Storing ginger can be done creatively and ingeniously to keep it fresh for longer. One effective method is freezing, which helps preserve both its flavor and texture. Another option involves storing it in a jar with a dry and sandy substance like salt, which can keep it fresh for a few weeks.
But today, we have discovered some creative and inventive ways to store them. So, set aside the crisper drawer and plastic bags. Instead, experiment with these innovative and unexpected techniques to ensure your ginger stays fresh and adds flavor to your dishes.
Ginger is a root from a flowering plant, belonging to the same family as turmeric and cardamom. This fragrant root is often used as a spice in cooking and offers numerous health benefits. This has been utilized for its medicinal properties for a long time.
Additionally, ginger can be consumed in various forms, such as fresh, dried, powdered, or as a beverage. These various forms may aid in weight management, arthritis, and reducing menstrual cramps.
Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale
Plant Size: 2 to 4 feet in height
Flower Colors: Greenish-yellow with purple details
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical regions
Types: Common ginger, white ginger, black ginger, and wild ginger
Taste: Pungent, spicy, warm, with a hint of sweetness and citrus
If you are thinking to store ginger for a short period, such as up to a week, you may use these two methods:
Wrap it: Simply wrap the cut pieces in a damp paper towel and place it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This damp paper towel will help keep the ginger moist and prevent it from drying out.
Zip it: Place the cut ginger in a zipper-lock bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing it. Store the bag in the crisper drawer as well.
Medium-term storage
If you want to store them for up to a month, then use these approaches:
Freeze it: Peel the cut ginger and slice or grate it as desired. Spread these pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen ginger to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method is great for adding them to smoothies, stir-fries, or marinades without thawing.
Pickle it: You can also pickle ginger to extend its shelf life. To do this, peel and thinly slice it, then place it in a clean glass jar. Combine equal parts vinegar, sugar, and water, adjusting to your taste, and pour it over the ginger. Ensure it is completely submerged. You may store this pickle for up to two months in the refrigerator.
If you intend to use ginger within a few days, you can simply store it on your kitchen counter in a cool, dark place. But avoid storing it near heat or sunlight, as this can dry it out quickly.
In Refrigerator
When considering longer storage, place the ginger in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This will help it stay fresh for up to a month.
Freezing
If you want to store them for even longer, you can simply freeze them. To do this, wash and dry them, then peel off the skin. You may either grate or slice it thinly, then portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. After that, label the bags with the date and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
Pickling
This method is perfect for preserving ginger for longer periods and adds a tangy flavor to your dishes.
Below, we have discussed some other creative ways to keep your ginger fresh for a longer period.
To prolong the freshness and aromatic qualities of your ginger, you can use a method called sand curing, where you need to cover ginger with sand, giving it a sandy coat. This helps protect them from light and moisture, which can make them go bad.
Moreover, the sand keeps the ginger from drying out and sprouting too quickly. After covering it in sand, you can store them in a cool, dark place.
Steps:
Choose a basket that is clean and dry.
Fill the basket with clean and dry sand.
Bury your ginger knobs in the sand, like little treasure chests.
Place the basket in a cool, dark location, such as a pantry or under the sink.
This method is another simple yet effective way to keep spices fresh for an extended period. It involves covering the food item, like vegetables or fish, with a mixture of clay and grated ginger.
This coating creates a barrier against air and bacteria, preserving the food. Plus, the ginger adds extra flavor to the food. The clay helps retain moisture, preventing spoilage, and preserving the quality of the food for a longer time.
Steps:
Mix clay and grated ginger together to form a paste.
Ginger in honey is an easy and delicious way to preserve ginger while retaining its nutrients and flavor. This method involves peeling and slicing ginger, packing it into a jar, and pouring honey over it, ensuring that the honey covers all the ginger.
The honey will preserve the ginger and turn it into a sweet and spicy treat. You can use the honey-soaked ginger in cooking or baking, or just eat it on its own. This method not only preserves the ginger but also adds a delicious flavor to the honey.
Steps:
Peel the ginger and cut it into thin slices.
Pack the slices into a jar.
Pour honey over the ginger, ensuring it covers all the slices.
Close the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator.
The alcohol in vodka acts as a natural preservative, slowing down the process that makes ginger spoil so quickly. To store these roots in vodka, start by washing them thoroughly. Then, cut the roots into 1-inch pieces and place them in a jar. Cover these pieces with vodka for storage.
Over time, the vodka will infuse with the ginger flavor, creating a potent homemade ginger tincture that can be used in various ways, such as in drinks, marinades, or as a natural pain reliever.
Steps:
Peel the ginger and cut it into thin slices.
Put the ginger slices in a jar.
Pour vodka over the ginger, making sure the vodka covers all the ginger.
Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place.
Growing ginger at home is a simple and eco-friendly way to preserve them. This method allows you to store and cultivate ginger at home, providing a fun way to watch your own little spice garden grow. With a little care, your ginger plant will sprout and grow new knobs that you can harvest in a few months.
To grow your own ginger, follow these simple steps:
Cut a small piece of ginger with a bud on it.
Plant it in a pot with well-draining soil.
Keep the soil moist and give it plenty of sunlight.
