How to Store Ginger

Here are some tips on how to store ginger to make it last for more recipes to come.

Ginger is a great ingredient to have on hand to spice things up a little. When it comes to ginger a little goes a long way as far as flavor goes, so you want to store it correctly to make it last.

How you store ginger is important for making it last. Fresh ginger that is stored properly can last you upwards of a month.

How to store whole ginger

When fresh ginger is stored correctly you can make it last anywhere from a week to years. If you have used ginger you know that it comes in all shapes and sizes.

When you are buying ginger you want to look for a knobby piece that has smooth light brown skin, is firm, and feels heavier than it looks like it would for its size. It will also have a strong fragrance if it’s fresh.

Make sure that the skin isn’t wrinkly as this is a sign that it has probably been sitting for a while and is drying out. Also, look and make sure that the skin is on the thinner side.

If you take your nail to the skin of the ginger you should be able to give it a little knick and cut through the skin to the yellowish ginger inside.

On the counter

You can leave fresh ginger out for about a week before you notice it starting to get soft and spongy. This is a sign that it is starting to rot. The best place for it is in a cool, dark, and dry environment.

If you go through a lot of ginger this is fine. Most people won’t go through a whole root knob in a week so this isn’t the most popular or advisable way to store ginger.

Refrigerator

Ginger will last in the fridge for about a month if it is unpeeled.

Storing ginger in a tightly sealed container, a Ziploc bag, or even wrapped well in saran wrap will keep it fresh much longer than at room temperature.

The crisping drawer in your refrigerator is the best place for it as it will keep the moisture away from the ginger and help keep it fresh and firm.

This is the best way to keep ginger if it takes you a little while to get through it. It will preserve the flavor and freshness that you want in your dishes.

Freezer

Properly stored ginger will last you just about indefinitely in the freezer. This is great for anyone that uses a ton of ginger or for someone that only uses it a couple of times a year.

Either store the whole root in the freezer or cut it up ahead of time into inch-long pieces so that you can grab just what your recipe calls for.

You’ll want to peel your precut pieces of ginger before you freeze them. This way you can grab what you need and grate it easily with a Microplane to incorporate it into your recipe.

Here are a few posts on how to cut ginger and how to peel ginger that you will want to check out!

How to Store Peeled or Minced Ginger

If you have more ginger than you need, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate it. This will help to keep it fresh for a longer period of time.

If you want to store minced ginger, put it in a tightly covered jar and refrigerate. Airtight containers are going to work best. It should last up to a week this way.

How to Store Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger can last up to two months when stored in the fridge in an airtight bag. The ginger should be whole and unpeeled.

This will keep out oxygen and moisture, which can cause the ginger to mold. Just remember before you store make sure the ginger has not gone bad.

How to store grated ginger

Grated ginger is a form of ginger that has been cut down into small pieces. Grated ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week,

or in the freezer for up to six months. Grated ginger is commonly used in Asian cooking, and can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores. Grated ginger

Conclusion

Properly storing ginger is essential to maintain its freshness, flavor, and potency.

By using the appropriate storage methods, such as refrigerating unpeeled ginger in a resealable plastic bag or freezing it for long-term storage, you can ensure that your ginger stays ready for use in your favorite recipes.

By following these simple tips, you can continue to enjoy the delicious and healthful benefits of ginger in your dishes without any worries.