How to Store Ginger to Keep it Fresh for a Long Time
Ginger root is a superfood used in cuisines all over the world. It is distinguished from other spices with its unique – warm, peppery, zesty flavor and powerful natural health benefits.
But for ginger to keep its potent flavor and unique health benefits it needs to be stored correctly.
So that’s why in this article, I will share with you proper storage techniques for both whole bulbs of ginger roots and for freshly chopped or minced ginger.
We will also walk you through some long-term storage methods including canning, preserving, and vacuum sealing.
Room Temperature | Fridge | Freezer | Pickling (fridge) | In spirits & acidic liquids | Vacuum jar (fridge) | Vacuum bag (fridge) | Drying | |
Peeled Ginger | Once its peeled, ginger should not be left at room temperature unless soaked in spirits/acidic liquids | 7 days | 6 months | 2 months | 2-3 weeks | 3 weeks | 2 months | 6 months to 1 year |
Unpeeled Ginger | 7 days | 1 month | 6 months |
Before selecting one of the storage techniques, you must consider the purpose of the ginger and how the flavor profile will be affected by each storage technique. Another factor that should be taken into account is when do you plan to use the leftover ginger.
How to Store Ginger Root at Room Temperature
Ginger Root that is unpeeled, can be kept at room temperature in a cool, dry, dark area of the home such as a kitchen counter.
Room temperature storage is a good method if you plan to use the ginger right away, or within a week. Storage at room temperature won’t dull the flavor of the ginger.
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How to Store Ginger Root in Spirits & Acidic Liquids
Peeled ginger root may be stored at room temperature, in a tightly covered lidded glass jar in an acidic liquid or spirits. You should keep in mind that the ginger flavor will be altered somewhat by the liquids.
To do this:
- Wash the fresh ginger, taking care to scrub out any dirt or debris, then peel the ginger with the back of a knife or spoon.
- Rinse the ginger once again and pat dry.
- Next, place the freshly peeled ginger in a clean jar or sealable container
- And then submerge then with enough spirits or acidic liquid to cover it completely.
- Finally secure with a lid and keep in a cool, dark area, such as a cellar.
- When you are ready to use the ginger, open the jar and take out the ginger piece of your choice.
- After removing, secure the lid once again and place the ginger back into its original storage place.
In my opinion, vodka works best since it doesn’t alter the flavor of the ginger as much as other options. Other liquids such as dry sherry, sake, rice wine, rice vinegar, and fresh lime juice can also be used.
This method works for several weeks. You should discard if the alcohol starts to look cloudy, which can indicate mold or bacteria may be present.
Note- While this method of putting ginger into spirits or acidic liquids will keep it fresh, you can also put your jar of ginger filled with spirits or acidic liquids into the refrigerator which will last longer than room temperature storage.
How to Store Ginger Root in the Refrigerator
Refrigeration storage is great if you intend to use the ginger within a month of purchasing it. Below are two different methods on how to store fresh ginger in the refrigerator.
1. Unpeeled ginger root can either be placed; in an airtight container or in a resealable plastic bag with all of the excess air removed and then put in the refrigerator.
When properly stored, fresh ginger can last for more than a month in the refrigerator. The airtight bag keeps out oxygen and moisture, two things that will cause ginger to mold.
2. You can also try wrapping the ginger root in paper towel and then placing the wrapped-up ginger in a paper bag.
For this method to work you need to:
- Ensure that the ginger is completely wrapped and there are no air holes or uncovered part.
- Makesure that all of the air in the paper bag has been pushed out before you seal it.
The paper towel method also allows your ginger to last for 3 weeks to a month.
How to Store Peeled, Chopped or Minced Ginger in the Refrigerator
Once you have peeled the ginger or sliced it, you can no longer store it at room temperature. For it to be safe for consumption, you will have to freeze or refrigerate it.
Any remaining peeled ginger root should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a dry area in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If the ginger root has been mince or chopped it can also be refrigerated in a tightly covered container for up to a week.
How to Store Ginger in the Freezer
Freezing ginger is a great option when you want to store ginger for a long time. You can freeze whole peeled and unpeeled ginger as well as minced or sliced ginger.
1. How to Freeze Peeled & Unpeeled Ginger Root:
- Carefully take a sheet of plastic wrap and wrap it around the ginger until it’s completely covered by the plastic wrap.
- Then, place the ginger in a freezer safe storage bag, to remove any any extra air.
- Next, place the zipper bag in the freezer, this should last for up to 6 months.
- Finally when you are ready to use it grate the whole, frozen ginger root with a cheese grater.
2. How to Freeze Minced, Sliced, and Cubed Ginger:
Ginger can be washed, peeled then sliced or minced and placed into the freezer for up to 6 months.
TIP- A food processor, grinder or blender may be used to mince ginger. However, a few tablespoons of water may be need to assist the grinding process.
Steps to freezing minced, sliced and cubed Ginger
The first step to freezing ginger that has been minced or sliced is to divide them into portions of tablespoon or teaspoon, before placing them onto a tray lined with parchment paper and freezing them.
When the portions are hard you can remove them and place them into an airtight container or freezer bags. Put the frozen ginger containers or bag back into the freezer and used as required. There will be no need to defrost the entire package, since the pieces have already been portioned.
You can also place the minced ginger into ice cube trays and freeze until hard, then remove them from the trays and then place them into freezer-safe zipper bags before refreezing.
Pickling Ginger
You can also pickle ginger to preserve it.
- To do this start by peeling the ginger and then slicing it thinly using a mandolin.
- Next, put the ginger pieces in a clean glass jar filled with equal parts vinegar, sugar, and water.
- Finally store the pickled ginger in the refrigerator for up to two months.
Vacuum Sealing Ginger in a jar
You can also vacuum seal ginger by following these steps.
- First place the unpeeled ginger root into a clean jar.
- Then use the vacuum sealing jar attachment on the lid to seal it and write the date on the jar.
- And finally place into the refrigerator for 2- 3 weeks.
Vacuum Sealing Ginger in a Vacuum Sealable Bag
First, place ginger inside a vacuum seal bag and then use the vacuum sealing device to seal the bag. Finally, write the date on the bag and then place it inside the freezer.
Using vacuum sealing bags allows your ginger to lasts longer than using vacuum sealing in a jar. Ginger in a vacuum-sealed bag may last for up to 2 months.
You can break the fresh ginger root up into smaller pieces before sealing, or you can seal it in one large chunk
How to Dry Ginger to Make it Last Longer
Drying ginger is a great way of making it last longer. Below are the steps to dry ginger.
- First, wash your ginger properly to remove any dirt, then use the back of a knife or spoon to remove the skin of the ginger.
- Next, you must mince the ginger into very small pieces,
- And then spread the pieces across a shallow baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Next, preheat the oven to 150°F and place the baking sheet inside. (A Food dehydrator may also be used)
- Stir the ginger occasionally until the moisture has been removed.
- Allow the dry ginger to cool then use a spice grinder or an electric grinder to grind up the dried ginger.
- Place the dried ginger into a clean bottle with a lid.
- Finally store the dried ginger in a cool dry area of your home like a kitchen cupboard.
Properly made and stored dried ginger may last up to 6 months to a year for the best flavor.
Tips on How to Select the Best Ginger
TIP- When looking for ginger select the ones with shiny, taut skin. The ginger skin should be thin — never thick and fibrous. You should be able to easily nick the skin with your nail.
Avoid ginger that has any soft spots, seems wet, or has any signs of mold.