Quick Answers
Here are some quick tips for storing cut ginger:
- Store in an airtight container or plastic bag in the fridge.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in a jar and cover with sherry or rice vinegar.
- Freeze for longer storage.
How Should You Store Cut Ginger Root?
Ginger root is a versatile ingredient used in many dishes from around the world. Its spicy, zesty flavor adds a special kick to both sweet and savory recipes. However, like many fresh foods, ginger won’t last forever. So if you’ve bought more than you can use right away or have leftover peeled or cut ginger, proper storage is important.
Exposing cut ginger to air causes it to dry out and lose moisture quickly. Drying causes shriveling, soft spots, mold growth and faster spoilage. That’s why the main goals of storage are preventing air exposure and retaining moisture. With the right techniques, you can keep cut ginger fresh for around 3-4 weeks if stored properly.
Use an Airtight Container
The best way to store cut ginger root is in an airtight glass, plastic or ceramic container. Make sure the container is completely clean and dry before adding the ginger. Place the ginger pieces or slices in a single layer on the bottom if possible. Try to minimize air space since trapped air causes drying.
If needed, you can place a paper towel or clean cloth over the ginger before closing the lid. This protects it from residual moisture buildup inside the container. Store in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 weeks for best quality. Make sure to check periodically and remove any soft or moldy pieces.
Wrap in Plastic Wrap or Foil
If you don’t have a suitable airtight container, cut ginger can be well wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure the ginger is dry before wrapping to prevent trapped moisture from causing sliminess or spoilage.
Wrap the ginger tightly in a single layer if possible. Try squeezing out as much air as you can before sealing the plastic wrap or foil around the ginger. This helps prevent drying out. Store wrapped ginger in the refrigerator crisper drawer or on a shelf. Use within 3-4 weeks for maximum freshness.
Store in Vinegar
An easy way to keep cut ginger fresh for longer is fully submerging it in vinegar. The vinegar acts as a preservative while also imparting extra flavor. Distilled white vinegar or rice vinegar work well, but you can also use sherry, champagne or other types.
Clean a glass jar or plastic container and dry thoroughly. Add enough vinegar to fully cover the cut ginger pieces. Make sure the ginger is fully submerged, weighing it down with a small plate if needed. Seal the container and store in the refrigerator. The vinegar-packed ginger keeps for 2-3 months.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage
Freezing is an excellent option for longer term storage of cut ginger. Properly frozen, ginger root can be kept for 4-6 months without compromising quality or flavor.
Start with fresh, firm ginger roots. Peel and cut into slices, cubes or grated pieces. Lay the pieces in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or plate. Place in the freezer until completely frozen, about 2-3 hours. Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Frozen ginger can be used directly in recipes without thawing first. It will keep its texture better if added still frozen or partially thawed. Remember to label bags with the date and use within 4-6 months for best flavor.
How Should You Store a Piece of Ginger Root?
Fresh ginger root can last for several weeks when stored properly. Here are some tips on storing whole, unpeeled ginger root:
Don’t Refrigerate
Whole ginger root should be stored at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures can cause chill injury, which damages the root. The best spot is the countertop or pantry shelf away from direct sunlight.
Choose Heavy, Firm Roots
Pick ginger roots that feel very firm and heavy for their size, avoiding any with wrinkled skin or soft spots. The smooth, taut skin should be pale yellow with a blush of pink. Heavy roots have higher moisture content.
Leave the Skin On
Leave the protective skin or peel intact until you are ready to use the ginger. The skin helps retain moisture and prevents the root from drying out. Unpeeled ginger keeps for 3-4 weeks at room temperature.
Wrap in Plastic
For longer life, wrap whole ginger roots individually in plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic adheres closely to the root’s shape with minimal air inside. Tight wrapping slows moisture loss. Wrapped ginger keeps for up to 2 months.
Store in a Breathable Bag
You can also store unpeeled ginger in a paper or mesh produce bag that allows some air circulation. Fold the top over loosely rather than sealing. Stored this way in a cool spot, ginger lasts for 2-3 weeks.
What’s the Best Way to Store Ginger Paste or Juice?
For convenient use in cooking, many people make batches of fresh ginger paste by blending or juicing ginger root. Here’s how to store ginger paste and juice to retain maximum flavor and shelf life:
Ginger Paste
Fresh ginger paste can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure the container is completely clean and dry before adding the paste. Glass or plastic works well. Leave about 1/2 inch empty space at the top since the paste may expand.
Before storing, lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the paste. This prevents air exposure which can cause drying and mold growth. Seal the container and refrigerate. Use a clean utensil each time to scoop out the needed amount.
Ginger Juice
Fresh ginger juice can be stored in a tightly sealed glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Make sure the container is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before adding the juice.
Leave a small amount of empty space at the top and seal tightly. Store in the coldest part of the fridge. For longer storage, ginger juice can be frozen for 2-3 months. Defrost in the fridge before using.
Pickling
An easy way to preserve fresh ginger paste or juice is by pickling. Combine the ginger with equal parts vinegar and store in a sterilized jar in the fridge. The vinegar acts as a preservative and keeps the ginger tasting fresh for 2-3 months.
What Are the Best Containers for Storing Ginger?
Choosing the right container helps minimize air exposure and moisture loss when storing ginger. Here are some of the best options:
Glass
Glass is nonporous and impermeable to air and moisture, making it ideal for ginger storage. Glass jars or containers keep ginger fresh for weeks in the fridge. Look for ones with tight sealing lids.
Plastic
Food storage plastic containers are a convenient option. Look for BPA-free plastic made from #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE or #5 PP. Rigid plastic helps prevent bruising. Make sure lids seal tightly.
Ceramic
Unglazed ceramic bowls or crocks allow ginger to breathe while also retaining moisture. Store cut ginger in ceramic with plastic wrap covering.
Metal
Stainless steel containers are durable, air-tight options for ginger storage. Avoid reactive metals like copper and aluminum that can impart off-flavors.
Wood
Untreated wood bowls allow good air circulation while preventing excess drying. Line them with a towel before adding cut ginger pieces.
Silicone
Flexible silicone containers conform tightly to ginger for a tight seal. They prevent moisture loss better than rigid plastics.
What’s the Best Temperature for Storing Ginger?
Proper temperature is key for maintaining freshness and preventing sprouting, drying and mold growth. Recommended storage temperatures include:
Room Temperature
Whole, unpeeled ginger roots keep best at normal room temperature around 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid hot spots near heating appliances.
Refrigerator
Cut, peeled and grated ginger should be refrigerated. Storage in the fridge crisper drawer around 37°F (3°C) preserves freshness and flavor.
Freezer
For long-term storage, keep ginger frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Use air-tight freezer containers or bags.
Make sure not to store whole ginger roots in the refrigerator or freezer, as the cold temperatures can damage the roots.
What Are the Signs of Bad Ginger?
With improper storage, fresh ginger eventually goes bad. Here’s how to tell if ginger has spoiled and needs to be discarded:
- Shriveled, dried out appearance
- Soft, mushy spots
- Moldy spots
- Wrinkled, loose skin
- Visible sprouting
- Strong, bitter flavor
Fresh, good quality ginger should have smooth, tight skin and a firm texture. It should smell strongly aromatic when cut or grated. Discard ginger at the first signs of spoilage.
How Long Does Ginger Last?
With proper storage methods, fresh ginger root can be kept for:
- Whole unpeeled ginger: 2-3 weeks room temperature, 2 months refrigerated
- Cut ginger: 3-4 weeks refrigerated
- Frozen ginger: 4-6 months frozen
Pickled and preserved ginger lasts for several months refrigerated. Dry ground ginger powder keeps for up to 1 year stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Does Ginger Need to Be Refrigerated?
Whether ginger needs refrigeration depends on if it is whole or cut:
- Whole ginger roots should be kept at room temperature. Refrigerating whole ginger causes chill injury.
- Cut, peeled and grated ginger should always be refrigerated. The cold temperatures prevent drying out and spoilage.
Keep whole roots on the countertop or pantry shelf. Store cut ginger in an airtight container in the fridge crisper drawer. Refrigerate ginger paste and juice as well.
Can You Freeze Ginger Root?
Freezing is an excellent storage method for fresh ginger. It stops enzymatic activity and preserves nutrients, flavor and texture. To freeze:
- Select fresh, firm ginger roots. Wash and peel if desired.
- Slice, grate or cut into pieces. Lay in a single layer on a parchment-lined pan.
- Freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours. Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Press out excess air and seal. Label with date. Store frozen for 4-6 months.
Frozen ginger can be grated or cut without thawing. It retains its flavor and spice when added directly to recipes frozen.
Conclusion
Storing ginger properly is easy with the right techniques. For whole roots, room temperature storage works best. Once cut, ginger requires refrigeration in airtight containers to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Pickling and freezing also help extend the shelf life of fresh ginger. With the proper care, you can keep ginger on hand to flavor both sweet and savory dishes for weeks.
