How to Store Ginger

Co-authored by Yoko Isassi

Last Updated: November 14, 2022 References Approved

Ginger can be enjoyed as a delicacy or a spice, or it can even be used for medicinal purposes, such as easing the pain of stomach ache. Ginger is commonly used in savory stir-fry dishes, in sweets like gingersnaps, and even in cocktails like the Moscow Mule. Ginger is a delicious root, but the problem is that it's hard to use the ginger from one root at once, which leads to the problem of storing it. If you want your ginger to last a few weeks -- or even a few months -- then you need to know how to store ginger in the freezer and refrigerator. If you want to know how to store ginger, just follow these steps.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Knowing the Basics

1
Choose the freshest ginger. If you want your ginger to last as long as possible, then you have to pick out the freshest ginger root and use it shortly after purchasing.^{[1]
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Research source} To find the freshest ginger, look for ginger with a fresh and spicy fragrance and a nice smooth skin. The rhizomes of the ginger should feel heavy and firm in your hands. Avoid any ginger that's wrinkled or feels a bit soft, or you'll be eating ginger that's already on the decline.
- Avoid any ginger that is wet, moist, or moldy.
- Decide whether to store the ginger in the freezer or refrigerator. If you know you'll be using the ginger again soon, then you should just store it in the refrigerator to make it easy to use, peel, or mince the ginger in the future. Ginger can last in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, so if you know you won't be using it before then, then you should store it in the freezer.
- You can also mix and match. If you know you'll be using a small chunk of the ginger soon, then you can cut off a chunk and refrigerate it and then freeze the rest of the ginger for use in the more distant future.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Storing Ginger in the Fridge

1
Store ginger in a zipper storage bag. To store ginger in a zipper storage bag, simply take the unpeeled ginger and place it in a zipper bag, taking care to push all of the air out of the bag. Place it in the veggie crisper in your fridge and have it stay crisp and fresh for several weeks. When compared to other methods, such as storing the ginger in a paper bag or wrapping it with a paper towel and then placing it in the bag, this method came up lasting the longest by quite a few weeks.^{[2]
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Research source}
- If the ginger is already peeled, this method will work too, but it won't last as long as it would with the peel on.
2
Store ginger in a paper towel and paper bag. Store a chunk of unpeeled ginger by carefully wrapping it in a paper towel until there's no air holes or uncovered parts and then place it in a paper bag. Take care to push all of the air out of the paper bag before you seal it. Place the ginger in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator and store it for a few weeks.
3
Store ginger in a paper bag.^{[3]
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Research source} If you're in a pinch for time, you can just place the ginger in a paper bag and put the bag in the vegetable crisper of your fridge. The ginger won't last as long as it will using the other methods, but this is a quick and easy trick to use if you know you'll be eating the ginger within a week. This is a solid method for quickly storing herbs such as dill or cilantro as well.
4
Store freshly peeled ginger submerged in spirits. Just place the freshly peeled ginger in a jar or sealable container and submerge them a spirit or acidic liquid. The most commonly used liquids are: vodka, dry sherry, sake, rice wine, rice vinegar, and fresh lime juice.^{[4]
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Research source} Vodka and sherry are the most popularly used spirits, and vodka has been shown to have the longest-lasting results while altering the flavor of the ginger the least.^{[5]
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Research source}
- Though this is a solid storage method, be aware that the liquid will change the flavor of the ginger a bit -- or a lot.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Storing Ginger in the Freezer

1
Wrap the ginger in plastic wrap and seal it in a zipper storage bag.^{[6]
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Research source} Carefully take a sheet of plastic wrap and wrap it around the unpeeled ginger once or twice until it's completely covered by the plastic wrap. Then, place the ginger in a zipper storage bag, taking care to push out any extra air. Place the zipper bag in the freezer and enjoy the ginger for the next few months. Grating whole, frozen ginger root with a cheese grater is very easy, by the way .
2
Freeze minced ginger. First, peel the ginger and mince it finely. Then, spread or scoop the ginger on a tray that is lined with parchment, using portions that are teaspoon or tablespoon sized. Place the tray in the freezer until the ginger is completely frozen and then transfer it to an airtight container like Tupperware or a jar with a tight lid. Place it in the freezer and enjoy this minced ginger for up to six months.^{[7]
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Research source}
3
Freeze chopped ginger. Chop up ginger into the size you'd like it to be for your future meals, whether it's into thumb-sized pieces or matchstick-sized pieces. You can mix and match, cutting up the ginger into any size you like while keeping on the skin. Then, store the ginger in an airtight container and place it in the fridge.
4
Cut the peeled ginger in medallions. If you know you'll cook the ginger in medallions, you can peel it, cut it up into a medallion shape, and then place it a glass bowl or another freezer-friendly open container. Place it in the freezer until the ginger is completely frozen, turning over the ginger after an hour to speed up the process if you like. Then, place the ginger in an airtight container and seal it. Place it in the freezer and enjoy this frozen ginger for at least three months.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Storing Ginger in a Jar with a Vacuum Seal

This method allows for storage of a few weeks.

1
Use a vacuum sealing device such as Food Saver or another brand.
2
Place the amount of ginger into a canning jar.
3
Add the lid.
4
Vacuum seal with the jar attachment. Label and date the jar.
5
Store in the refrigerator. Use within a few weeks.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Storing Ginger with a Vacuum Seal Bag

This method allows for longer storage than the jar vacuum seal method.

1
Put the ginger that you want to keep into a vacuum seal bag.
2
Vacuum the pack with the vacuum sealer.
3
Label and date. Place in the freezer. Use as needed.

Community Q&A

Question

If the ginger grows root buds, can I plant it and grow more ginger?

Community Answer

That's what I do! I plant them in a pot (not too deep) and keep them moist in strong, but not direct, sunlight.
Question

What should I eat when I have an upset stomach?

Nicole Smith

Community Answer

Cut off and peel a piece of ginger root the size of your pinkie. Boil it in about 12 oz. of bottled/filtered water. It should be done once you start smelling the ginger aroma. After it's finished, you may add honey and/or lemon according to your preference.
Question

Can ginger be canned by hot water bath or pressure canning?

Community Answer

Yes.