Skip to content

mccormickž ground ginger

Herbs & SpicesYear-round. Ground ginger is a dried and shelf-stable spice available consistently throughout the year, though fresh ginger rhizomes are typically harvested in fall and winter.

Ground ginger contains bioactive compounds including gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also a source of manganese, magnesium, and vitamin B6, though quantities per serving are modest.

About

Ground ginger is the dried and finely milled rhizome of Zingiber officinale, a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. The spice is produced by harvesting mature ginger rhizomes, drying them, and grinding them into a fine powder. Ground ginger has a warm, pungent, and slightly sweet flavor profile with subtle citrus and pepper notes. The color ranges from tan to light brown, and the texture is fine and uniform when properly processed. Unlike fresh ginger, which contains volatile oils and fresh aromatics, ground ginger develops deeper, more mellow spice notes during the drying process while retaining gingerol and shogaol compounds responsible for its characteristic bite and warming sensation.

Culinary Uses

Ground ginger is widely used in both sweet and savory applications across global cuisines. In baking, it is essential to gingerbread, cookies, cakes, and spice blends; it pairs particularly well with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. In savory cooking, ground ginger features prominently in Asian cuisines—notably in curry pastes, stir-fries, and glazes—and is used to season soups, roasted vegetables, and meat dishes. It also appears in beverages such as tea and ginger ale, and in condiments like marinades and pickling spices. Ground ginger is valued for both its flavor and its traditional digestive properties.