Fresh ginger is a fundamental to the Asian kitchen as onion is to European cuisine. It gives poultry or fish a fresh kick; it cuts the fattiness of duck or pork; it exaggerates the inherent sweetness of both summer and winter squash.
Fresh ginger makes a marvelous digestive, and ginger tea as a great cold remedy.
Fresh ginger can be kept, wrapped in paper towels and then plastic, for up to three weeks. After that, both the flavor and the texture will dissipate. But if the base of the hand is cut and planted, it will sprout large, elegant leaves and, eventually, yellow-and-red flowers.