Minced ginger can typically be found in the spice or baking aisle of most grocery stores. The exact location may vary by store, but checking the spice and baking sections is a good place to start when looking for minced ginger.
What is Minced Ginger?
Minced ginger is simply fresh ginger root that has been peeled and finely chopped into very small pieces. It provides an intense ginger flavor and aroma and is convenient to use in recipes without having to chop ginger yourself.
Minced ginger is commonly used in baked goods like cookies, cakes, and breads. It also works well in stir fries, curries, soups, and anywhere else you want a punch of ginger flavor. Using minced ginger is a easy way to add the benefits of fresh ginger without having to prep it yourself.
Benefits of Ginger
Ginger root offers a variety of health benefits when consumed. Here are some of the top reasons to use ginger:
- Reduces nausea – Compounds in ginger can help relieve nausea from motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy.
- Anti-inflammatory – Ginger contains compounds called gingerols that have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Improves digestion – Ginger encourages the production of saliva, bile, and gastric juices to aid digestion.
- Relieves pain – The compounds in ginger are thought to interact with receptors in the brain to help reduce pain signals.
- Antioxidant – Ginger contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage and premature aging.
So using minced ginger is an easy way to reap the benefits of fresh ginger root in your recipes. The convenience of having it pre-chopped makes it more likely you’ll use it often to boost the health profile of your meals.
Spice and Baking Aisles
When searching for minced ginger, there are two grocery store aisles that are very likely to carry it:
- The spice aisle
- The baking aisle
Let’s explore in more detail why these two aisles are prime spots to find minced ginger:
Spice Aisle
The spice aisle is where you can find dried, ground, and sometimes fresh herbs, spices, and seasoning blends. Since ginger is commonly used as a spice, this aisle is a sensible place to keep minced ginger as well.
Many spice companies like McCormick and Spice Islands sell minced ginger right alongside their other products like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and more. You’ll typically find it either in a plastic bottle, glass jar, or sealed plastic bag.
Minced ginger may be in the general spice region or alongside other specialty spices like minced garlic and shallots. Be sure to scan the entire spice selection for minced ginger before moving on to another area of the store.
Baking Aisle
The baking aisle is another likely place to find minced ginger because it’s frequently used in baked goods. You’ll typically see it here bottled or jarred alongside other baking ingredients.
It may be found with the spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc. Or it could be alongside vanilla and other flavor extracts. Check both areas thoroughly for minced ginger.
Since ginger pairs so well with other sweet flavors, it’s smart for stores to stock minced ginger in the baking aisle along with things like flour, sugar, chocolate chips, etc. So be sure to peruse this aisle when on the hunt for minced ginger.
Other Potential Minced Ginger Locations
While the spice and baking aisles are the most common places to find minced ginger, there are a few other sections it could potentially be stocked:
- Asian food aisle – Alongside things like soy sauce, sesame oil, etc.
- Produce section – Sometimes fresh ginger root is displayed here.
- Refrigerated section – In a fridge alongside fresh herbs.
- Frozen foods – Possible but less common spot.
Certain specialty stores like health food stores or Asian markets may also stock it in unique sections tailored to their products. But in general, your best bet is to start in the spice and baking aisles when hunting down minced ginger.
Tips for Locating Minced Ginger
Use these handy tips to help locate minced ginger efficiently on your next grocery trip:
- Scan entire spice aisle first – Don’t just glance quickly, look on each shelf carefully.
- Check top and bottom shelves – It may be above or below eye level.
- Read signs and product locators – These can guide you to the right section.
- Ask for help if you still can’t find it – Employees can point you to the exact spot.
- Look for keywords on signs – Words like “spices”, “seasonings”, or “baking” indicate you’re getting warmer.
And if your regular store doesn’t stock minced ginger, consider requesting they carry it or try a larger chain store or specialty market where you’re more likely to find it in stock.
How is Minced Ginger Used?
Here are some of the most popular ways to use minced ginger:
- Baked goods – Add to cookie dough, cake and bread batters, pancakes, muffins, etc.
- Marinades and sauces – Mix into teriyaki, stir fries, salad dressings, and more for flavor.
- Smoothies – Blend into fruit and veggie smoothies for a spicy kick.
- Soups – Add to chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, tomato soup, and more.
- Curries – Combine with curry powder and coconut milk for delicious Indian curry dishes.
- Tea – Infuse minced ginger into hot tea for a soothing beverage.
Minced ginger is convenient to toss into just about any savory recipe like meats, grains, vegetables, beans, noodles, etc. And it pairs nicely with other flavorful ingredients like garlic, citrus, soy sauce, sesame, chili pepper, and honey.
Substitutions for Minced Ginger
If you don’t have minced ginger, here are some potential substitutions:
- Regular ginger root – Peel and mince or grate a similar amount to replace.
- Ground ginger – Use about half the amount called for.
- Granulated ginger – Start with about 1/4 the amount and adjust to taste.
- Crystallized ginger – Finely chop to substitute.
- Ginger paste – Replace in a 1:1 ratio.
- Omit – The flavor won’t be the same but you can leave it out in a pinch.
While fresh minced ginger has the best flavor, one of these substitutions can work if you need to make do without it. Taste and adjust the quantity as needed when swapping it out.
Popular Brands of Minced Ginger
Some of the top brands that sell minced ginger include:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| McCormick | Most popular brand, sold in small plastic bottles |
| Spice Islands | Offers in a glass jar with sprinkle top |
| Gourmet Garden | Sells a tube of ginger paste as well as minced in a pouch |
| Savory Spice Shop | Specialty brand available in shops or online |
| Star Anise Foods | Minced ginger from a California food company |
There are also some store brands like Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Ralph’s that offer their own versions. And you may find minced ginger from small artisanal spice companies as well in some stores or farmers markets.
Storage Tips
Here are some tips for properly storing minced ginger:
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Make sure surface is dry before storing to prevent mold.
- Place a paper towel over the ginger to absorb excess moisture.
- Use within a week or two for best flavor.
- Alternatively, store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storing minced ginger properly helps retain its signature spicy flavor and aroma. An airtight container in the fridge is ideal, but it also freezes well if you buy in bulk and want it to last longer.
Price
On average, you can expect to pay:
- Around $3 to $5 for a small 2-3 ounce bottle of minced ginger
- $5 to $7 for a larger 4-5 ounce jar
- Anywhere from $1 to $3 per ounce for bulk loose bags
Pricing can vary depending on the brand, where you shop, if you buy in bulk, etc. But in general, having it pre-minced costs a dollar or two more than fresh ginger root. However, it saves prep time and convenience which can be worth it!
Should I Make My Own?
While it’s certainly easy enough to mince your own ginger root, there are some advantages to buying pre-minced ginger:
- Saves time – No need to peel, chop, grate, etc.
- More convenient – Easy to grab and use right away.
- Uniform texture – Evenly minced to an ideal size.
- Stays fresh longer – Precut and packaged to maintain freshness.
However, reasons you may want to prepare your own include:
- Cheaper – Buying whole fresh ginger costs less per ounce.
- Food safety – You control washing and handling.
- Use more – No limit, mince as much as you need.
So weigh the time savings vs the cost factor to decide which works best for your needs!
Recipe Ideas
Here are a few recipe ideas that use minced ginger:
Ginger Molasses Cookies
These chewy ginger cookies are a classic. Minced ginger adds a nice kick.
Honey Ginger Chicken
This chicken thigh dish combines ginger, garlic, soy, and honey for mouthwatering flavor.
Carrot Ginger Soup
Blended carrots and ginger make an amazing creamy soup. Top with yogurt.
Ginger Peach Bread
A quick bread with fresh peach and ginger – perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Ginger Pumpkin Smoothie
Blend pumpkin, banana, ginger, cinnamon, and milk for a nourishing beverage.
There are endless savory and sweet recipes you can spice up with the addition of minced ginger. It’s a versatile ingredient to keep on hand in your pantry or fridge.
Conclusion
Minced ginger adds great flavor and health benefits to a variety of dishes. While it can be found in the produce or refrigerated sections at times, your best bet for locating it is to head straight to the spice and baking aisles.
Check shelf signs and product locators, scan top and bottom shelves thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. With the right strategies, you should have no problem tracking down minced ginger to power up your recipes with gingery goodness.