We are probably getting a garden frost tonight so Ive picked and cleaned up all the ginger and turmeric I've had out this summer.
From what I've read, both types of leaves are edible. They smell lovely and fragrant.
We love Asian foods so prepping for that is helpful. My mother has bad osteoarthritis and I'd like to have some easy herbal drink options for her.
What I am considering: Chop the leaves and freeze everything. Put all of the roots and leaves, along with lemons and pepper into the pressure cooker and then freeze doses of it. Grind up at the fresh roots, with lemons and pepper and freeze it in tiny cubes while chopping and freezing the leaves for cooking/teas.
Has anyone tried versions of any of these options? Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
20251008_134252.jpg
fresh ginger and turmeric harvest, October 2025
All true wealth is biological.
Lois McMaster Bujold
I assume you are wanting to know if the frsh ginger would be minced, grated or sliced and i feel either way would be good in soups or stir frys.
I have not used fresh turmeric though I have read to peel it before chopping slicing or grating. You could make Golden Milk or add to stews, etc.
Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner
I have had good luck just freezing sliced fresh turmeric. Lay the slices flat on a tray to freeze solid, then put in bags or jar for long term. Use just like fresh in tea/smoothie/stir fry.
Weeds are just plants with enough surplus will to live to withstand normal levels of gardening!--Alexandra Petri
Thanks for the info and suggestions.
Stuff was drying out quickly so I had to move fast.
I tried to run the leaves through the shredding disk of my commercial food processor but they were too fibrous.It might have worked if I'd tried the slicer but they were tough enough they have just been frozen for the next round of stock.
As for the roots, they were ground up with: whole, deseeded lemons, pepper, apple cider vinegar, honey and a splash of brandy. Once it was a paste, I froze it in small cubes.
I got a bit over 250 of them and one makes a small cup of tea.
So far, my mother is enjoying them!
20251010_105118.jpg
turmeric and ginger tea cubes
All true wealth is biological.
Lois McMaster Bujold
Dian, I'm so glad you posted this (even if I'm late to the party).
I had no idea I could use turmeric leaves. The rabbits love them, so they usually get first dibs, but I will definitely use them for steaming in the future. There are some interesting recipes out there for chopping them to add to rice and stews.
The cubes have been fabulous, we have used them for tea and to add to soup as well. I always struggle to use up the turmeric harvest and this is a nice solution.