Tips

4 Ginger Storage Hacks to Keep it Fresh for Months

To prevent ginger roots from spoiling, shrinking, or sprouting after storing them for an extended period, it's essential to create an optimal environment.

Administrator

7 August, 2024

Ginger is an indispensable spice in every family’s kitchen. In addition to its ability to remove the fishy smell of meat and fish, it is also considered a precious medicinal herb, effective in treating colds, heatstroke, motion sickness, warming the body, and preventing vomiting.

However, ginger tends to sprout, shrink, or even rot if stored for too long. Rotten ginger produces toxins harmful to the human body. With the following simple tips, you can keep ginger for several months, or even half a year, without worrying about spoilage.

There are many ways to store ginger for up to six months without spoilage. (Photo: Sohu)

Store ginger with rice

After purchasing, clean the ginger with water and let it air dry completely. Then, take some rice and place it in a box or bag, burying the ginger directly in the rice to keep it fresh for longer.

Rice creates a dry environment, and the starch in the rice will coat the ginger, preventing direct contact with air. By being placed in a dry environment, the ginger will be protected from mold and can be used for an extended period.

Store ginger in sand

Sand helps reduce air circulation and water evaporation, aiding in long-term ginger preservation. This method is also simple: prepare a small flower pot or plastic tub, fill it with sand, and bury the purchased ginger roots in the sand, covering them completely.

It is important to note that with this method, you should not wash the ginger before storage as it may affect its quality. The dry environment provided by the sand will keep the ginger fresh for several months.

To keep ginger fresh, store it in a dry environment. (Photo: Sohu)

Refrigerate ginger

To prolong the shelf life of ginger, you can store it in the refrigerator, but avoid placing it directly in the cool compartment, as the high humidity can cause mold. Instead, opt for the freezer.

Before refrigerating, clean and thoroughly dry the ginger. If you prefer not to eat the skin, you can peel it, then cut the ginger into small slices. After cutting, ensure the ginger is completely dry before placing it in a box or bag, sealing it tightly, and storing it in the freezer. When needed, simply take out the required amount for cooking, a convenient and straightforward process.

Alternatively, you can also chop the ginger into small pieces, sufficient for a single use, before storing them in the freezer.

Store ginger in saltwater

Soaking ginger in saltwater helps extend its shelf life. (Photo: Sohu)

After purchasing, clean the ginger and soak it in a dilute saltwater solution for about 20 minutes. Remove it from the saltwater and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, wrap the ginger in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place for gradual use.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to store ginger for extended periods. You can store it in the fridge, freezer, or even at room temperature with some simple preparation. For example, you can keep ginger fresh for months by storing it in a jar filled with honey, or by peeling and slicing it before storing it in an air-tight container.

Storing ginger in honey has multiple benefits. Honey is a natural preservative, helping to keep the ginger fresh for months. It also adds a delicious, subtle sweetness to the ginger, making it perfect for tea, cooking, or even eating raw.

Yes, freezing ginger is an excellent way to preserve it for future use. Simply peel and grate the ginger, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can also freeze ginger juice by blending peeled, chopped ginger with a little water and storing it in ice cube trays.

Fresh ginger can last up to three weeks in the refrigerator if it is unpeeled and stored in a paper bag or wrapped in a paper towel. However, if you want it to last longer, it is best to use one of the storage methods mentioned above.

Another tip is to store ginger in a jar of sand. The sand helps to keep the ginger dry and prevents mold from forming. You can also store ginger in a jar of rice, which helps to absorb any excess moisture and keep the ginger firm.