Yes, pink ginger is real, but it's typically created by pickling common ginger. It is not naturally pink.
Here's a breakdown:
- What it is: Pink ginger, often referred to as gari in Japanese cuisine, is essentially ginger that has undergone a pickling process.
- The Pickling Process: This process typically involves immersing ginger slices in a mixture of sugar, salt, and rice vinegar. Sometimes, dashi (a Japanese stock) is also added.
- The Color: The pickling process, along with the ginger's natural pigments, contributes to the light pink hue. Some recipes may also include natural food colorings to enhance the pink color.
In summary: Pink ginger you find served with sushi or in other dishes is not a naturally occurring variety. It's regular ginger that has been pickled, resulting in its characteristic color and flavor.
