Do you have to peel ginger for a drink?

Peeling ginger is a preparation choice, but cleaning it comes first. Wash produce under running water before cutting it; FDA guidance does not recommend soap or detergent for produce.

For a drink, peeling can help you remove rough or damaged-looking surface areas and avoid adding more skin texture to a blend. A spoon is useful around the curves: scrape gently rather than cutting away large chunks with a knife.

Inspect the piece before using it. Do not treat peeling as a way to rescue rotten produce. Once prepared, cut ginger into pieces suited to your equipment and follow the appliance instructions. If you are grating rather than juicing, a small piece is easier to control than an awkward whole branch.