Kitchn Love Letters

The $3 Trader Joe’s Freezer-Section Find I Always Have on Hand

Mackenzie Filson
Mackenzie Filson
Mackenzie Filson is a food & beverage writer and native Floridian. Her work has appeared in PUNCH, Delish, Kitchn, and EatingWell, amongst others. You can read more of her writing in her newsletter, Book Sommelier, where she pairs books with wine (her one party trick.)
published Jun 17, 2022
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Credit: Lauren Masur

There are those items in your fridge or pantry that are just always there for you. Maybe it’s a box of your favorite childhood cereal or a can of nostalgic soup. For me, it’s the frozen crushed ginger cubes from Trader Joe’s. No, I don’t eat them straight-up, but don’t tempt me. I just might. I keep a pack of these cubes in my freezer at all times. They are my secret weapon, the wind in my sails — and they make me look pretty impressive at dinner parties too. 

Credit: Mackenzie Filson

Dorot Gardens Crushed Ginger, $2.49 for 2.5 ounces

My first experience with them involved simply not wanting to peel fresh ginger by hand. I’m a spice fanatic, so I am always seeking out ways to add a quick, nose-clearing bit of spice to a curry — and when it means I won’t run the risk of losing a digit? I’m going to take that opportunity over peeling and chopping by hand any day. 

Since then, I’ve used these cubes as an addition to regular chicken soup recipes, stir-fries, and curries. I’ve even been known to thaw some and add them to fresh juice, marinades, and salad dressings. But my favorite use is making a quick drink for those days when my stomach isn’t having it. Adding a cube to my hot water and sliced lemon combo produces a veritable hug in a cup and settles my stomach in no time.

When you’re at Trader Joe’s next time, absolutely pick these up, but please do save a few of them for me? I’d really appreciate it.

What’s your go-to grocery shortcut from Trader Joe’s? Tell us in the comments below.