I’ve heard that any vegetable root such as ginger can be kept longer by submerging them in sand. I’d like to try that too but I think it’s too much of a hassle taking it out whenever you need it. Is there any other way to store unused gingers aside from keeping it in the pantry? Can I freeze ginger?
For us who are used to buying gingers in bulk, we often find ourselves throwing away the unused ones because they have shrunk over time.
Experts agree that ginger roots may be kept fresh in the fridge for up to 10 days. Freezing and keeping their finest quality up to several months is also possible. The best thing about freezer storage and freezing them in whole pieces is that you retain the essence of pure ginger.
Can You Freeze Ginger
Industrial agri-producers use sophisticated methods such as gamma irradiation to preserve ginger roots. In ambient temperature, these farm products do not rot and retain their marketable quality for up to 2 months.
It is therefore safe to say that you should freeze ginger roots for not more than 2 months. While extremely low temperature will keep the ginger from sprouting or rotting, the freezing process may eventually dry out its essence.
Of course, you may grate, turn the ginger into a paste or add some oil before freezing. But this method would be limiting because it depends entirely on which culinary or medicinal purpose you want to use the frozen ginger for.
You shouldn’t thaw a frozen ginger unless you intend to squeeze the juice out of it. Take a piece and grate it just before serving or incorporating it in your cooking.
Once you take it out, use the whole piece. Do not cut a portion and freeze the unused part again.
How to Preserve Ginger
To prevent waste of unconsumed farm products, follow these simple steps for preservation. This method works and it won’t take much of your time.
- Separate the small gingers from the large ones
- Determine the amount of small pieces of gingers that you can consume within 1 to 2 weeks and proceed to preserve the rest
- Select the fresh, large gingers and peel only the parts where dirt is stuck or where the skin is not good (Peeling all the skin is unnecessary)
- Rinse them well under running water and let them dry on a paper towel
- Lay the gingers separately on a plate and freeze for 3 to 4 hours (This way, the gingers won’t stick together during the freezing process)
- Take out the individually frozen pieces of ginger and put them into an airtight container
- Label the container with the date and freeze again
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Ginger?
Ginger is a delicious and versatile spice that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. But what do you do when you have extra ginger? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover ginger:
- Make a ginger syrup – Ginger syrup can be used to add flavor to cocktails, desserts, or even just plain old water. To make ginger syrup, you will need 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of freshly grated ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. Simply combine the sugar, water, and ginger in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cloves. Let cool completely before storing in a glass jar.
- Make ginger tea – Ginger tea is a delicious and healthy way to use up your leftover ginger. To make ginger tea, simply grate 1-2 teaspoons of ginger into a cup of boiling water. Let steep for 5 minutes before adding honey or lemon to taste.
- Add it to soup – Fresh ginger can add a touch of flavor to any soup recipe. Just grate 1-2 teaspoons of ginger into your favorite soup recipe, and you’ll have a delicious and flavorful meal in no time.
- Make candied ginger – Candied ginger is a great way to use up extra ginger and it makes for a delicious snack. To make candied ginger, you will need 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of freshly grated ginger. Simply combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the ginger. Let cool completely before storing in a glass jar.
- Make gingerbread – Gingerbread is a delicious holiday treat that can be made with your leftover ginger. To make gingerbread, you will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of molasses, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 egg. Simply combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, molasses, sugar, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Pour into a greased 9-inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover ginger. Next time you find yourself with extra ginger, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Ginger Recipes
Instead of store-bought candies, why not turn your ginger roots into tangy Ginger Chews? This recipe will not only satisfy your sweet tooth; it also heals a distressed stomach.
Ginger is a popular ingredient in Indian culinary. With this Ginger Chutney recipe, you will learn how to harmonize ginger’s tanginess with the peppery of green chili.
Popular for its cancer-fighting and antibiotic properties, you may seize the essence of ginger with this Ginger Tea recipe. Just add some raw honey to neutralize the spicy flavor.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze ginger. Freezing ginger is a great way to preserve it for future use. All you have to do is remove the skin, cut into thin slices and put them in a freezer bag, seal it tightly and store it in your freezer. They will keep up to six months. You can also freeze ginger slices or just grate some fresh ginger, put it into a freezer bag, seal it tightly and store it in your freezer. They will keep up to six months.
Are you planning to freeze ginger? Share with me in the comment below. I am always looking to hear from my readers.
