Ginger is not just an indispensable spice that enhances the flavor of dishes but also a natural “panacea” in folk medicine. A few slices of ginger in a bowl of soup, stew, or hot tea not only help remove odors, warm the body, but also aid digestion and boost immunity.
However, a common issue faced by many households is that ginger often wilts, dries out, or rots soon after purchase, especially during humid or hot weather. If not stored properly, ginger roots can quickly lose their freshness. Don’t worry; the two tips below will help you tackle this problem effectively.
**1. Use Rice to Preserve Ginger – A Simple Yet Surprising Effective Method**
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep ginger fresh is to utilize rice, which is readily available in most households. Here’s how:
Step 1: Rinse the ginger thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Use a clean cloth to dry the ginger root completely. This step is crucial as moisture can hinder the preservation process.
Step 3: Place the dried ginger in a container or rice jar, burying it completely in the rice.
Rice has a mild hygroscopic property, which helps maintain a dry environment, preventing the ginger from molding or turning soft. Moreover, the essential oils released by ginger can repel insects, protecting your rice from pests – a double benefit!
With this method, you can keep ginger fresh for 4-6 months without refrigeration. When needed, simply take it out, rinse, and use as desired.
**2. Store Ginger in Soil – “Back to Nature”**
For those who enjoy gardening, there’s another effective method: burying ginger in soil. This approach is a “back-to-nature” way of preserving ginger.
Instructions:
Prepare a pot with loose, well-aerated soil, or purchase ready-to-use planting soil from a garden store.
Clean and dry the ginger roots following the same process as the rice preservation method.
Bury the ginger in the soil, approximately 5-7cm deep. Avoid pouring water directly onto the ginger; instead, lightly water the surrounding soil to maintain moisture.
Place the pot in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
This method helps maintain the ginger’s moisture and freshness thanks to the nutrients in the soil. Alternatively, you can use dry sand instead of soil if necessary. However, when stored in soil or sand, ginger will remain fresh for only about 2-3 months, as parts of the root may be exposed to air and gradually dry out.
**The Versatile Ginger**
Ginger is valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its traditional medicinal properties. During cold weather, a hot cup of ginger tea can warm the body, alleviate colds, stomach aches, and boost immunity.
Especially in today’s era of processed foods, fresh ginger is invaluable for balancing yin and yang in meals, neutralizing the fishy taste of meat, and adding a spicy kick that stimulates digestion.
– Do not store ginger that has scratches or bruises as it is prone to mold.
– Avoid storing ginger in damp places or near hot stoves.
– If using a refrigerator, wrap ginger tightly in paper bags or dry cloth to prevent freezing or condensation.
“A Squeeze of Lemon: The Simple Hack to Keep Rice Fresh in Hot and Humid Climates”
In hot and humid climates, cooked rice can quickly spoil if left at room temperature. A simple trick to prevent this is to add a slice of lemon while cooking the rice. This folk method not only has scientific backing but also enhances the aroma and flavor of the rice, while extending its shelf life.
The Perfect Fried Rice: A Golden, Crispy, and Fluffy Delight
“The Ultimate Restaurant-Style Fried Rice: A Secret Technique for Delicious Flavor!”
Is Eating Red Apples and Goji Berries Daily Truly Beneficial for Your Health?
Is the daily consumption of red apples and goji berries truly beneficial for our health as rumored? Uncover the truth in the article below.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Perilla Leaf and Ginger Tea?
Basil and ginger are two spices commonly used in culinary delights, offering an explosion of flavors and a host of health benefits.
The Ultimate Guide to 5 Wild Herbs for Liver Support
The Ministry of Health has released a comprehensive list of 70 medicinal herbs and plants that are utilized in traditional medicine practices. This extensive catalog includes a variety of wild-growing herbs that are known to support liver health and offer therapeutic benefits for various ailments.
