Here’s the Best Way to Store Fresh Ginger

Faith shared her list of essential grocery items to get your year started on the right foot, and ginger root is at the top of my list. It’s bright and fresh with just the right amount of zing. I’ve been using it in everything from tea and smoothies to warm curries and stir-fries.

Just as important as having some great recipes to get your fill of fresh ginger is knowing how to store it properly.

Since I cook and bake with fresh ginger on a regular basis, I always buy a big piece so I have it handy. When ginger is stored properly it can last for weeks in the refrigerator, but fail to tuck it away correctly and within a matter of days you’ll find yourself with a wrinkled piece of ginger that’s lost quite a bit of potency and even more flavor. But when stored in the fridge in a resealable bag, you can extend the life of your ginger.

The first step in keeping ginger good and flavorful for as long as possible is knowing what to look for when buying a fresh piece of ginger root. Select ginger that has smooth skin with a firm texture, and is heavy for its size. Avoid pieces that feel soft, wrinkled, or look moldy.

There are quite a few different methods for storing fresh ginger — everything from soaking it in a jar of vodka or sherry, to storing it in the refrigerator wrapped in a paper towel. And while all of those methods certainly work, we have one that will keep your ginger fresh even longer!

Store the whole, unpeeled ginger root in a resealable plastic bag, with the air pushed out, in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. If part of the ginger has been cut or peeled, be sure to blot it dry with a paper towel before storing.

Have a piece of peeled ginger? You can use the same method for storing it, although it won’t keep quite as long.

More About Storing Ginger: Store Grated Ginger in the Freezer