The Absolute Best Ways To Keep Ginger Fresh

Ginger is an incredibly versatile aromatic to keep on hand. It's great in hot tea, mixed into dishes for added spice, or even grated into cookies for a sharp flavor. Additionally, you have a few options for preserving ginger, though in unusual forms. You can store it in a neutral liquor like vodka and end up with flavor extract or flavored vodka, depending on the ratio you use (via The Spruce Eats). Ginger can also be candied or pickled, according to MasterClass.

If you are not used to keeping the fresh root around and have resorted to using dried, ground ginger in the past, you may want to reconsider buying it fresh, given that there are plenty of ways to store it. Depending on how long you plan to keep the root around, you can choose between the countertop, your fridge, or even the freezer for long-term storage.

According to MasterClass, you can store ginger root on the countertop for an easy and readily available means of keeping it fresh. There's no need to prepare the ginger in any way prior to storing it. But ginger does tend to be happiest in a space that is not exposed to light and is on the cooler side. So, if you have a dark corner on the counter, that's the best spot for your ginger. You should know that ginger root will harden wherever it has been cut. No need to worry if you notice that the root has begun to seal off.

Storing on the countertop method is best for those who use ginger on a near-daily basis. While ginger root kept on the countertop can stay fresh for several days, it needs to be used rather quickly if it is left out.

Those who need a slightly longer means of storage should turn to the fridge, according to MasterClass. When placed in the fridge, ginger root can stay fresh for up to three weeks if it has been peeled or even a full month if the root is still whole and unpeeled. So, if you use ginger often, but not every day, keeping leftover fresh ginger in the fridge is most likely the best method. 

To keep the root as fresh as possible for several weeks, it needs to be placed inside an airtight container such as a resealable bag or a small plastic or glass container with a lid. Once the ginger has been sealed up, store it in your fridge's crisper drawer for the best results. Remember to leave the rest of the ginger unpeeled if you haven't prepared the entire root to lengthen the amount of time it will remain fresh.

Finally, the freezer is the very best option for those who rarely use fresh ginger root and would like to keep it fresh for a long period of time, according to The Spruce Eats. Ginger root stored in the freezer can be kept indefinitely so long as it has not been peeled. Not only will the flavorful root still be fresh, but it will also be easier to grate and peel than it would be at room temperature.

To freeze unpeeled ginger root, simply store it as you would in the fridge. Use an airtight container or resealable bag to store the root to prevent freezer burn. Frozen fresh ginger does not need to be thawed before it is used. Furthermore, once you have used all the ginger you need, you can return the root to its container and place it back in the freezer until you need it again.