Quick Answer
Ginger root will generally last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly in a plastic bag. For long term storage, ginger root can be frozen for up to 6 months. Signs that ginger has gone bad include mold, shriveling, and soft wet spots.
How to Tell if Ginger Root Has Gone Bad
There are a few signs that indicate your ginger root has spoiled and is no longer good to eat:
Mold Growth
The most obvious sign of spoilage in ginger is mold. You may see fuzzy mold growing on the surface of the root or spots of black, blue, or green mold. Mold is a clear sign that the ginger should be discarded.
Shriveling
Fresh, young ginger should have smooth, shiny skin and feel firm to the touch. As ginger ages, it starts to shrivel and becomes wrinkled looking. Very old ginger root may be very shriveled up and dried out.
Soft or Wet Spots
Examine the ginger root closely. If you see any soft, wet spots this indicates the ginger has begun to rot. Ginger should feel firm with no soft or mushy areas.
Dry, Withered Skin
The skin of fresh ginger should look smooth and feel tight. If the skin appears very dry and withered, the ginger is past its prime.
Strong Odor
When ginger starts to spoil, it can give off a very strong, unpleasant odor. If your ginger smells bad, it’s time to throw it out.
How Long Does Ginger Last?
How long ginger lasts depends on how you store it. Here are some general guidelines on ginger storage:
At Room Temperature
Ginger root will only last about 3-5 days out on the counter before going bad. Keeping ginger on the counter is not recommended.
In the Refrigerator
Stored in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer, ginger will stay fresh for 3-4 weeks in the fridge.
In the Freezer
Frozen ginger root will keep for about 6 months before deteriorating in quality.
Canned, Pickled, or Crystallized
Ginger products that have been canned, pickled, or crystallized can keep for up to 12 months stored in the pantry. Check the best by date on the jar.
How to Store Ginger Root
Proper storage is key to maximizing how long ginger lasts. Here are some tips:
Purchase Fresh, Firm Ginger
Pick ginger roots that look fresh, have smooth tight skin, and feel hard. Wrinkled, old looking ginger will have a shorter shelf life.
Store in a Plastic Bag
Keep ginger in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. This prevents it from drying out.
Keep Away from Light
Exposure to light can accelerate deterioration of ginger. Store in an opaque bag away from light.
Avoid Moisture
Excess moisture is the enemy of ginger. Keep dry by storing in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
Wrap Cut Ends
If you slice off a piece of ginger, wrap the cut ends tightly in plastic before refrigerating.
How to Freeze Ginger Root
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of fresh ginger root for up to 6 months. Here’s how:
Peel and Cut
Peel the ginger and cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices, cubes, or grated.
Blanch (Optional)
Some people like to briefly blanch the ginger for 1-2 minutes before freezing to help retain color and flavor.
Seal in Freezer Bags
Place ginger pieces in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
Freeze
Lay bags flat in the freezer. Ginger can be frozen for about 6 months before losing flavor.
Use Directly from Frozen
No need to defrost frozen ginger before using in recipes! Just use directly from frozen.
How to Tell if Frozen Ginger Has Gone Bad
Although it lasts a while in the freezer, frozen ginger can eventually deteriorate in quality and go bad. Signs of spoiled frozen ginger include:
Ice Crystals
Large ice crystals inside the bag indicates the ginger has been frozen and defrosted multiple times, compromising quality.
Freezer Burn
Signs of freezer burn include dry, shriveled ginger with white spots. This means it has been exposed to air in the freezer.
Mold
Though less common, you may see mold growing on frozen ginger pieces if stored too long. Discard immediately if mold is spotted.
Unpleasant Odor
Frozen ginger should have a bright, pungent ginger smell when defrosted. If it smells musty or rotten, it has spoiled.
Can You Freeze Ginger Root in Water?
Some people like to freeze grated gingerroot suspended in water in ice cube trays. Here are some pros and cons of this method:
Pros
- Freezing in water prevents freezer burn
- No need to defrost, cubes can be dropped directly into dishes
- Water protects flavor and color
Cons
- Can dilute the ginger flavor
- Ice cubes take up more freezer space
- Cubes melt quickly at room temperature
Overall, freezing ginger in water can be a convenient way to have it on hand, but may compromise some flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Defrost Frozen Ginger Root?
Here are a few easy methods for defrosting frozen ginger root:
In the Refrigerator
Let frozen ginger sit overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, it will keep for another 1-2 weeks.
Cold Water
Submerge frozen ginger in cold water for 30 minutes to 1 hour until fully thawed.
Microwave
Microwave frozen ginger on high for 15-30 seconds at a time, until soft and pliable.
Sous Vide Circulator
For quick thawing, a sous vide cooker set to 100°F can defrost ginger in 15-20 minutes.
On the Counter
Let frozen ginger sit on the counter for 1-2 hours until thawed. Refrigerate immediately once thawed.
Avoid defrosting at room temperature for too long, as this puts ginger at risk for bacterial growth.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Ginger Root?
It is possible to safely refreeze thawed ginger root, but be aware of the following:
Quality Declines
The texture may become more soft and waterlogged after multiple freezes. Flavor can diminish.
Use Within 3-4 Months
Only refreeze thawed ginger one time, and use within 3-4 months for best quality.
Prevent Bacterial Growth
Only refreeze if thawed in the fridge, not left out at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Freeze Quickly
Refreeze thawed ginger rapidly by putting back in the freezer right away before storing. Slow freezing alters texture.
In general, try to freeze ginger just once if possible, but it can be refrozen safely using proper handling.
How Long Does Ginger Last After Opening?
The shelf life of ginger depends if it is fresh vs. already processed:
Fresh Ginger Root
Will last 3-4 weeks stored properly in the fridge after opening.
Jarred, Pickled Ginger
Lasts 12+ months stored in the pantry after opening.
Crystallized Ginger
Keeps for 6-12 months in an airtight container in the pantry after opening.
Ground Ginger Powder
Remains fresh for 4-5 months in an airtight container in the pantry after opening.
Be sure to rewrap or seal any cut ginger, and refrigerate opened jars after use. Look for mold, shriveling, or off odors to indicate spoiled ginger products.
Does Ginger Go Bad or Expire?
Yes, ginger will eventually go bad, although it stays fresh longer than many other vegetables if stored properly:
Fresh Ginger Root
Lasts only 5-7 days out on the counter. Keeps 3-4 weeks refrigerated.
Dried, Ground Ginger
Good for 4-5 months in an airtight container in the pantry after opening.
Frozen Ginger
Stays good for about 6 months in the freezer before losing flavor and aroma.
Canned, Jarred, or Pickled Ginger
Sealed, these preserved ginger products can keep 12+ months in the pantry before going bad.
So while ginger can last a while, it does have a shelf life and will go bad over time, especially if not properly stored.
How to Store Cut Ginger Root
Proper storage of fresh cut ginger root helps extend its shelf life:
Wrap Tightly
Securely wrap all cut ends of ginger in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
Refrigerate
Store cut ginger in a sealed container or bag in the fridge crisper drawer.
Use Quickly
Try to use cut ginger within 1-2 weeks for maximum freshness, before mold grows.
Freeze for Later
Well wrapped ginger can be frozen for up to 6 months after being cut. Defrost before use.
Keep Dry
Moisture is the enemy of cut ginger. Keep dry by sealing and storing in the fridge.
Proper sealing and refrigeration allows cut ginger root to keep for a short time before it goes bad. For long term storage, consider freezing cut ginger.
What Is the Best Way to Store Fresh Ginger Root?
To maximize freshness, store fresh unpeeled ginger root in the following ways:
Cool & Dry
Keep ginger somewhere cool, dry, and away from light heat and moisture. The fridge is ideal.
Plastic Bag
Place fresh ginger in a sealed plastic bag with as much air removed as possible.
Refrigerate
Keep ginger in the refrigerator crisper drawer, separate from fruits which release ethylene gas.
Use Within 3-4 Weeks
Fresh, properly stored ginger will keep for 3-4 weeks in the fridge before going bad.
Avoid Freezer Burn
You can freeze unpeeled ginger for longer storage, but be sure to use an airtight bag.
Storing fresh ginger root in a sealed bag in the fridge crisper allows it to last the longest while maintaining quality.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Ginger?
Eating spoiled ginger could potentially make you sick, with symptoms like:
Nausea & Vomiting
One of the most common side effects of ingesting bad ginger is nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea
Food borne pathogens or toxins in spoiled ginger can lead to stomach cramps, diarrhea, and digestive upset.
Dizziness & Fatigue
You may experience dizziness, weakness, and generally feeling unwell after eating bad ginger.
Allergic Reaction
In rare cases, allergic reactions including skin rash, itching, or swelling may occur.
Food Poisoning
In worst cases, severe food poisoning may result from toxins in the spoiled ginger.
It’s not guaranteed you’ll get sick from eating bad ginger, but it is possible. At the first signs of illness, drink fluids and call a doctor if severe symptoms occur.
Can You Still Use Ginger If It Has Sprouted?
You may notice tiny green shoots or sprouts growing from ginger root stored too long. Here’s what to know:
Still Edible
Sprouted ginger is still safe to consume and has similar flavor. Rinse off any dirt from sprouts before using.
May Be Fibrous
The texture of sprouted ginger may become more fibrous and woody the larger the shoots grow.
Use Promptly
Ginger with sprouts is past its prime – use sprouted ginger right away rather than letting sprouts continue growing.
Keep Refrigerated
Refrigerate sprouted ginger to slow additional sprout growth. Do not leave at room temperature.
Avoid Mold
Check sprouted ginger closely for any mold growth before using and discard moldy pieces.
In summary, ginger root that has sprouted is still safe to consume, but should be used as soon as possible and refrigerated to prevent mold growth.
Conclusion
With proper storage methods such as refrigerating in sealed bags and freezing, fresh ginger root can be preserved for up to 6 months before going bad. Signs that ginger has spoiled include mold growth, shriveling, soft wet spots, and an unpleasant odor. Eating rancid ginger could potentially cause illness, so it’s important to watch for signs of spoilage. Sprouted ginger is still edible, but should be used right away. Follow these tips to maximize the shelf life of fresh ginger root and use it before it expires.
