Care & Use Instructions

Before first use: Remove all packaging materials, including the protective cover. Wash the tool in warm soapy water or place in the dishwasher (not the cover—this must be hand washed). Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. This removes any manufacturing residue and prepares the tool for use. Handle carefully—all cutting edges (grater, peeler, and slicer) are genuinely sharp.

Preparing to use: Decide which ginger preparation you need. For most cooking applications, you'll peel then grate. For ginger tea or pickles, peel then slice. For maximum convenience, this tool allows you to complete both operations without switching implements. Select fresh ginger that's firm with smooth, taut skin—avoid shrivelled or mouldy ginger, which indicates age.

Using the side peeler: Hold the ginger piece firmly in one hand. With the other hand, hold the Microplane tool and use the side-mounted peeler (the raised edge on the tool's side) to scrape away the thin brown skin. Use light to moderate pressure and short scraping motions. The peeler navigates around knobs and into crevices more easily than a knife. Work systematically around the entire piece you plan to use. The peel comes away in thin strips—collect these for composting or discard. You'll lose far less usable ginger than with knife peeling.

Using the grating blade: Position the tool comfortably—either place the rubber foot on your cutting board for stability (recommended for beginners), or hold the tool in mid-air by its handle (faster for experienced users). Hold your peeled ginger piece and rub it firmly back and forth across the photo-etched blade panel. Use smooth, confident strokes with moderate pressure. The ginger grates quickly, collecting on the blade surface as a fine, pulpy mass. As you grate, the fibres may accumulate—simply brush these aside and continue. When you've grated sufficient ginger, use a spoon or spatula to scrape the grated ginger from the blade surface. It comes away cleanly, ready to add to your recipe.

Grating technique tips: For finest results, grate across the grain of the ginger's fibres rather than along them. This produces finer grated ginger with less stringiness. If you need ginger juice rather than pulp, grate as usual then squeeze the grated ginger through a fine-mesh sieve or muslin cloth over a bowl—the juice extracts easily. For recipes requiring "ginger paste," grate the ginger then mash it with the flat of a knife or pulse briefly in a small food processor with a tiny amount of water or oil.

Using the slicing blade: The angled slicing blade at the tool's base is razor-sharp—handle with care. For best results, place the tool on a stable cutting board. Hold the peeled ginger piece and press it firmly against the angled blade, slicing downward in a smooth, controlled motion. The blade creates paper-thin, uniform slices. Repeat until you've sliced the amount needed. These slices are perfect for steeping in hot water for ginger tea, adding to pickles, candying for confections, or using as delicate garnishes. Take particular care with this blade and keep fingers clear of the cutting edge.

Safety during use: All three cutting surfaces on this tool are genuinely sharp. Always cut away from yourself and keep fingers clear of cutting edges. When grating, watch your knuckles—as the ginger piece gets smaller, you'll be working closer to the blade. Consider using a fork to hold very small ginger pieces during the final grating. The slicing blade is especially sharp—always slice on a stable surface and never hold the ginger in mid-air whilst slicing. Keep the tool away from children and store with the protective cover in place.

After each use: Rinse the tool immediately under running water. Ginger's fibrous structure can clog the fine teeth if allowed to dry, so prompt rinsing is important. Hold the tool under a strong stream of water, rubbing your fingers across the blade (carefully, in the direction away from the sharp edges) to dislodge fibres. For stubborn residue, use a small brush—an old toothbrush works perfectly. Pay attention to the peeler and slicing blade as well, ensuring no ginger skin or fibres remain.

Thorough cleaning: For more thorough cleaning, wash the tool in warm soapy water using a brush to reach between the photo-etched teeth. Rinse thoroughly under running water. Alternatively, place the tool in your dishwasher—Microplane products are designed to withstand repeated dishwasher cycles without dulling. The high-pressure water jets clean photo-etched blades very effectively. However, remember that the protective cover is NOT dishwasher safe and must be washed by hand.

Dealing with staining: Fresh turmeric (and to a lesser extent, ginger) can cause yellow staining on plastic components. This is cosmetic and doesn't affect performance. To minimise staining, rinse the tool immediately after use with turmeric. To remove existing stains, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply to stained areas, let sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. Lemon juice or white vinegar can also help lighten stains. The stainless steel blade won't stain.

Drying and storage: After washing, shake off excess water and allow the tool to air dry completely, or dry with a clean towel. Ensure it's bone dry before storing to prevent water spots or odours. Once dry, place the protective cover over the grating blade to protect both the sharp teeth and your fingers. Store in a drawer or utensil container. The compact size means it fits easily in most drawers without taking up significant space.

Maintaining blade sharpness: Microplane's photo-etched blades maintain their edge for years with proper use and care. Avoid using the tool on extremely hard items it's not designed for (like hard spices, frozen ingredients, or bones). Don't use metal utensils to scrape grated food from the blade—use plastic, silicone, or wooden implements. With normal use for ginger and similar rhizomes, the blade should remain sharp indefinitely. The surgical-grade stainless steel resists dulling far better than cheaper alternatives.

Caring for the protective cover: The reusable protective cover must be hand washed—do not put it in the dishwasher, as high heat may warp or damage it. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before replacing on the tool. The cover protects the sharp blade during storage and prevents accidental cuts when reaching into drawers. Always store the tool with its cover in place.

What to avoid: Don't use the ginger tool for ingredients it's not designed for—extremely hard items may damage the photo-etched teeth. Avoid using excessive force whilst grating—the blade's design means moderate pressure is sufficient. Don't leave the tool soaking in water for extended periods, as this isn't necessary and may affect the handle's non-slip properties. Never use steel wool or harsh abrasive cleaners on the blade, as these can damage the photo-etching. Don't attempt to sharpen the blade—photo-etched teeth can't be sharpened like conventional blades, and attempts to do so will damage them.

Removing fibrous residue: Ginger's stringy fibres sometimes wrap around the photo-etched teeth, creating resistance during grating. This is normal. Simply stop grating, use your fingers or a small brush to pull away the accumulated fibres, then continue. Some cooks find that grating ginger that's slightly chilled (refrigerated for 30 minutes) reduces fibre accumulation. Very fresh, young ginger is generally less fibrous than older ginger.

Troubleshooting: If grating becomes difficult, check for fibre accumulation on the blade—remove and continue. If the tool slips during use, ensure the rubber foot is clean and in contact with your work surface, or grip the handle more firmly. If grated ginger seems watery, you may be using very fresh, juicy ginger—this is fine and actually desirable for maximum flavour. If the slicing blade seems less effective, it may have ginger residue dulling it—clean thoroughly. For any persistent issues, contact Microplane or your retailer.

Long-term care: With proper use and cleaning, your Microplane ginger tool should provide many years of reliable service. The photo-etched blade won't dull with normal use. If the non-slip handle coating eventually shows wear after years of use, this is cosmetic and doesn't affect function. If the rubber foot becomes less grippy over time, wash it thoroughly to remove any oil buildup. Store the tool with its protective cover to maintain blade integrity and safety.