We provide you with various tips for storing small amounts of ginger or ginger in bulk. From the freezer to storing in alcohol, you don't want to waste any of this special and extremely healthy rhizome.
Ginger is rightfully called the miracle root. It's a jack-of-all-trades that hides deep underground to form a storehouse of nutrients. Once unearthed, the rhizome, resembling a deer's antler, reveals its true powers and nature. Ginger helps in numerous ways; it's used in teas, juices, sauces, soups, and even in ointments and perfumes. Powerful, mighty, mysterious, and miraculous... we're absolutely enamored with this beautiful rhizome. With so much splendor hidden in ginger, you certainly don't want to waste any of it. So, we'd like to tell you more about storing ginger; whether it's in bulk or the last piece, and where you can buy ginger online.
Storing gnger in the freezer
Firstly, you can choose to store ginger in the freezer. Perhaps not what you initially had in mind, but just like many fruits, plants, and vegetables, the freezer is a perfect place to store this rhizome, whether in bulk or not. Preferably, peel the ginger root beforehand and then place it in a freezer bag. This way, you can store it for up to 3 months. When you need it, simply take it out, slice or grate a piece, and put it back in the freezer.
Storing ginger in the refrigerator
A second option is to use your refrigerator as a storage place for ginger. If you choose the refrigerator, it's best to store the rhizome unpeeled. Wrap some kitchen paper around the ginger and then place it in an airtight plastic bag. If you follow the rules of ginger storage, you can enjoy this miraculous ingredient for up to 3 weeks.
Storing ginger in alcohol
Perhaps the least obvious storage tip, but one of the simplest. You can store ginger in alcohol for a long time. Moreover, you can later use the alcohol, with a spicy ginger edge, for cocktails, for example. Peel the ginger, cut it into cubes or slices, and toss the pieces into a glass jar. Then pour some vodka or sherry over it, put the jar in the refrigerator, and you're done. You'll be able to enjoy this for a long time.
Drying ginger
Finally, you can choose to store ginger by drying it. For this, it's best to grate the ginger and then let it dry on some parchment paper in a well-ventilated but dry space. This drying process takes about 4 days. Afterwards, put the grated ginger in a jar or a bag, and you can store it for about a year. If you want to use the ginger later in a dish, it's best to soak it in hot water for half an hour or chop the dry pieces finely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if ginger is still good?
When you're going to use ginger, you naturally don't want this beautiful product to have gone bad, which could not only cause stomach problems but also result in losing many of its beneficial properties. Fresh ginger feels firm and has a smooth skin. When you smell it, you immediately notice the strong ginger scent. If your ginger feels soft or if you see other colors appearing here and there, chances are your ginger is no longer fresh or good, and you'd better not store it or freeze it anymore.
If ginger turns blue, is the root still good?You may have noticed that ginger sometimes has a fine blue stripe or ring. However, this doesn't necessarily mean your ginger is no longer good and that you have to throw away the rhizome. The blue color is rather exceptional and indicates the presence of a powerful enzyme called zingibain. Instead of spoiling, your ginger has an extra beneficial asset. Lucky you!
Can you smell if ginger is fresh?
When you want to store or freeze ginger, you naturally want your ginger to be as fresh as possible. We sometimes get the question whether you can smell if ginger is still fresh. The answer to this is a resounding 'yes.' You can smell fresh ginger strongly and it reveals a rich aroma with nutty, sweet taste, and a citrus undertone. It's a sharp scent that you'll immediately recognize. Spoiled ginger will lose its smell.
Buying ginger in bulk at Taste Up
Looking for ginger in bulk? Taste Up has been the driving force behind many fresh vegetables, herbs, salads, and peppers for generations. Fresh ginger is also part of their extensive assortment. Contact the people at Taste Up and discover what they can do for you; from customized packaging to bulk deliveries.