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How to Store Ginger

Ginger is a storage champion, lasting for weeks or even months with the right technique. With a little know-how about a few simple storage techniques, you can prevent food waste and keep your ginger fresh and flavorful for weeks or even months.

Don’t Let Your Ginger Go to Waste: How to Store It Like a Pro

Ginger is a versatile and flavorful root that is used in many different cuisines around the world. Whether you use it in stir-fries, soups, or baked goods, it’s important to know how to properly store fresh ginger to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful.

For short-term storage, an unpeeled knob can rest on your counter. But for longer stretches, the crisper drawer in your fridge becomes your best friend. Pop the unpeeled ginger in a breathable container or bag to lock in moisture. And if you’re looking for a real long-term solution, the freezer is your ally – frozen ginger is even easier to grate!

Choosing the Right Ginger

  • Smooth skin: Look for ginger with smooth skin. Choose ginger that is firm to the touch. Avoid ginger that feels soft or spongy, as it may be past its prime.
  • Color: Fresh ginger typically has a light tan to pale yellow skin. The color should be even and vibrant. Avoid ginger with discolored or dark spots.
  • Aroma: Sniff the ginger; fresh ginger should have an intense, spicy, and invigorating aroma. Avoid ginger with a musty or off-putting smell.
  • Avoiding Sprouts: Check for any green sprouts emerging from the ginger. Even though gingers with sprouts are safe to eat, the sprout shows that the ginger is older and may have a milder flavor.

Once you’ve purchased fresh ginger, follow proper storage guidelines to keep it at its best until you’re ready to use it.

The Best Methods for Storing Ginger

You can store fresh ginger in various ways, depending on how and when you intend to use it:

Countertop:

If you want to use the entire ginger root within a few days, store it in a cool, dark spot. The key to long-lasting ginger on the countertop is to leave the skin on. The rough, brown outer layer protects the delicate flesh inside from drying out and losing its potency. Please keep it on your kitchen counter, away from the sun.

Refrigerator:

It’s best to store ginger in the refrigerator intact, with the peel still on. You can store cut ginger in the refrigerator, but it won’t keep as long.

Store in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator to maximize storage time. First, wrap the root in a paper towel and place it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. This will help absorb any excess moisture and prevent the ginger from becoming moldy. Fresh ginger can last up to three weeks when stored this way.

Drying:

Drying ginger is a common method of preserving it for long-term use. You can use dried ginger as a spice in cooking, baking, and making beverages.

Freezing:

If you don’t plan on using all of your ginger within three weeks, you can also freeze it for longer storage. Freezing fresh ginger extends its shelf life. Peel it, grate and divide it into portion sizes. Next, place them in airtight containers or bags and freeze them. If frozen whole, simply grate the frozen ginger directly into your dish when you’re ready to use it. You can use frozen ginger directly in cooking without thawing. Frozen ginger can last for up to six months in the freezer.

Using Frozen Ginger: When using frozen ginger, there’s no need to thaw it before grating it into your dish. In fact, frozen ginger is easier to grate and will add a more intense flavor to your dishes. You can also use frozen ginger in smoothies or teas for a refreshing and healthy boost.

Preserved in Sugar or Vinegar:

You can preserve ginger by slicing and storing it in a solution of sugar or vinegar. This method imparts a sweet or tangy flavor to the ginger, and you can use it in both cooking and beverages. Store the preserved ginger in a sterilized glass jar in the refrigerator.

Ginger Paste or Cubes:

Blend peeled ginger with a small amount of water to create a ginger paste. Freeze the ginger paste in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen ginger cubes to a resealable freezer bag. You can quickly grab a cube of ginger from the freezer.

 How to Dry Ginger for Long

  • Select Fresh Ginger that is firm and free from mold or decay.
  • Wash thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and peel with a knife or a vegetable peeler to remove the thin skin.
  • Slice the peeled ginger into thin, uniform pieces.
  • Preheat the oven to the lowest temperature (140°F (60°C) or lower.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Arrange the ginger slices in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Keep the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape and promote air circulation.
  • Dry the ginger slices until they are completely dry and crisp.
  • Test the ginger slices for dryness by touching them. They should be brittle and break easily.
  • Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. Store the dried ginger in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

How to Tell If Ginger is Bad

You can identify whether ginger has gone bad by checking its appearance, texture, and smell. Here are signs to look for:

  1. Appearance: Fresh ginger should have smooth, taut skin, as overly shriveled, wrinkled, or moldy signs indicate potential spoilage.
  2. Texture: Fresh ginger should be firm and solid, with soft, mushy, slimy, or stringy texture indicating deterioration.
  3. Smell: Fresh ginger’s robust and spicy aroma indicates its use, while an off or musty odor or sour smell indicates that it is no longer good to use.

Tips for Storing Ginger

  1. Check your stored ginger regularly for any signs of mold, soft spots, or a strong odor.
  2. Store ginger as whole pieces rather than cutting it when possible, as cut surfaces tend to dry out more quickly.
  3. Keep ginger away from moisture, as it can lead to mold growth. Instead of storing it in plastic bags, directly wrap the ginger in a paper towel or cloth before placing it in a plastic bag.
  4. Allow ginger to come to room temperature before using it if you have stored it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Ginger-infused Recipes

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