Ginger is one of the handiest spices around, but a little goes a long way, and fresh root often seems to end up going bad and getting thrown away before you can use it all up. If you're sick of food waste, it's time to get to grips with storing ginger. Whether you've got a large piece of ginger root to store or you've already peeled and sliced it, these tips will help you keep it fresh for longer.
Choosing the best storage method
The best storage method for ginger depends on a few factors. First of all, you should consider the state of the ginger. Is it a whole root, or have you already cut it? If you've cut it, have you peeled it? Is it grated? All of these questions will affect how it should be stored.
There are other things to consider that are always relevant to freezing and food storage, no matter what type of food you're storing. You'll have to think about the space you have to spare in your freezer, fridge and cupboards. The ambient heat and humidity in your kitchen can also play a part. In summer, if your kitchen tends to get very hot, it's wiser to store food in the fridge that might otherwise be fine at room temperature.
How to store fresh ginger at room temperature
Fresh ginger will keep for about a week at room temperature. This method should really only be used for whole pieces of ginger root. Once you peel or cut the root, it will start to go off more quickly.
For best results, keep fresh ginger in a dark place like inside a cupboard. Keep it loosely in a paper or plastic bag, but if you're storing it at room temperature, don't wrap it tightly. Once you cut it for use in recipes like this quick ginger chicken stew, move it to the fridge.
How to store fresh ginger in the fridge
Stored correctly, fresh ginger can be kept for up to four weeks in the fridge. If you want it to last longer, leave it unpeeled, as the skin acts as a protective layer that preserves freshness.
In the fridge, you should wrap ginger in clingfilm or keep it in a sealed zip-lock bag. This is because it has a very strong smell, which can easily affect the other foods in your veg drawer if you're not careful. Even if you love ginger, you probably don't want all the vegetarian recipes you make to taste of it!
How to freeze ginger
Ginger freezes very well and can be kept for up to six months in the freezer, either wrapped in clingfilm or stored in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze any kind of ginger, whether grated, peeled, sliced or even whole pieces of root. In fact, you might be surprised to realise that it's easier to grate frozen ginger than fresh, as the texture is not as fibrous.
There's no need to defrost frozen ginger before using it. If it's whole, grate it straight from the freezer and use it at once in recipes like this soy, chilli and ginger chicken stir-fry.
How to cut and peel fresh ginger
You don't need any fancy equipment to cut and peel ginger. First, think about how you want to use it: you might want to julienne it (cut it into thin strips) or grate it. In many Asian countries, cooks don't even bother peeling ginger, but you might prefer to do so. Forget your vegetable peeler. The easiest way to do this is actually with a teaspoon, which lets you gently scrape away the skin.
- To julienne ginger, slice it diagonally into even rounds, then slice those into thin batons.
- To grate ginger, use the smallest holes on a box grater.
- To crush ginger, pound it briefly with a pestle and mortar. It will only take a couple of smashes.
Getting the most from fresh ginger
Fresh ginger is a wonderful ingredient. If you're making calorie smart recipes, you'll find that it adds plenty of flavour without any excess fat or carbs. It's used in dishes from all around the world but is particularly common in Southeast Asian and East Asian cooking.
Ginger pairs well with soy sauce and garlic for classic stir-fry flavourings, with teriyaki sauce for a yummy Japanese treat and with citrus, like in this zesty citrus chicken and ginger stir-fry. It works with all kinds of proteins, or if you have a bit to use up, try grating it into a cup of tea for a fabulous winter warmer.
How to store ginger FAQs
How long does fresh ginger last?
Kept at room temperature, fresh ginger will last for about a week, but that does depend on a few factors such as heat and humidity. It will go off faster in summer. It lasts significantly longer when chilled or frozen, especially if stored correctly.
Can you freeze fresh ginger?
Yes. Fresh ginger freezes very well. You might be surprised to learn that it's actually easier to grate frozen ginger than fresh, as the tough fibres soften and give more even results. You can use it straight from the freezer without defrosting.
Should ginger be stored in the fridge?
Once cut, fresh ginger should be stored in the fridge. Wrap it well in clingfilm or keep it in a sealed zip-lock bag, or its strong odour may affect other food nearby. Keeping it sealed also helps preserve its freshness for longer.
Can you store peeled ginger?
Yes. Peeled ginger can be wrapped tightly and kept in the fridge or frozen. Some people also preserve it by submerging it in vodka and storing it in the fridge, but wrapping it is probably easier for everyday use.
How do you know when ginger has gone bad?
If you see mould on the surface of a piece of ginger, throw it away. Ginger will also dry up and shrivel when it goes bad. As it gets older, it becomes softer to the touch, losing both its distinctive scent and its firm texture.