Here’s how to store ginger, whether whole roots, chopped, or grated, to make it last. Below will also show you how to freeze ginger. Keep reading.
The post shows you how to store fresh, peeled, minced ginger. To keep ginger at its freshest, keep the skin on during storage. In fact, you don’t need to peel ginger at all before adding it to food, just wash it.
Read on for more detailed information.
What is Ginger?
First of all, ginger isn’t really a root. It is a tropical plant’s rhizome, or enlarged underground stem. Ginger rhizomes grow in sprawling formations, leading to the market term “hand of ginger” for a large, knobby cluster.
Ginger comes in dried or fresh form. Although dried ginger is typically sold ground, there are times when it is sold whole.
When shopping, look for firm, not shriveled, ginger root.
How to Store Ginger?
Here are the details:
Fresh Ginger
You never know when you’re going to need ginger, so keeping some on hand is very helpful. To help your ginger stay fresher for longer, make sure to place it in an air-tight food storage container or sealed plastic bag, and then store it in the crisper drawer in the fridge. This will help keep it tasty for at least a month. It’s time to throw away your ginger once you start to notice greenish-blue mold spots.
Peeled Ginger
Your ginger will last less after you’ve peeled it because it is exposed to oxygen. Ginger that has been peeled should simply be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and put in the crisper. When stored this way, peeled ginger should stay fresh for up to three weeks, but it’s always a good idea to inspect it before you use it to make sure mold hasn’t grown.
Minced Ginger
Some people will chop an entire piece of ginger to make meal prepping more efficient. Even though skipping this step may save you some time in the kitchen, minced ginger will only keep in the fridge for about a week when it is sealed and kept in an airtight container.
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Ways to Store Ginger Root
You can store fresh ginger root in multiple ways, depending on how and when you plan to use the ginger:
Counter: You can store ginger in a cool, dark location, such as on your kitchen counter and out of the sun, if you intend to use the entire ginger root within a few days.
Fridge: The ginger should be put in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, and then the crisper drawer should be filled with the bag. Fresh ginger can keep for over a month in the fridge when properly stored. The best way to store ginger in the refrigerator is to keep it unpeeled because it only lasts two to three weeks when it is peeled.
Pickling: You can pickle fresh ginger. The ginger should be peeled with a peeler before being thinly sliced. Put the chopped ginger in a glass jar with equal parts vinegar, sugar, and water (you can change the proportions to your liking). For up to two months, pickled ginger can be kept in the fridge.
How to Tell If Ginger is Bad?
If ginger has gone bad, it can be detected by a number of sensory cues.
- Smell: You’ll be able to tell ginger has gone bad if the ginger aroma isn’t as pungent or if it has an off smell.
- Appearance: If the skin is wrinkled, the ginger is past its prime and dehydrated. Fresh ginger has smooth skin. Other telltale signs that the ginger should be discarded include blemishes or mold on the exterior or cut ends, as well as a discolored interior (dark yellow, brown, or gray cast) when sliced.
- Texture: The texture of fresh ginger should be firm; if it feels soft or mushy, it has likely gone bad.
Can You Freeze Ginger?
Freezing ginger is a great option when you don’t use ginger that often, but would like to have it on hand.
Ginger can be frozen for up to 6 months by wrapping it in plastic and breaking up large hands before freezing. You can decide whether to peel the ginger first or leave the peel on. If you’re going to grate the ginger, there’s no need to thaw it in any case.
You can also freeze minced ginger in ice cube trays. When the ginger cubes are frozen, remove them from the freezer, place them in a zip-top bag, and use them within three months.
How to Buy Fresh Ginger?
When properly stored, fresh ginger, which is typically found in the produce section of supermarkets, can last for up to two to three months. Naturally, the ginger will last longer if it is fresher when you purchase it. Colette Ferris, co-owner of Kolo Kai Organic Farm, which cultivates turmeric, white ginger, yellow ginger, and galangal in Hawaii, advises seeking out a firm texture and avoiding any ginger that feels soft, appears wrinkled or shriveled, or exhibits signs of mold.
FAQs
How Do You Store Ginger Long Term?
To store ginger indefinitely, stick the root in the freezer with the skin on. To avoid freezer burn, put it in a freezer bag or another freezer-safe container. When you need fresh ginger for a recipe, take the root out of the freezer, grate what you need, and put the remaining root back in the freezer.
How Do You Store Fresh Ginger Root After Cutting?
Peel and slice to your desired size, then place in a plastic storage bag or airtight container, seal tight and place in the vegetable drawer. A few weeks should pass before the ginger expires. Place the container or bag in the freezer for extended storage.
How Long Does Fresh Ginger Last Unrefrigerated?
Only when it is whole and unpeeled should ginger be left on the counter. It will last for about a week in a cool, dry place before it begins to rot. When refrigerated in a dry, sealable bag with the air squeezed out, unpeeled ginger will last a month; peeled or grated ginger, however, will only last two to three weeks.
How Many Years Can Ginger Last?
What is the shelf life of ginger? That depends whether it’s fresh or ground, peeled or unpeeled, and where it’s stored. Fresh, unpeeled ginger can last up to 3 months in the freezer, while ground ginger can last up to 2 years in the pantry.
Summary: How to Store Ginger?
To keep ginger at its freshest, leave the skin on during storage. And really, there’s no need to peel ginger at all before adding it to your food—just give it a wash. Although peeling fresh ginger with a spoon is easy, it is completely unnecessary. Stop peeling your ginger to prevent food waste! Considering how much simpler your life is now, buy a nice knobby piece of ginger.
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