PREPARING ROOTS FOR USE

Thursday, March 31, 2011

For an infusion, or decoction, pieces of any convenient size can be used; just bear in mind that the smaller the pieces, the more quickly will be desired principles be extracted to permeate the liquid. When purchasing dried roots, they are usually sold either powdered or in small, pea-sized pieces, very occasionally whole. Fresh ginger is the main exception and its soft texture is easy to grate and slice. For recipes requiring a powder they can be broken up as much as possible in a plastic bag with a rolling pin or hammer and can then is ground with a pestle and mortar. Very small amounts can be powdered in a domestic electric grinder but I have ruined one motor in an attempt to powder enough rhubarb roots to use as a hair lightener.