Pickled Ginger – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is pickled ginger?

Pickled ginger is a condiment made from thinly sliced ginger that has been brined in a solution of salt, sugar, and rice vinegar. It is commonly served with sushi but can be utilized for sandwiches, stir-fries, and other dishes.

Ginger is the tuberous rhizome of a perennial plant native to Southeast Asia. The aromatic and pungent root was regarded in ancient Chinese and Indian texts for its medicinal and aromatic properties. Ginger was imported to Rome more than 2,000 years ago and spread throughout Europe only towards the end of the 13th century. 

Where did pickled ginger originate from?

Pickled ginger is a traditional Japanese food called gari. It is typically served with sushi and is meant to act as a palate cleanser between bites. 

Pickled ginger is considered a type of traditional Japanese tsukemono, or pickle. Pickling is a method of preserving vegetables that would otherwise go bad. The first written record of tsukemono in Japan dates back to the Tenpyo era of the mid-8th century and utilized sea salt as a means of pickling vegetables. Since then, the pickling process became more developed and refined, resulting in the delicious version of pickled sushi ginger you enjoy between nigiri bites.

Ginger itself reached the shores of Japan from China and Korea during the start of the first millennium, primarily as a medicinal food. During this time, medicine and food went hand in hand, so much so that the Japanese word for condiment, yakumi, also means medicinal food.

What are the benefits of eating pickled ginger?

Ginger is a low-calorie food containing potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous. It’s also rich in beneficial antioxidants.

How is pickled ginger made?

To make pickled ginger, fresh ginger root is peeled and thinly sliced. The thinly sliced ginger is then combined with a solution of salt, sugar, and rice vinegar. Other natural flavorings are sometimes added, including shiso leaf or kelp dashi.

Traditionally, young ginger is used to make pickled ginger, giving the product a vibrant pinkish hue. Pickled ginger made with mature roots will have a more yellow appearance—unless it is dyed to look pink. The pickling process can last just a few hours to a couple of weeks.

What is the shelf life of pickled ginger?

If kept in a cool, dark place like your pantry, pickled ginger should keep indefinitely like other pickled foods. Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator.

How do you pick pickled ginger at the grocery store?

Commercially made pickled ginger is typically made from mature ginger root, which should have a slightly white or beige color. In many cases, sushi ginger will be dyed with artificial coloring or beet juice to give the bright pink color of young ginger. 

If you wish to avoid food dyes, be sure to check the label. Other additives you might want to avoid include aspartame and potassium sorbate. 

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for pickled ginger via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for pickled ginger.

Be sure to let your Instacart shopper know about your ingredient preferences so that you don’t end up with an unsatisfactory substitute. 

How to store pickled ginger

Pickled ginger should be kept in a cool, dark place until you are ready to open it, such as a pantry or cabinet. After opening, pickled ginger should be kept in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container as you would with other condiments.

How to tell if pickled ginger is bad

Pickled ginger rarely goes bad, but here are some ways to tell if you aren’t sure. First, inspect the brine. Is it cloudy? If so, this is your first indication that something isn’t right, as pickled ginger brine should be clear. Next, check for any visual signs of mold or discoloration. Pieces of ginger should retain their original color and texture. If you see anything that shouldn’t be there, steer clear. 

Open the jar and give it a good whiff. If it has gone bad, it will likely smell rancid. If it still smells good, go ahead and taste a small piece. As long as it still tastes gingery and slightly sweet, your sushi ginger is still good. The pickle brine makes it difficult for bacteria or mold to take hold. As long as you don’t contaminate your jar of sushi ginger with a dirty toothpick or utensil, it will likely stay good for years.

What can I substitute for pickled ginger?

Pickled ginger is unique as a sushi accouterment, and you should think twice about replacing it! However, in a pinch, you might consider other types of Japanese tsukemono. Commonly pickled foods for tsukemono include daikon radish, plums, eggplant, and cucumber. You might also consider using small amounts of kimchi, but remember that it is spicy and pickled ginger is not.

Picking pickled ginger for same-day delivery or pick up!

Pickled ginger is a must-have garnish for any sushi meal. The good news is that sushi ginger lasts a good while, so you don’t have to worry much about it going bad if you don’t eat sushi every day. There are many varieties of pickled ginger to try, and each one has a slightly different taste. Try a few to find the one that hits your tastes buds just right.

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