Ginger is a super flavorful ingredient that's so versatile it's used in literally everything—stir-fry, soups, salad dressings, smoothies, muffins, you name it. Pickled ginger is even eaten as a palate cleanser before sushi.
Fresh ginger root can last in the refrigerator up to three weeks unpeeled. Ginger peel is completely safe to eat.
Young Ginger Vs. Mature Ginger
Ginger peel thickens over time and becomes bitter, so young ginger generally tastes better. It's rare at most supermarkets, but is usually available at Asian markets. Mature ginger may be edible, but try a small piece with the peel attached to test for bitterness before using it in a dish.
When to Peel Ginger
Whether to remove the peel or not depends on the way you'll be using it. For tea, drinks, tonics, smoothies or marinade, there's no need to peel the ginger. If cooking, remove the peel, especially if it's thick.
Tip
Using a large vegetable peeler may take much of the tender ginger flesh off with the skin. Instead, use a spoon to gently scrape off just the peel. A spoon’s rounded shape gets into the nooks and crannies better than a peeler and preserves more of the flesh for cooking.