strong ginger taste
– Celery – Provides crunch and water to dilute

Mix and match your favorite fruits and veggies to concoct delicious ginger skin juice blends.

Potential Healthy Ginger Skin Juice Recipes

Here are some tasty ginger skin juice ideas to try:

Orange Ginger Zinger Juice
– 2 oranges, peeled
– 1 inch ginger, unpeeled
– 1 apple
– Dash of cinnamon

Carrot Apple Ginger Juice
– 5 carrots, tops removed
– 1 apple, cored
– 1-2 slices unpeeled ginger

Pineapple Ginger Lemonade
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 lemon, peeled
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger skin
– 1 cup water

Ginger Beet Juice
– 1 beet, scrubbed well
– 1 apple
– 1-inch ginger chunk, unpeeled
– 3 celery stalks

Grapefruit Ginger Cleanser
– 1 grapefruit, peeled
– 1 cucumber
– 2 slices ginger with skin
– Small handful mint leaves

Experiment with ingredient ratios and customize juices to preferred flavor and spice level.

Should You Remove Ginger Skin Before Juicing?

Whether to peel ginger before juicing depends on a few factors:

Benefits of Juicing Ginger Skin

– Higher concentration of nutrients
– Greater range of health-promoting compounds
– More intense ginger flavor

Benefits of Peeling Ginger

– Smoother, less fibrous texture
– Reduced spiciness and burn
– Lower risk of throat/stomach irritation

In general, juicing ginger skin provides more overall health benefits. But peel thicker outer layers or whole roots if the flavor or fibrousness is too intense. Aim to strike a balance for maximizing benefits while avoiding side effects.

Storage of Ginger Juice with Skin

Like most juices, ginger juices with skin have a short shelf life. Follow these storage tips:

– Drink ginger skin juice right away for best nutrition and flavor.

– If storing, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

– For longer storage, freeze juice in ice cube trays up to 6 months. Thaw before drinking.

– Freeze unpeeled ginger root whole up to 3 months. Thaw before juicing.

– Signs juice has spoiled: mold, bitterness, sour odor, fizzing.

Enjoying ginger skin juice fresh or within a day optimizes the health benefits. Freezing preserves nutrition longer term.

Conclusion

Juicing ginger skin can provide a powerhouse of nutrition and health promoting plant compounds. While the flavor is intense and side effects possible for some, juicing thin slices of organic ginger skin along with sweeter fruits, veggies and spices can let you take advantage of the many potential benefits. Moderating your intake and adjusting recipes to find the right balance makes enjoying ginger skin juice safe and rewarding.