How Much Does Ginger Cost?

Last Updated on December 28, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The Chinese and Indians have been consuming ginger as a tonic for over 5,000 years. Even 2,000 years ago, ginger was one of the most important commodities in trade between India and the Roman Empire.

The Romans especially appreciated the medicinal properties of ginger. Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, ginger continued to be one of the main spices „imported” into Europe, being sold mainly by the Arabs. At that time, ginger was a very expensive commodity, with a few grams costing as much as a sheep in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Nowadays, ginger is much more affordable.

The average cost of fresh ginger root is between $5 and $18 per pound while smaller seasonings are sold at about $2 to $5 per ounce. The price for this spicy root will depend on both where it’s being sold and how much you buy. Ginger is an ideal ingredient for many recipes, and it’s often found in bulk packages.

Ginger details

Ginger is a herbaceous plant that grows especially in the tropics. It needs constant and high temperatures to grow properly and high humidity. The ginger rhizome has an irregular shape, is contorted and gnarled, and can reach up to 2 – 2.40 inches in length.

Its name comes from the word “singivera” from a dialect spoken in southeastern India a few thousand years ago, a word that today translates as “deer antler-shaped root”.

Depending on the country of origin, ginger has different features and textures. Jamaican ginger is commercially available in shades of light yellow. African and Indian ginger has a darker peel and is of lower quality, except in Kenya. There are also dried ginger roots; some of them are darker in color and are sold with the peel and others are already packaged, cleaned, and vacuumed.

You might also like our articles about the cost of green beans, broccoli, or bell peppers.

Like its appearance, the taste of ginger is just as unmistakable and depends on how it is prepared. Consumed in fresh form, ginger offers a hot, pungent, slightly sour taste.

Ginger usually grows in warm areas of Asia, such as China, India, and Japan. It is also found in South Africa, South America, and the Middle East. The largest producer of ginger in the world is India, which contributes about 34% of the total amount of ginger worldwide, followed by Nigeria and China.

Important things to consider from a therapist coach

Ginger is the main healing plant used as a medication in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. An old Indian proverb says that “everything that is good is found in ginger”. Ayurvedic verses even recommend that everyone eat fresh ginger before a meal to stimulate digestion. Nowadays we prefer to drink ginger tea, which is easier to consume.

The intense aroma and smell of ginger are given by its natural oils, and the best-known one is gingerol, the main bioactive compound responsible for most of the therapeutic effects that this spice has. Researchers in India and Saudi Arabia have found that gingerol inhibits the growth of many types of bacteria. For example, ginger can be used as a medication against conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis, as it destroys bacteria in the oral cavity that cause inflammation of the gums.

Depending on the origin of the plant, 100 grams of dried/crushed ginger contains the following vitamins and minerals:

79 calories;
13 mg NA (sodium);
415 mg K (Potassium);
18 g healthy carbohydrates;
7 g raw sugar;
8 g vegetable protein;
16 mg Ca (Calcium);
5 mg Vitamin C in its pure state;
6 mg Fe (Iron);
2 mg Vitamin B2 (riboflavin);
43 mg Mg (Magnesium).

Ginger proves to be a reliable help for those who want to reduce at least part of their coffee consumption because it has similar effects but without side effects. Ginger increases blood circulation to the brain and regulates blood sugar levels, so you will not experience decreases in energy levels during the day.

Ginger is very good boiled, in the form of tea (although even so, you will feel the spiciness), or as a spice in cooked dishes. Both raw and dried ginger can be used in various dishes: some people prefer to add it to fish dishes, while others use it to prepare desserts.

Fresh ginger should be dense, smooth, and free of dark spots and bruises. Moreover, the longer the root, the more essential oils, and trace elements it contains.

Ginger is kept in a cool place for no more than 10 days. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 months in an airtight box, so as not to dehydrate.

The simplest and safest method of storage is by freezing. Uncleaned ginger root is packed and placed in the freezer. Also, it can be kept shaved in the freezer, in a tightly closed box or bag, so that it does not lose its flavor or properties.

Contraindications to ginger consumption

Ginger eaten in its natural state is considered healthy and without dangers in the vast majority of cases. In some cases, there is a possibility of exacerbation of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.

Ginger pricing from 2021 up to 2023

Based on researching market conditions, I can provide some retail price ranges for ginger:

In 2021 conventional ginger averaged around $0.88 – $1.50 per pound while organic ginger averaged around $2.25-$2.75 per pound.

In 2022, due to high inflation, conventional ginger averaged around $1.15 – $1.90 per pound while organic ginger around $2.60 – $3.15 per pound.

For 2023, conventional ginger is forecast to range from $1.25 – $2.10 per pound, and organic ginger is likely to cost $2.75 – $3.35 per pound. The price of ginger in the US increased by 10.3% in 2023 due to supply concerns.

How can I save money?

Ginger is a common ingredient used in many recipes. It has the ability to keep for an extended period of time as long your storage containers are kept at room temperature, but it’s important not to buy too much ginger or spoilage may occur before you’ve had the opportunity to use all that was purchased.

How Much Does Ginger Cost?