^
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Pickled ginger

Medical expert of the article

Gastroenterologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Pickled ginger is not only a great seasoning for hot dishes and sushi. It is a storehouse of useful substances, including amino acids and vitamins. Ginger is actively used for fat metabolism disorders, as well as to improve digestion processes and even for weight loss.

The taste of pickled ginger is not to everyone's taste at first. However, the Japanese say about this: the taste must be understood and felt, and then you will definitely appreciate the unique aftertaste and spiciness of the ginger root in the marinade. But this product is really not only tasty, but also very healthy.

Most often, ginger is used in crushed form, but it is possible to use it directly and raw. Therefore, today, pickled ginger is gaining more and more popularity. Why pickled ginger? In Japanese cuisine, it is considered an indispensable assistant, which gives absolutely all dishes a certain piquancy, originality and shades the tastes of absolutely any dish. But this is only in the kitchen... What else is so useful and remarkable about pickled ginger? You can read about this in the continuation of this article.

Every year, Japanese cuisine is gaining more and more new fans, while gaining popularity. This is not surprising! After all, many national dishes of Japan have a unique taste, which is achieved with the help of a huge number of different spices. Ginger is no exception.

Ginger is a herbaceous plant that has about 140 species. Today, it grows in areas of India and Australia, China and Indonesia. But the homeland of ginger is still considered to be Asia and all southern regions.

Mostly, it is the ginger root that is known, which has a variety of bizarre shapes. For this reason, it is also given the name - "horned root".

Properties of pickled ginger

Of course, the first association that comes to mind when mentioning pickled ginger is Japanese cuisine. Ginger goes well with sushi, sea fish and other seafood. In addition to its excellent taste, pickled ginger root acts as a defense: it prevents and neutralizes bacteria that can penetrate the body when eating raw pieces of fish. This property allows ginger to be actively used to deactivate microbes and toxins in the digestive system.

In Japan, there is a belief that pickled ginger gives people determination, strength and inspiration, and also relieves fear, anxiety and phobias.

Ginger rejuvenates the body, renews tissues and skin cells. During the flu and cold epidemic, the root acts as a warming agent, simultaneously destroying bacteria and viruses and lowering the temperature.

If you have serious mental work ahead of you, then ginger can come to the rescue here too: the active substances of the pickled root facilitate blood flow and eliminate oxygen starvation of the brain, which has a positive effect on performance.

Calorie content of pickled ginger

The calorie content of pickled ginger is extremely low. Only a miserable fifteen kilocalories per hundred grams of product. This is a very low figure, and accordingly is highly valued by people who actively monitor their healthy lifestyle, due to which they very often exploit this property when necessary. In particular, it can be an element of a newfangled diet or a spicy delicacy that will satisfy an organism hungry for exotics. Therefore, when taking this product in the daily diet, it is not necessary to monitor the calorie content of the product, since this is absolutely unnecessary. Pickled ginger is a dish that can be consumed at least every day without worrying about your figure.

Benefits of Pickled Ginger

Pickled ginger is in no way inferior to fresh ginger in terms of its content of useful substances. The root contains:

  • vitamins (A, C, group B);
  • minerals (magnesium, calcium, phosphorus salts, zinc);
  • rich amino acid composition.

Ginger root stimulates digestion, warms in severe frosts, strengthens the body's immune defense, cleanses the liver and thins the blood. A few pieces of ground ginger can relieve headaches and calm the nervous system.

Ginger is also useful for men: pickled root restores sexual strength, increases potency, and gives energy and strength.

However, one of the main beneficial properties of ginger is its protective effect. Pickled ginger is a kind of barrier for pathogenic microorganisms that can be found in poor-quality food, as well as in raw pieces of fish or meat. It is for this reason that the root is always served with sushi and rolls, as well as with pickled meat and other fast-cooking dishes.

Harmful effects of pickled ginger

Ginger is undoubtedly a healthy product, but it can be harmful if consumed in the following cases:

  • for diseases of the digestive system (in the acute stage);
  • with irritable bowel syndrome;
  • women during lactation and in the second half of pregnancy.

Pickled ginger, like any product, is good in moderation, and this must be remembered. There is no need to eat ginger root in countless quantities in pursuit of health and a beautiful figure. However, if you use pickled ginger as an additive and seasoning to dishes, it will not cause any harm, but will only add benefits to the body.

Pickled ginger for weight loss

Despite the fact that pickled ginger usually stimulates appetite, it is successfully used as a means for weight loss. Moreover, some claim that pickled ginger is many times more effective than fresh or dried and ground ginger.

Pickled ginger for weight loss will really become that lifeline that can support in a minute of brutal diet, be a wonderful storehouse of various vitamins and minerals that the body may lack. But really the most powerful argument in favor of pickled ginger is its relatively low calorie content. In addition, ginger is simply a food of natural origin, which is accordingly suitable in the case of various diets.

Pickled root, due to its property to accelerate metabolism and enhance blood circulation, allows fat reserves to be utilized, as well as avoiding the deposition of new fat cells.

For these purposes, you can buy already prepared pickled ginger, which is sold in sushi departments, or prepare it at home.

How to make pickled ginger root: take 300 g of roots, peel the outer skin. Cut into thin slices, pour into salted water brought to a boil and keep in boiling water for about 3 minutes, no more. Then drain the water, put the ginger slices in a bowl and pour in the marinade. The components of the filling will be dry red wine, wine vinegar, sugar and hot water. You will need such an amount of water to barely cover the ginger slices in the bowl. Add three teaspoons of sugar (with a slide), 2 tbsp. vinegar, 3 tbsp. wine to the water. Mix and pour into the ginger slices. Pickled ginger for weight loss should be infused for several days, you can in the refrigerator.

It is not recommended to consume ginger for people suffering from gastritis or peptic ulcers.

Pickled Ginger for Women

It is worth noting that pickled ginger for women, just as for men, can serve as an excellent aphrodisiac. A remedy that significantly increases the sexual energy of both women and men. At the same time, pickled ginger can be an irreplaceable sedative, but you should definitely understand for yourself that it should be taken in small quantities, knowing the measure. Therefore, it is very effective for menstrual pain, as it can relieve pain and spasms. Therefore, women, remember that ginger is the key to women's health!

What are the benefits of pickled ginger for women:

  • ginger root eliminates inflammation, protects the body from pathogenic microbes and parasites;
  • relieves the effects of stress, drives away depression and bad mood, improves sleep;
  • promotes the process of weight loss;
  • improves the elimination of salts and toxic substances from the body;
  • increases sexual desire;
  • relieves painful periods;
  • improves digestion and eliminates food stagnation and constipation.

Regular consumption of pickled ginger will provide a woman with a pleasant and healthy appearance: it will improve the condition of the skin, refresh the complexion, and get rid of fine wrinkles. Dishes with ginger will help eliminate drowsiness and apathy, which will give a woman a blooming appearance and a boost of energy for the whole day.

Pickled Ginger for Pregnant Women

Pickled ginger is absolutely contraindicated for pregnant women with the only small caveat that it is contraindicated for women who are breastfeeding, as well as expectant mothers in the late stages of pregnancy, or even throughout the entire period of pregnancy. Therefore, one should approach such exotics with extreme caution, because first of all, the well-being of the future child, and only then the desire to eat something spicy. After all, the mother's body is directly connected with the child, so it is very important to protect the future child from possible problems in the process of fetal development.

Pickled ginger during pregnancy is a controversial product. Some people advise using it, especially during toxicosis and bouts of nausea and even vomiting. They say that a small piece of pickled ginger, simply chewed in the mouth, can relieve the most unpleasant symptoms of toxicosis.

Indeed, ginger is valuable for its many useful properties, which would be very useful during pregnancy. However, one should not forget that ginger is soaked in a marinade, which usually contains wine, and such a combination is undesirable during pregnancy. In addition, in the later stages of pregnancy, it is generally recommended to refuse ginger, as it is fraught with unpleasant complications.

So, can you eat pickled ginger during pregnancy? Experts advise to eat fresh ginger instead of pickled ginger in the first half of pregnancy, for example, in the form of ginger tea. In later stages, you should temporarily stop eating ginger.

Pickled Ginger for Kids

Ginger root is a product that should be used with caution in childhood. Firstly, it is not recommended to offer it to children under 2 years old. Secondly, ginger can cause allergies in a child. Therefore, if you decide to offer ginger to your child, first consult with a pediatrician.

In general, ginger root is useful for children, especially during the cold season: it is rich in natural oils and ethers that quickly help to cope with the symptoms of flu or sore throat. Steam from boiling ginger in water can be used for inhalation. Ginger tea is a unique and pleasant remedy for fighting bouts of nausea, spasms of the digestive organs, and headaches. This tea can even soothe muscle pain associated with physical exercise and training.

However, as for pickled ginger for children, we can say for sure: at an early age, it is better to protect the child from this product. Get him used to fresh ginger, and only over time offer pickled ginger, after consulting a doctor.

Pickled Ginger Recipe

The recipe for pickled ginger is quite simple. To do this, just take the following ingredients:

  • Peeled fresh ginger - at least 100 grams.
  • Japanese rice vinegar – at least 100 milliliters.
  • One teaspoon of salt.
  • One and a half tablespoons of sugar.
  • Three and a half tablespoons of water.

The cooking process itself is extremely simple. For a more convenient process, there are several simple recommendations, namely:

  • Rice vinegar - can be replaced with more familiar wine vinegar or specific apple vinegar.
  • For a pinkish tint, add a little beetroot while blanching.
  • For storage, use only plastic containers.
  • When the product turns light pink, it's time to try it.
  • If marinated whole, cut into thin slices before serving.

How to make pickled ginger?

How to make pickled ginger? To do this, just collect the ingredients, and then proceed to the actual preparation.

  1. First, you need to peel the ginger root.
  2. Next, rub it with salt and leave it to marinate overnight.
  3. Wash off the salt in the morning. Dry. Wipe with a paper towel.
  4. Next, cut it into thin slices.
  5. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan, then add ginger for at least two to three minutes.
  6. Remove from the pan. Let the ginger dry a little.
  7. Next, you need to prepare the marinade. To do this, take rice vinegar, mix with sugar and the amount of water specified in the recipe. Stir until smooth.
  8. Next, place the ginger in the required container, most often a jar.
  9. Fill the jar with marinade solution and close it.
  10. Marinate for three days in the refrigerator, after which the ginger is ready to eat.

Making Pickled Ginger at Home

Making pickled ginger at home is very simple and does not require any preparation at all. To do this, it is enough to collect all the necessary ingredients for cooking. Next, clean the future product, namely ginger, and then begin preparing it for cooking. Following the step-by-step instructions above, you can easily make pickled ginger at home without any problems. What is more important is that it will not require almost any special material and physical costs. Therefore, you should not run around the stores and look for a ready-made product. You can easily do this at home.

What do you eat pickled ginger with?

What do you eat pickled ginger with? The question is logical, but at the same time it almost immediately answers itself. Since it is a product of oriental cuisine, it can easily be used as an addition to any similar dishes as seasonings. For example, it has become an integral part of the well-known sushi. The fact is that in Asian cuisine, pickled ginger is used as a means of cleansing the taste buds, a means of protecting against infection by microbes that can be found in raw fish. But at the same time, it is perfect for those dishes that are a little lacking in spiciness.

Salad with pickled ginger

Salad with pickled ginger has a wonderful and very tonic taste. The taste of the root vegetable itself – ginger – is to blame. Moreover, the remarkable fact is that there are a huge number of all kinds of recipes of this kind.

Cabbage and pickled ginger salad recipe:

  • A small head of Chinese cabbage.
  • Sour-tasting apples – 1 pc.
  • Pickled ginger (amount depends on personal preference).
  • Salt/herbs to taste.
  • A tablespoon of honey.
  • A tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Chop all the necessary ingredients, season with honey and vegetable oil and mix.

Chicken with pickled ginger

Chicken with marinated ginger has a unique taste as well as aftertaste. It is perfect for both a noisy party and warmer home gatherings at the table during the holidays. To prepare you will need:

  • One chicken - size doesn't matter.
  • The root of common ginger.
  • Spices, salt, pepper – at least one tablespoon of each.
  • Five regular, medium-sized cloves of garlic.
  • A regular baking sleeve.
  • Pickled ginger.

How to cook:

  • Wash the chicken, rub it with spices, and let it soak in them for a bit (two hours).
  • Peel the garlic and chop it, while simultaneously cutting the ginger into thin slices.
  • Place half of the chopped ginger inside the chicken and the rest under the skin.
  • We do the same with garlic.
  • Add some salt to the chicken, then place it in a sleeve and into the oven for forty minutes at 190 degrees.
  • Use pickled ginger at the time of serving.

Meat with pickled ginger

Meat with pickled ginger has a unique taste. Moreover, ginger in this case is used as a serving or as an additional separate dish to enhance the taste. What is more important is to understand that such ginger is most often used to remove the aftertaste after any dish, since it is pickled ginger that has exceptional similar properties. It can be served with almost any meat, be it chicken, pork, lamb, veal or other types of meat. It will become an indispensable assistant that will give absolutely any dish a certain charm.

Pork with pickled ginger

Pork with pickled ginger is a rare case when you don't need to reinvent the wheel, because Asians love pork, and therefore actively use it in cooking, including in combination with such ginger. Pork in soy sauce with ginger requires the following ingredients:

  • At least 400 grams of pork.
  • At least 150 grams of soy sauce.
  • Ginger root, not less than 20 grams.

How to cook:

  • Cut the meat into thin slices.
  • Make cutlets out of them.
  • Next, the marinade - soy sauce - is mixed with a third of the root.
  • Place the beaten meat there for at least 30 minutes.
  • Next, we start frying. Fry on both sides (3 minutes on each side).
  • Serve with pickled ginger only.

Pickled Ginger with Apple Cider Vinegar

Pickled ginger with apple cider vinegar is not a fantasy, but one of the ways to prepare a tasty element for serving almost any meat dish. The recipe is absolutely identical to the usual cooking recipe, with the only difference being that apple cider vinegar is used. This type of cooking creates an interesting apple flavor that only complements the overall picture, the palette of flavors. Therefore, do not be afraid if you could not find rice vinegar. No problem! You can also use apple cider vinegar. In this case, you can get the product that can become your favorite delicacy.

How long does pickled ginger last?

How long does pickled ginger last? This is the question that arises among fans of this interesting dish, who have just prepared it at home. It should be noted that pickled ginger of this type is unusually hardy and resistant to fermentation. In principle, it can stand up to six months in an open jar without losing its beneficial properties. In a canned state, it lasts even longer, which significantly increases its value. Therefore, each fan of this product must decide for himself in what form it is more convenient to store pickled ginger. The main thing to remember is that the beneficial properties of ginger will not go anywhere!

Pickled ginger is a wonderful remedy that not only gives dishes a unique smell and taste. It has a lot of benefits, and the positive effect of regular consumption of ginger will definitely be "obvious"!


The iLive portal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The information published on the portal is for reference only and should not be used without consulting a specialist.
Carefully read the rules and policies of the site. You can also contact us!

Copyright © 2011 - 2025 iLive. All rights reserved.