How to Use Ginger Root in Smoothies
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
If you’re looking for a way to add a little spice to your smoothie routine, fresh ginger root is the perfect ingredient. Not only does it add flavor, but it also has a wealth of health benefits. Here are a few tips on how to use ginger root in smoothies for the best results, plus our favorite ginger smoothie recipe.
What is ginger?
Ginger is a flowering plant that is native to Southeast Asia. The underground stem, or rhizome, of the ginger plant is what is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Ginger has a long history of use in traditional medicine and continues to be studied for its potential health benefits.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea and an upset stomach. It can also help to relieve pain and inflammation.
One of the active ingredients in ginger is gingerol. This substance has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and even to help fight the common cold and the flu.
Ginger also may help with weight loss, can help with osteoarthritis, lower blood sugar, help improve heart disease risk factors, and can even help reduce menstrual pain.
In addition, ginger may also help to boost cognitive function and protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive decline.
Read more about these and other health benefits of ginger here
How to Use Ginger Root in Smoothies
The best way to add ginger to your smoothie is to use fresh ginger root. Start by peeling off the skin with a spoon or a vegetable peeler. Then, grate or chop the ginger root into small pieces.
For a milder flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger root to your smoothie. For a more pronounced flavor, add 1 teaspoon. If you really love the taste of ginger, you can add up to 2 tablespoons.
Keep in mind that fresh ginger can be quite potent, so start with less and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in there!
If you don’t have fresh ginger root on hand, you can use ground ginger powder. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Remember that a little goes a long way when it comes to ginger, even with powder, so start slowly and add more as needed.
Tips for Using Ginger in Smoothies
Here are a few more tips for using ginger in smoothies:
- If you find the taste of fresh ginger to be too strong, try steeping a small piece of ginger in hot water for 5 minutes before adding it to your smoothie. This will mellow out the flavor without affecting the health benefits.
- Pair ginger with other fruits and vegetables that have complementary flavors, such as pineapple, carrots, oranges, apples, or bananas.
- If you’re using fresh ginger root, make sure to refrigerate it in a sealed container so it doesn’t dry out. You can also freeze it in small pieces for later use.
- Ginger powder can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
- When using ginger powder, it’s best to add it after the other smoothie ingredients have been blended so you can control the amount more easily.
- Ginger goes great in green smoothies, so don’t be afraid to get creative and add ginger root to a green smoothie.
Common Questions About Using Ginger in Smoothies
Yes, you can put raw ginger in your smoothie. Just make sure to peel off the skin and chop or grate the ginger into small pieces before adding it to your blender.
Yes, you can use ground ginger powder instead of fresh ginger. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Start with 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger root or 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger powder and add more to taste. Remember that a little goes a long way when it comes to ginger, so start slowly and add more as needed.
Yes! Try adding fruits like pineapple or mango, leafy greens like spinach or kale, or even carrots for a nutrient-packed smoothie. If you want to make your smoothie more filling, add nut butter or oats. And don’t forget the ice!
Yes, you should peel ginger for a smoothie. Just use a spoon or a vegetable peeler to remove the skin before grating or chopping the ginger into small pieces.
You can use so many different flavors with ginger! Try a pear ginger smoothie, or add some frozen peaches, lemon juice and coconut water. Ginger also pairs well with turmeric (you can use fresh turmeric or powdered), carrot, and most frozen fruit. I also love to use hemp seed and chia seeds for an extra healthy smoothie.
Now that you know all about using ginger in smoothies, let’s take a look at our favorite ginger smoothie recipe!
Why We Love This Ginger Smoothie Recipe
We make a lot of smoothies in our house, and my boys are huge fans of ginger. Me, not quite as much, but I do love the health benefits. With this smoothie, you get a ginger flavor without it being overwhelming. If you love ginger like my boys do, feel free to add more.
This ginger smoothie recipe is packed with nutrients and flavor. The pineapple and orange juice give it a tropical twist, while the honey and ginger add just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Plus, it’s super easy to make – just throw all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth!
Ingredients in Our Pineapple Ginger Smoothie
Pineapple
Pineapple is a wonderful source of vitamin C and bromelain. It’s also a great source of dietary fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
And, of course, pineapple is delicious! It’s the perfect addition to this ginger smoothie recipe because it gives the smoothie a tropical flavor and a little sweetness.
I use frozen pineapple in this smoothie most of the time because I’m usually too lazy to cut up a fresh pineapple. (Being real here!) You can also used canned.
Orange Juice
We like to use fresh-squeezed orange juice, but we also keep the not-from-concentrate OJ on hand. It’s an easy way to get some extra vitamin C in our diets.
If you don’t have orange juice, you could also use pineapple juice or apple juice.
Greek Yogurt
I like to use plain Greek yogurt in this recipe because it’s a good source of protein and gives the smoothie a thick, creamy texture. You could also use regular yogurt or even coconut milk.
If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, you could use almond milk, soy milk, or another type of dairy-free milk, or even sub a plant based yogurt, which is what I do for my dairy free son.
Ginger Root
I always keep fresh ginger root in my fridge because I love to cook with it. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you could also use ground ginger powder. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Honey
We like to use honey in this recipe because it’s a natural sweetener, but you could also use agave nectar or maple syrup.
If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you could use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or Monk fruit, or even add a frozen banana.
How to Make Our Ginger Pineapple Smoothie
Making this smoothie is super easy! Just add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. That’s it!
If you’re using fresh ginger, you’ll want to peel it first. You can use a spoon or a vegetable peeler to do this. Then just grate or chop the ginger into small pieces.
If you’re using fresh pineapple, you may need to add a little less liquid because there is a lot of juice in a fresh pineapple. Just start with a little and add more as needed.
Once everything is blended, pour into glasses and enjoy!
This ginger smoothie recipe makes enough for two small smoothies or one large one. If you have leftovers, just store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Pineapple Ginger Smoothie
Equipment
- Measuring Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger root (peeled)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender.
- Blend on high speed until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Video
Final Thoughts on How to Use Ginger Root in Smoothies
If you’re looking for a way to add a little spice to your smoothie routine, fresh ginger root is the perfect ingredient. Not only does it add flavor, but it also has a wealth of health benefits.
So next time you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious smoothie, give this ginger pineapple smoothie recipe a try! You’ll be glad you did.
Happy Blending!
Amanda
