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Ginger is a rhizome with medicinal properties that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. You can cook it fresh or use it as a versatile spice that adds a touch of liveliness to your dishes. It is a classic in Asian cuisine, such as Japanese cuisine, as well as in many other cuisines around the world. Boasting medicinal properties, it has a spicy aroma and a distinctive flavor; in fact, its use is similar to that of turmeric and it can be used as an alternative to turmeric.
However, you may not use it completely when you purchase it, and it will end up drying out and spoiling before you have had the chance to use it entirely. Despite its popularity, it can be difficult to keep ginger fresh for an extended period. Fortunately, there are several tips and techniques to extend the shelf life of ginger roots so that they can be used multiple times in your favorite dishes at any time. This is what we will explore in this article, highlighting simple preservation tips and methods that will help you make the most of this precious spice and enjoy it without worrying about its imminent expiration.
Why preserve ginger ?
It is very useful to preserve ginger to minimize food waste. It is very often sold in root form, and this root is generally large, even larger than what you need for a single recipe. Therefore, it is very wise to store it properly, as this will prevent waste rather than letting it deteriorate over time and eventually having to throw it away.
Another compelling reason to preserve ginger is to have a constant supply available, as fresh ginger is not always accessible throughout the year, especially in certain regions. Therefore, by preserving ginger, you can have it on hand at any time and save time in the kitchen since it will already be peeled and even chopped for storage.
Preserving ginger roots will allow you to save money and enjoy the multiple uses of this plant, as it is more cost-effective to buy fresh ginger in large quantities and store it to save money in the long run.
What is the best way to store fresh ginger ?
There is not just one, but several ways to preserve ginger. It will depend on how long you want to keep it and the ease of access you want to maintain for its use and optimal preservation:
- RefrigerationYou can store it in the refrigerator in the vegetable drawer for 3 or 4 weeks by wrapping the unpeeled ginger root in damp paper towels or parchment paper, then placing it in a resealable freezer bag or a food storage bag. Keep it in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.
- FreezingGinger can be frozen for longer shelf life. You can peel and grate it or cut it into small pieces, then place them in an airtight storage bag and put them in the freezer. You can also use an ice cube tray. You even have the option to freeze individual slices of ginger. For use, it is not necessary to thaw the ginger; you can grate or cut it directly from its frozen state. If you have a juicer, you can also make ginger juice and store this juice in ice cube trays, which you can unmold if you want to keep large quantities.
- DryingDrying ginger is a method that allows it to be preserved for an even longer period. We will discuss this method in more detail in the following section.
- In the vinegarIt is also possible to preserve pieces of ginger in vinegar (or rice vinegar) to create a kind of ginger extract. This can be useful for flavoring dishes and drinks. Make sure to store the mixture in an airtight jar, in a cool and dark place.
How to dry ginger to make it into powder ?
Here is our method for obtaining natural ground ginger, without additives and without preservatives:
- Start by peeling the ginger rhizome to remove the outer skin and cut it into slices, small pieces, or thin strips; this will help speed up the drying process. You can choose the amount of ginger that suits you.
- Place the slices or pieces of ginger on a tray to dry. Regarding the drying method, you can do it with a food dehydrator, It has a high-efficiency air circulation system that allows for uniform drying of all ginger slices. The process generally takes 4 to 6 hours at a temperature of 45°C. If you don't have a dehydrator, you can use an oven by preheating it to a temperature of 50°C, placing the ginger slices on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, and putting them in the oven for about 4 hours while checking the slices every 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for free drying by placing the ginger in the sun. The drying can take 3 to 4 days.
- After the drying process and once the ginger is completely dry, transfer it to a blender, an electric grinder, or even into a blender and grind it into a fine powder. This way, you will have your own homemade ginger powder, ready to be used in your daily diet.
- Store the ginger powder in an airtight jar, away from light, heat, and moisture to keep it fresh and aromatic for several months.
Biovie directly offers dried ginger slices, this format allows the aromas to be preserved for longer, and you can grind it at the very last moment to enjoy the freshness and strength of its aroma instantly.
How to store grated ginger ?
If you prefer to use grated ginger and wish to store it for later use, it's very easy: grate the ginger with a fine grater, take a clean airtight container and make sure it is dry inside because moisture can promote mold growth, then place the grated ginger in this container but do not pack it too tightly to avoid clumping, add a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ginger to prevent oxidation and dehydration of the grated ginger, close the container and place it in the refrigerator if you want to keep it for a few weeks, or in the freezer if you want to store it for 6 months.
How to preserve ginger in oil ?
Storing ginger in oil is an excellent option for infusing the oil with ginger flavor and having flavored ginger. This method is also very easy to execute. Simply peel the ginger root to remove the outer skin and cut it into small pieces or thin slices. You can also cut the ginger into nice rounds if you are concerned about the aesthetic aspect of your bottle, as it will add a pleasant visual touch. This form is widely used in Asian dishes. Then, place these small pieces in a sterile jar and mix them with spices or aromatic herbs like garlic, thyme, or rosemary for more flavor. Next, fill the jar with the oil of your choice to completely cover the ginger. Make sure all the ginger pieces are well-immersed, as the oil will act as a preservative and prevent the ginger from oxidizing. Close the jar and place it in the refrigerator.
Ginger in oil can be preserved for several weeks to a few months, depending on the quality of the oil and the hygiene of the preparation. Ginger oil can be used to flavor your dishes and salads, and it can also be used in dressings, marinades, and sauces.
How to store ginger in water ?
Storing ginger in water is a simple method that is similar to storing ginger in oil. You need to follow the same steps, except for this technique, it is recommended to change the water every 2 to 3 days to maintain the freshness of the ginger. This prevents the water from becoming cloudy and ensures that the ginger remains well-hydrated. This method is very effective in maintaining the freshness and texture of the ginger; however, it will lose some of its flavor potency.
And it allows to drink ginger-flavored water ! !
How many days can fresh ginger be stored ?
Without all the methods and techniques we discussed earlier, ginger typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. When you use it, make sure to visually and olfactorily check that it is in good condition and free of mold, as it can deteriorate over time even if properly stored.
