One of the best features of Trader Joe's is that they have a large display promoting their new products. They ususally introduce a few products at a time at intervals of three to four weeks, a small number that would disappear unnoticed into the regular shelves. But thanks to the displays, a regular shopper can tell at a glance if there are any new things that need to be added to the shopping list. This Crushed Ginger is one of their newest products and it only took a second before I decided to put it in my cart.
Typically, when a recipe calls for fresh ginger, it asks for a teaspoon or a tablespoon of minced ginger. With this pre-crushed ginger, I can just measure out exactly how much I need and continue with the recipe, without bothering to peel, mince (with my microplane grater) and then store the leftover portion of a piece of fresh ginger. The jarred stuff will keep for at least several weeks in the fridge once it has been opened.
Chocolate-stuffed bananas on the grill
Tyler Florence welcomes new daughter
Beware kids' menus!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-28-2006 @ 11:30AM
Finished Law School said...
Now all that needs to happen is that Trader Joe's expands to all 50 states.
Reply
9-28-2006 @ 12:35PM
MJ said...
We need Trader Joes in N.C. I have been hearing about how great it is. Minced ginger is great to have on hand. Just bought some minced garlic and have the chopped and the fresh on hand. Hate mincing garlic, also it is hard to find it packed in oil which gives it a better flavor than packed in water!
Reply
9-28-2006 @ 5:56PM
The Old Foodie said...
If you do want to make your own - just buy a heap of ginger (preferably when is it very young and tender with almost non-existent skin) - put it in your blender and chop it as fine as you like it with enough sherry to cover. Takes a few moments if you dont need to peel it, and it keeps for ages in the fridge. The sherry is a bonus in most recipes that use ginger.
Reply
9-28-2006 @ 5:58PM
Joe said...
Go to any store catering to an Indian clientele, and you can buy ginger paste in small jars. You find it most commonly sold by SWAD, but even theirs is pretty decent.
Reply
9-29-2006 @ 1:41PM
Ari said...
It's funny that people have ginger problems - there is an EASY solution. Buy some ginger. Put it in a ziplock bag in the freezer. When it's time to use it, use a vegetable peeler or a spoon and scrape the skin off - it comes off easy. Then grate and put back in the freezer. It keeps for upwards of a year this way and it's really not too hard. I LOVE TJs, but I know I don't go through jars of ginger that fast.
Reply
9-29-2006 @ 3:14PM
MJ said...
Thanks Joe! Didnt think of going to an indian or asian store1 Would be alot better and cheaper. Use to shop there alot. The garlic is better than what you find at the grocer and shallots are dirt cheap at the asian market! Most all produce and fresh!
Reply
9-29-2006 @ 10:13PM
Jenny said...
MJ - don't know where in NC you are, but supposedly TJ is coming to Cary in the next few months. http://www.newsobserver.com/104/story/425335.html
Reply
9-29-2006 @ 11:07PM
MJ said...
Thanks Jenny agood ways from me, but not far sooooo they should be somewhere is the piedmont triad area maybe next summer. Ill keep on the look out. Dont know why they are opening in a small city as that ? Oh well its in my state soon......come to mommaJ.
Reply