Ginger has an incredibly high nutritional value and is a familiar spice in many family meals. Apart from its ability to neutralize fishy odors, it adds a hearty and delicious flavor to dishes. That’s why ginger is an indispensable spice in every family’s kitchen.
Ginger is an essential spice in many Vietnamese households. (Source: Sohu)
Due to the high demand for ginger, some sellers preserve it with sulfur to extend its shelf life and enhance its appearance. This type of treated ginger not only has a less appealing flavor but can also be detrimental to one’s health if consumed over a long period.
Identifying Safe and Chemical-Free Ginger
To choose safe and chemical-free ginger, consider the following tips:
Closely Examine the Ginger’s Skin
The skin of fresh ginger is usually rough and dull, with visible surface veins. (Source: Sohu)
The skin of ginger is typically coarse and dull, with distinct surface veins. Fresh ginger tends to retain dirt and grime. In contrast, sulfur-treated ginger has a bright, shiny, and eye-catching appearance with a smooth, bright yellow skin due to the sulfur smoke treatment. Experienced ginger farmers suggest that uglier-looking ginger tends to be safer and more flavorful.
Smell the Ginger
When purchasing ginger, it is essential to use your sense of smell. Regular ginger has a distinctive pungent and slightly spicy aroma. If you detect a faint sulfurous odor or cannot discern the typical ginger scent, it is likely treated with sulfur.
Rub Your Hands on the Ginger’s Skin
When selecting ginger, try gently rubbing your fingers over its skin. If it has been treated with sulfur, the skin will feel soft and fragile, and the thin skin may peel off easily. In contrast, the skin of untreated ginger is relatively tough and firmly attached to the flesh, making it difficult to peel off even with vigorous rubbing.
Observe the Color of the Inner Ginger
Safe and chemical-free ginger has a deep yellow flesh and skin. (Source: Sohu)
Break a piece of ginger to inspect its interior. Safe and untreated ginger will display a deep yellow color in both the skin and the flesh. In contrast, sulfur-treated ginger has bright yellow skin but a deeper yellow flesh.
Press the Ginger
Another way to identify safe and chemical-free ginger is to use your thumb or index finger to press into the ginger root. If it feels soft, it is either about to spoil or has been treated with chemicals to prolong its shelf life. Fresh ginger should be firm, and it should be challenging to dent it with your fingernail.
Avoid purchasing ginger that shows signs of decay, sprouting, or mold. Breakage during transportation can introduce bacteria, leading to mold and decay. Additionally, storing ginger at excessively high temperatures may cause it to sprout; this type of ginger should be avoided as it contains the toxic compound safrole, which is harmful to health.
According to VTC News
