Ginger is a delicious addition to many dishes but we often only need a small amount to enhance recipes. Instead of throwing away unused ginger, you can store it for future use.
How to store ginger? There are many ways to store ginger but they all depend on what you have done with the ginger. Whole, unpeeled ginger is more versatile and can be stored at room temperature, in the fridge, and in the freezer. On the other hand, peeled, sliced, or grated ginger must be stored in either the fridge or the freezer.
Different Ways to Store Ginger
Depending on your ginger, whether it is whole, peeled, chopped or sliced, there would be a way to properly store each.
Whole Ginger
Fridge
The fridge is the best place to store fresh ginger. Place whole, unpeeled pieces of ginger in the fridge.
While you could place the ginger anywhere in the fridge, if you put it in a sealable plastic bag first, and remove excess air, this will greatly extend its lifespan. You can also place it in the crisper drawer for a longer lifespan.
If you don’t have a plastic bag available, you could use a paper bag instead. This won’t last as long, but will be better than just placing the ginger in the fridge on its own.
Whole ginger will stay fresh for about one month in the fridge.
Freezer
Whole ginger can also be placed in the freezer, where it will actually last for months, if not years. Again, place the ginger in a sealable freezer bag, and make sure the air is removed from the bag.
Label and date your freezer bag. When you need ginger in the future, simply take the root out and peel what you need.
It’s actually easier to grate frozen ginger, so save yourself a step and don’t thaw it first.
Dehydrator
Unfortunately, whole ginger cannot be used in a dehydrator. It is too bulky and won’t dry evenly.
Room Temperature
You can keep whole, un-peeled ginger at room temperature. It will last for about a week; however by simply storing it in the fridge, you can increase its lifespan to almost a month.
Peeled Ginger
Fridge
If you have ginger that has been peeled, or part of the root has been chopped off, then the best way to store it is in the fridge.
In order to preserve it for as long as possible, take a paper towel and blot the exposed areas of the ginger root. This will remove excess moisture, thus lessening the chance of rot.
Place the peeled ginger in a sealable bag and squeeze out any air. It will last 3 to 7 days, depending on how much of the root has been peeled.
Freezer
Peeled ginger can definitely be placed in the freezer. Remove any moisture from the exposed areas with a paper towel.
Place the ginger root in a freezer bag and squeeze out any air. Label and date the bag.
Dehydrator
You may be able to place peeled ginger in a dehydrator if it is thin enough. If not, you will have to chop or slice the ginger for better results.
Room Temperature
Peeled ginger, even if it is just a small end, cannot be left at room temperature. The exposed ends will attract bacteria which will then be too harmful to ingest.
Chopped Ginger
Fridge
Unfortunately, chopped ginger does not keep very long in the fridge. There is too much surface area that can be exposed to air, and bacteria can quickly grow, making the ginger inedible.
You can still store chopped ginger in the fridge, just be sure to use it within a few days.
Use a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Then, place it in an airtight container and place that in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
Freezer
Chopped or peeled ginger stores well in the freezer. If you want to get ahead of future recipes, such as using minced ginger in a stir fry or sliced ginger in ginger tea, then storing this versatile root in the freezer is a great idea.
Once you have peeled, sliced, or grated your ginger, place it in an airtight container. Label and date your container.
Frozen ginger will last for about six months.
Dehydrator
Chopped or sliced ginger is excellent for a dehydrator.
Start by peeling your ginger. Then, slice it about 1/8 inch thick.
Dehydrate the ginger at 135 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 hours. You can store the dehydrated ginger in an airtight container or pop it in the freezer to last even longer.
Room Temperature
Chopped ginger cannot be left at room temperature. It has too many exposed areas and will quickly attract bacteria that could be harmful.
Other Ways to Store Ginger
Keep it in a Pot (non-peeled)
Ginger is actually a root, so it stands to reason that you can plant it. If you have a piece of non-peeled ginger, why not plant it in your kitchen so that you always have a source of fresh ginger?
The ginger root will start to grow in soil as long as it is regularly watered. When you need some ginger for a recipe, simply remove the plant from the pot and cut off some of the root.
It might be a bit messy, but it’s a pretty novel way of making dinner.
Vinegar (peeled)
It might seems a bit odd, but peeled ginger can be preserved in different liquids. This is not recommended for non-peeled ginger and instead only for larger pieces of peeled ginger.
Place the peeled ginger in either an acidic liquid like vinegar, or alcohol such as vodka or sherry. The amount of liquid should be just enough to cover the ginger.
With this method, peeled ginger will last several weeks.
Check to see if the vinegar or alcohol has turned cloudy before using the ginger. This is a sign that mold may have grown, so the ginger shouldn’t be used.
Conclusion
When cooking, you want the best ginger flavor possible, and that comes with the freshest ginger you have on hand. Whole ginger can be stored in multiple methods, but any type of cut ginger must be stored in the fridge or freezer.
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