Considered a vegetable, ginger is the rhizome (swollen underground stem) of the plant. With that in mind, it is more used as a spice and is a delicious finishing touch for everything from teas to soups to stir-fries. The plant is known to repel mosquitos, while the root itself can boost your immune system. Regardless, it makes a great addition to any vegetable garden.
If you've purchased fresh ginger from the grocery store or harvested the rhizome from your garden, this guide is here to ensure it lasts as long as possible. You'll discover the essential tools and best methods for storing the ginger so you can enjoy it all season long.
Tools You'll Need
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Properly storing this rhizome is crucial to increasing its lifespan. Whether you opt to store it on the counter, keep it in the freezer, or create pickled ginger, there are a few tools you may need. Below, you'll find some of the essentials, as well as optional ingredients and tools.
- Ventilated container
- Air-tight container
- Resealable plastic bag
- Peeler
- Sharp knife
- Glass jar with lid
- Vinegar, sugar, and water
- Grater
- Food processor
- Ice cube tray
- Plant pot
- High-quality soil
How to Store Fresh Ginger
On the Counter
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If you intend on using the vegetable within a few days, you can leave it on the counter. With that in mind, there are a few rules to ensure it lasts as long as possible! First, store it in a ventilated container, such as a paper bag or perforated bowl. The spot on your counter or in your pantry should also be shaded with zero direct sunlight.
Also, try to avoid storing cut or sliced ginger on the counter. If left uncut in a cool, dry, and dark spot, the vegetable should last about a week.
In the Fridge
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If you want the ginger to last longer, consider storing it in the fridge. Simply place the uncut, unpeeled vegetable in a resealable plastic bag or air-tight container and store it in the crisper drawer. This way, the ginger should last about four to six weeks. If you have cut or unpeeled the vegetable, you can follow the same steps for refrigeration, but it will last around two to three weeks.
Pickled Ginger
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Pickling is another option for storing fresh ginger. Start by peeling the vegetable using a peeler and then slice it very thinly. Place the ginger in a glass jar with a lid and top it off with equal parts vinegar, water, and sugar. Of course, you can adjust the combination to suit your preferences. With the lid on, pickled ginger can last in the fridge for up to two months.
Frozen Ginger
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If you've got a stockpile of freshly harvested ginger and don't think you'll use it in time, consider freezing it using one of two methods. The first option is to freeze the vegetable whole. Peel it and then store it in an air-tight container or resealable freezer bag. When you are ready to use it, you can simply grate or slice the frozen ginger and add it to your cooking pan.
The second option is to freeze chopped or pureed ginger. Either cut it up into fine pieces or process it in the food processor to create a paste. You can then divide the puree or diced vegetable into an ice cube tray and freeze it.
Be sure to place the ginger cubes into a freezer bag once they have frozen to avoid freezer burn. You can then add the cubes directly into whatever you're cooking up. They should last in the freezer for about six months.
Plant It!
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If your a ginger lover, consider planting it in a pot and storing it on your windowsill! The plant will look like any other houseplant, shooting up leaves and greens pleasing to the eye. But once you'd like to add a little to what you cook, lift the plant and cut off a piece of the rhizome. You can return the plant to its pot and continue care as usual.
Spice it Up!
Growing and harvesting your own ginger is easy, but storing it is just as simple! Whether you'd like to use it in meals or for medicinal reasons, there are a number of ways to store fresh ginger to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Frozen ginger is convenient to toss into teas and soups, you can enjoy pickled ginger alongside sushi, and planting it will ensure you have constant access to a fresh supply.
Have you grown ginger in your backyard? If so, let us know how these storage techniques work for you!