How to Store Ginger Root

Although so named, ginger root in reality is not a root. It is actually a rhizome. The shape of ginger root is tubular. Originally it was found in Southeast Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean, but it is now found all over the world. It is used for making a variety of dishes. It is used for baking cookies, cakes, pies, for seasoning, etc. It is known for its strong flavor, therefore it is used in very small portion in cooking. There are many ginger root health benefits as well. It is used for curing cold, cough, digestion problems, nausea, heartburn, for pain relief, etc. The ginger health benefits are often used to treat digestive ailments. Many times, it so happens that we buy ginger root, but a lot of it is wasted, as we do not know how to store ginger root. In this write up, we will see some storing ginger root tips. A number of people ask, what is the best way to store ginger root. The answer to the question is dependent on answer to the question, how long do you want to store it. If you want to store it for a short period of time, then you will better store it at room temperature. However, if you want to store it for a longer period of time, then you will have to store it in the freezer.

Storing Ginger Root ...

... at Room Temperature

The best way to store ginger root for a short duration of time is to store it at room temperature. Most of us have the habit of placing most of things we get in the refrigerator. Placing ginger root in the refrigerator dries out the ginger root and the flavor of the root is lost. Hence, after you have taken the portion required for your cooking, place the remaining ginger root in an aluminum foil. Wrap the foil around the ginger root and fold both the ends of the foil, so that the root is sealed in the foil. Leave the ginger root in the kitchen itself. By using this method to store ginger root, you will be able to use 'fresh' ginger root for as long as two weeks.

... in Refrigerator

If you have bought ginger root in bulk, then you will have to store it in the refrigerator, so that it stays fresh for a longer period of time. Do not peel the skin. If you do so, it may lose its flavor. Hence, as soon as you have got the ginger root, wrap a kitchen paper napkin around the root. Place the wrapped ginger root in an air tight plastic bag. Now keep the plastic in the refrigerator. With this the ginger root will remain fresh for about 2 months. If you want to store it for a longer time, then place the plastic bag in the freezer.

... by Drying

Ginger root can also be stored by drying it. Grate fresh ginger root with your cheese grater. Place the grated ginger on a cookie sheet. The next is an important step. The cookie sheet should be placed in a cool, yet dry place. Let the cookie sheet remain there for 3 to 4 days, till the grated ginger has dried completely. Now you can place the dried ginger in air tight spice jars. This will ensure ginger remains fresh for as long as one year. Often dried ginger is used to make ginger tea, when fresh ginger is not available.

A lot of people choose to store ginger root extract. However, so that the ginger root extract does not go bad, some preservatives will have to be added to the extract. But when you know how to store ginger root, which will remain fresh for a longer period of time, why would you want to store the extract? Making pickled ginger is also a great way of storing ginger. If you prefer the use of ginger puree, then you can also make use of frozen ginger puree as well. Before I end this write up, I would like to give you a tip for choosing the right ginger root. Ginger root with smooth skin and that is firm, is fresh ginger root. If the skin is wrinkled, then you may not want to buy it, as it has aged and is not suitable for storing.