Ginger can be enjoyed as a delicacy or as a condiment. Ginger can also be used as a medicinal ingredient, such as to reduce stomach pain. Ginger is commonly used in savory stir-fries, in snacks such as gingerbread cookies, and even in alcoholic beverages such as Moscow Mule. Ginger is a delicious root, but the problem is that it is difficult to use the whole ginger root in one go, which creates problems in storage. If you want your ginger to last for several weeks -- or even months -- then you need to know how to store it in the freezer and refrigerator. If you want to know how to store ginger, follow these steps.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Know the Ground Rules
Step 1. Choose the freshest ginger
If you want your ginger to last as long as possible, then you should choose the freshest ginger root and then use it immediately after buying it. For the freshest ginger, look for ginger with a fresh, spicy aroma and smooth skin. The ginger should feel heavy and firm in your hands. Avoid choosing ginger that has wrinkled skin or feels a little soft, or you will use ginger that has started to break down.
- Avoid ginger that is wet, feels damp and moldy.
- Decide whether you want to store ginger in the freezer or refrigerator. If you know you're going to use ginger right away, then store it in the fridge to make it easier for you to use, peel, or grind afterwards. Ginger can last in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, so if you already know that in that time you won't be using ginger, it's a good idea to store your ginger in the freezer.
- You can mix it up too. If you are only going to use a small piece of ginger in the near future, then you can take a small piece of ginger and store it in the refrigerator, while the rest you store in the freezer so that you can use it for a longer time.
Method 2 of 5: Storing Ginger in the Fridge
Step 1. Store the ginger in a tightly closed zip plastic bag
To store ginger in a plastic zip bag, take the unpeeled ginger and place it in the bag. Remove the remaining air in the bag. Place this bag of ginger in the vegetable storage in the refrigerator so the ginger will stay fresh and crunchy for several weeks. Compared to other methods, such as storing ginger in a paper bag or wrapping it in a tissue and then putting it in a bag, this method can store ginger for up to a few weeks at most.
If the ginger has been peeled, this method can still be used, but it won't keep the ginger fresh for the same time as unpeeled ginger
Step 2. Store the ginger in a paper bag or tissue
Gently store the unpeeled ginger by wrapping it in a paper towel so that there are no holes or uncovered areas, then placing it in a paper bag. Remove all remaining air in the bag before you close it. Place the ginger in the vegetable storage section of the refrigerator and store for a few weeks.
Step 3. Store the ginger in a paper bag
If you're short on time, you can simply put the ginger in a paper bag and then place it in the vegetable storage section of the refrigerator. Ginger won't last as long if you use other methods, but it's quite easy and quick if you know that within a week you will be using it. This method is also great for storing herbs like dill or cilantro quickly.
Step 4. Store the peeled fresh ginger soaked in the liquid
Place the fresh, peeled ginger in a sealable container and soak it in an acid or alcohol solution. Commonly used liquids are: vodka, dry sherry, sake, rice wine, rice vinegar, and fresh lime juice. Vodka and sherry are the most widely used alcoholic beverages, and vodka itself is known to have the ability to store ginger for the longest while changing the ginger's taste the least.
While this method is great to use, be careful that the liquid will slightly change the taste of your ginger
Method 3 of 5: Storing Ginger in the Freezer
Step 1. Wrap the ginger in plastic and seal it in a plastic zip bag
Take a sheet of plastic and slowly wrap it once or twice around the unpeeled ginger until the whole ginger is covered in plastic. Then, place the ginger in a plastic zip bag, venting the air inside. Place the plastic zip bag in the freezer and you can enjoy the ginger for the next few months. It is also easy to grate frozen ginger root with a cheese grater.
Step 2. Freeze the ground ginger
First of all, peel the ginger and grind it. Then spread or place the ground ginger on a paper-lined board using a tablespoon or teaspoon measure. Then place the boards in the freezer until the ginger is completely frozen, then transfer to an airtight container such as Tupperware or another tightly closed container. Place the ground ginger in the freezer and you can use it for up to six months.
Step 3. Freeze the chopped ginger
Chop the ginger into the size you want, either the size of your thumb or the size of a matchstick. You can mix the sizes, cutting the ginger into any size you want without peeling the skin. Then store the ginger in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator.
Step 4. Cut the ginger in the medallion section
If you know that you are going to cook the ginger in the medallion, then you can peel it off, cut it into medallions, then place it in a glass bowl or other open container that can be frozen. Place in the freezer until the ginger is completely frozen, you can also flip the ginger after an hour to speed up the freezing process. Then put the ginger in an airtight container and close the lid. Place in the freezer and enjoy this frozen ginger for at least three months.
Method 4 of 5: Storing Ginger in a Vacuum Container
This method allows storage for several weeks
Step 1. Use a vacuum such as Food Saver or another brand
Step 2. Place some ginger in a container
Step 3. Put the lid on
Step 4. Vacuum the joint of the container with the lid
Label and write the date on the container.
Step 5. Store in the refrigerator
Use within a few weeks.
Method 5 of 5: Storing Ginger in a Vacuumed Bag
This method allows for longer storage compared to vacuum containers.
Step 1. Place the ginger you want to store in a plastic bag
Step 2. Vacuum the bag containing the ginger with a vacuum sealer
Step 3. Label and write the date
Use it sparingly.
Tips
- If you prefer, you can also keep the ginger finely chopped or blended in the mix with dry sherry. This method allows more ginger to be stored and is very easy to use in cooking. If you choose to use this method, add a little sherry to the blender to help you blend the ginger.
- Ginger is best grated using a ceramic ginger grater. This method is easier to do than using a regular cheese grater and is also inexpensive. This grater has a tapered tip which will prevent the ginger from slipping from the tip. Naturally, this grater will not rust and can also be used for other foods such as chocolate and nutmeg.
