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Updated September 2026
Today’s tip about fresh ginger root is from Chef Johnny Gnall:
Ginger is a terrific flavor, adding exotic sweet and floral notes and a spicy kick to any number of cuisines and recipes. It is equally adaptable to sweet and savory foods.
In your kitchen, is the ginger always powdered in a shaker jar? Or do you head to the produce aisle for a piece of fresh ginger root?
Dried ginger has its place, but doesn’t hold a candle to the vibrant flavors of raw, fresh ginger.
From Vietnamese spring rolls to slow-cooked stews with braised pork and big hunks of raw ginger (not to mention, pickled ginger with sushi), the root is where it’s at.
Using dried ginger instead in the spring roll would be just too sharp; and in the stew it would not have the roundness it needs to develop.
Below:
> Honey-ginger carrots recipe.
> More ways to use fresh ginger.
> How to store ginger root.
> Ginger health benefits.
1. HONEY-GINGER CARROTS RECIPE
To start you off, here’s a delicious recipe for honey ginger carrots. If you have kids, try baby carrots and serve them like sweet little chicken fingers. We promise they will get gobbled up.
You can substitute conventional carrots, sliced to your desired size.
The touch of lavender does make a difference. You can substitute dried lavender for the fresh, but Chef Johnny grows his own.
If you purchase loose fresh or dried lavender, be sure that it’s for culinary use (i.e., not sprayed with pesticides).
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of baby carrots, peeled or scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of grated or minced ginger
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh lavender
- 1 small bunch of parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Preparation
1. BLANCH the carrots until fork tender but not soft; plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Set aside to dry in a colander or on paper towels.
2. MELT the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat, until it begins to brown. Reduce the heat to medium and add the ginger. Cook for about a minute, stirring occasionally.
3. REDUCE the heat a bit more and add the honey, then the carrots, stirring continuously. If things get dry, reduce the heat and add a touch of butter or a very small amount of water.
4. Once the carrots are coated and the water has evaporated, remove from heat and transfer to a dish. Toss in the chopped parsley and lavender. Then chow down.
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